The story of Subaru performance in the U.S.

Boxing clever: Subaru and speed

The 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) saw a number of Subaru models make their debuts, from the electric Trailseeker to the new Outback.

NYIAS 2025 also featured a special ‘Born to Rally Collection’, highlighting one family’s commitment to performance Subaru models. Indeed, they have owned the first model of every quick Subaru sold new since 2004.

Join us for a look at the history of the fastest Subaru cars, and the legacy (no pun intended) that they left behind.

1989 Subaru Legacy RS

The performance Subaru story started with the fairly innocuous first-generation Legacy sedan. It may have looked plain, but beneath the bodywork was a 220 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine and all-wheel-drive combo that would become the trademark of the brand.

In January 1989, STI used four modified Legacy RS models to set a new world endurance record in the scorching heat of Arizona. Covering over 62,000-miles across 20 days, the Legacy RS proved to be both quick and reliable, averaging a speed of 138 mph.

1993 Subaru Legacy RS Group A

Marking the link between Subaru and race car builder Prodrive, the Legacy made a limited World Rally Championship (WRC) debut in 1990. More WRC events followed in 1991 and 1992, with rally icon Colin McRae picking up British Rally Championship titles in the same years.

However, 1993 would mark the introduction of sponsorship from the State Express 555 tobacco company, creating the now iconic blue and yellow livery. The year would also see the Legacy take Subaru’s first WRC win, with McRae tasting success on the Rally of New Zealand.

1993 Subaru Impreza 555 Group A

Subaru may have been successful with the Legacy, but the WRC field was turning towards smaller, nimbler cars. This made the recently launched Impreza perfectly placed to start competing, with its first outing at the 1993 1000 Lakes Rally. Starting as it meant to go, the Impreza would finish second on its debut, with Ari Vatanen proving the ability of the new car.

1994 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version

Japanese buyers had been able to purchase a 240 horsepower Impreza WRX sedan since late 1992, but 1994 saw the launch of the first STi-branded model. Built to order in limited numbers of 100-200 per month, the WRX STi saw a 10 horsepower boost in power, courtesy of a special handmade version of the flat-four engine.

Also added were bigger alloy wheels, a taller rear spoiler, strut bracing for the suspension, with new sport seats inside. The rest of the world would have to keep waiting for an STi model.

1994 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version Wagon

Not content with just a sedan Impreza STi, Subaru’s domestic market was also treated to a five-door Wagon version too.

Powered by the same 250 horsepower engine as the four-door, the STi Wagon added an extra dose of practicality. As with the sedan model, production was limited to only 100-200 units per month.

1996 Subaru Impreza McRae Edition

Just two years after the introduction of the Impreza, Subaru and Prodrive found World Rally Championship success in 1995. Colin McRae, with co-driver Derek Ringer, overcame retirements early in the season to beat teammate Carlos Sainz to clinch the WRC drivers’ title.

To celebrate the success of McRae and the Impreza, Subaru offered UK customers a limited edition model. Only 200 cars were produced, all wearing gold Speedline alloy wheels, dark blue paint, and special commemorative decals. Japanese buyers were able to have a car in full blue and gold WRC livery.

Subaru Impreza WRC 97

With a new set of rules and regulations for the 1997 World Rally Championship, Prodrive picked the two-door Impreza coupe model as the basis for Subaru’s new WRC-specification car.

With less need for WRC cars to closely match their road-going counterparts, the WRC 97 featured wider bodywork, extra aerodynamic appendages, and a boost in power to 300 horsepower. The Subaru team picked up another Constructors’ trophy, but Colin McRae would lose the Drivers’ championship by just one point.

1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Coupe

Subaru of America had sold the Impreza since 1993 but had never offered a true performance version until the 1998 model year. Although not a full WRX model, buyers had the chance to take home the 2.5 RS Coupe model – the only time a two-door Impreza would be sold in the USA.

