The ever-popular WRX and WRX STI are renowned for performance. A quick Youtube search will result in countless videos of these Subarus beating cars off the line, or clocking rally records, or pulling other vehicles out of snow banks. The new 2016 models certainly carry on the tradition of performance, but there’s also more of an emphasis on technology.
One common criticism of the WRX and STI is that while they can keep pace with higher-end sports cars at a fraction of the price, they lack the technology of those high-end cars. That's something that Subaru is looking to change with the 2016 WRX and 2016 STI.
The Subaru STARLINK infotainment system will come standard with both models. STARLINK integrates your smartphone with the vehicle's touchscreen display to make monitoring news, controlling music, responding to text messages, and navigation seamless and safe.
In addition to this advanced infotainment system, the new WRX and STI will come with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology. EyeSight offers features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management. Vehicles equipped with EyeSight technology earned the highest possible safety ratings from the IIHS.
While the WRX and WRX STI received a technology boost, it didn't come at the cost of performance. The WRX will boast 268 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer engine, while the STI-tuned model will sport a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer engine that puts out over 300 horsepower.
Of course, both models will continue to be equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, something that Subaru has become famous for. Its Symmetrical AWD that has allowed the Subaru World Rally team to dominate rally circuits for the past three decades.
The 2016 WRX will be available in three trims - basic, premium, and limited. The WRX STI will be offered in a basic and limited trim.