Power came from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter version of the flat-four Boxer engine. This was the same unit as seen in the Legacy GT, making 165 horsepower in the RS. Gold alloy wheels were standard, as was the non-functional hood scoop designed to make the RS look like a WRC machine.

1998 Subaru Impreza 22B

Arguably the closest to a road-going Impreza rally car, the 22B was built to celebrate Subaru’s three successive WRC Constructors’ titles, and the 40th anniversary of the company. Limited to just 400 examples in Japan, the entire allocation of cars sold out almost instantly.

With a more powerful 2.2-liter version of the turbocharged flat-four engine, power was rated at 280 horsepower. Yet it was the addition of the extra wide bodywork from the WRC machines that made the 22B stand out.

2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan

As other Subaru markets fixated on two-door Impreza variants, the US-market finally gained a performance sedan version. Some two years after being launched in Coupe specification, the 2000 model year saw the introduction of the RS Sedan.

Sadly the gold wheels had disappeared, and the rear spoiler was smaller for the four-door. But the 2.5-liter engine did produce more torque lower down the rev range at least.

2000 Subaru Impreza P1

The popularity of the Impreza meant that in the United Kingdom, Subaru was besieged by customers unofficially importing Japanese-specification STi Imprezas. Rally car-builder Prodrive was called on to help. The plan was to offer an Impreza that matched the performance of the JDM machinery, but could be sold legally in the United Kingdom.

Launched in May 2000, the P1 – standing for Prodrive One – featured the 280 horsepower engine as used in the Japanese WRX STi. More important was the use of the two-door coupe body shell, with each of the 1,000 examples painted in Sonic Blue and fitted with 17-inch OZ Racing wheels.

2000 Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen

Proving that Subaru didn’t only concentrate on developing performance models of the Impreza, the third-generation Legacy received special treatment in 2000. Developed in collaboration with Porsche Design, the Blitzen featured a bodykit and set of alloy wheels developed by the German company.

Mechanically, the Blitzen matched the regular Legacy B4, meaning a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine with 280 horsepower was mated to an automatic gearbox. Naturally the power was sent to all four wheels, with the Blitzen offered in both sedan and estate bodies.

2001 Subaru Impreza WRX

If the original Impreza had been labelled as looking bland, the second-generation car sought to change that immediately. Perhaps cruelly labelled as the ‘Bugeye’ Impreza, the large headlight units polarised opinion amongst Subaru fans. Debuting in 2001, for the 2002 model year, this was also the first time the WRX name had been used in North America.

Only marginally larger than the outgoing car, the new WRX used a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, with 227 horsepower.

Subaru Impreza WRC 2001

With no two-door coupe in the ‘New Age’ Impreza lineup, Prodrive was forced back to the four-door sedan as the basis for its latest World Rally contender. The bodyshell of the second-generation Impreza was reported to have been widened specifically to make it better suited for rallying usage.

The looks may have been new, but beneath the surface the 2001 WRC car was mechanically similar to the previous generation. Richard Burns would go on to claim the Drivers’ title for Subaru that year.

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Unlike previous STi models, this time everyone would be able to enjoy the hottest Impreza model. Well, apart from North America, which would have to wait another two years for the second-generation WRX STi. A 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine would offer up to 280 horsepower.

An optional ‘Prodrive Style’ version added a giant rear spoiler, deeper front bumper, and more shapely side skirts inspired by the WRC car. Inside was a riot of blue suede, with added extras including a button to spray water onto the intercooler.

2002 Subaru Legacy S401 STi

Built as a celebration at the end of the second-generation Legacy, the Japanese-market only S401 was created with special help from STi. The 2.0-liter flat-four engine used sequential turbocharging to produce 293 horsepower, and borrowed the six-speed manual gearbox from the new Impreza WRX STi.

With only 400 examples produced, the S401 is decidedly rare, but marked out by fancy 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, an STi-branded grille, and a unique hood scoop.

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Stung by the criticism of the new Impreza, Subaru acted quickly to create a facelifted ‘Blob Eye’ version which went on sale in 2003. The biggest news was that the STi would be coming to the US-market for the 2004 model year, finally giving North America the hottest Impreza.

The NA-spec WRX STi used a bespoke 2.5-liter version of the turbocharged flat-four engine, with some 300 horsepower on offer. A six-speed manual transmission was standard.

Subaru Impreza WRC 2003

The 2003 changes to the Impreza clearly helped the WRC contender, with Norwegian driver Petter Solberg claiming the Drivers’ championship in the same year. Solberg took things down to the wire, sneaking the title at the final round by just one single point over Sebastien Loeb. Another Manufacturers’ crown eluded Subaru though, with the team managing only third place in the standings.

2005 Subaru Forester STi

Loved by those in the Pacific Northwest, the Forester has been a dependable and popular SUV since launch. However, in Japan it gained the full STi performance treatment in 2005.

WR Blue paint and gold wheels may be obvious changes, but there was also a 265 horsepower version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, along with a six-speed manual gearbox.

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Seemingly not content with just one mid-life facelift, Subaru had another go at the Impreza in 2006. This time the ‘Hawk Eye’ front end design was claimed to have been inspired by the aeronautical origins of the company, with a fuselage and wings formed by the grille.

Changes were also afoot beneath the hood, with all markets across the globe now receiving the 2.5-liter engine for the WRX STI. Power remained at 300 horsepower with 300 ft-lb of torque.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

If Impreza fans had been shocked by the face of the second-generation car, the third-generation one rendered them speechless. Gone was the sedan, replaced with the sole offering of a conventional five-door hatchback. The frameless side windows were also ditched, and it left many wondering just what the WRX STI now stood for.

Some things did stay the same at least, with a familiar 2.5-liter flat-four engine underneath the hood, still producing 300 horsepower. It was also all-wheel-drive of course, even if Subaru would announce its withdrawal from the WRC at the end of 2008.

2010 Subaru Impreza Cosworth CS400

With UK fans the most incensed about the hatchback-only third-generation WRX STI, Subaru turned to Cosworth to help create a special edition for 2010. More famed for their work with Ford, Cosworth did at least live up their reputation by producing an impressive 400 horsepower and 400 ft-lb version of the flat-four Impreza engine.

A bigger turbo and uprated internals helped the CS400 do its thing, with 0-60 mph taking just 3.7 seconds. Only 75 examples were produced, with demand limited by a substantial price tag.

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan

The four-door Impreza had never really gone away, having been offered as a regular WRX model since the introduction of the third-generation car. However, for the 2011 model year Subaru brought the trunk back to the WRX STI.

Not everything was the same though. A new wider front grille made the STI look more aggressive, the rear fenders were flared, and horsepower was now at 305.

2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition

Revealed by Subaru of America at the 2012 SEMA tuning show, 200 WRX and 100 STI Special Edition models were offered for sale to customers. Tangerine Orange bodywork was mixed with gloss black alloy wheels, with the interior also getting plenty of orange detailing. Aside from the visual changes, this was still the same WRX STI with 305 horsepower

2015 Subaru WRX STI

The hatchback was gone, but so was the Impreza name, as Subaru launched the fourth-generation of the WRX STI for 2015. The new body shell was bigger and stiffer, whilst performance was still supplied by the venerable 305 horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four engine.

Active Torque Vectoring for the all-wheel-drive system was new, as was the option of a premium harmon/kardon sound system in the more premium interior. The hood scoop was still feeding cold air to the intercooler, but was now set lower for better visibility. LED headlights marked out this as a thoroughly revised WRX STI.

2016 Subaru WRX STI Time Attack

Proving that there is more to Subaru performance than just rallying, Subaru of America has tackled some of the world’s toughest race circuits. With a special Time Attack WRX STI, the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course was the first target. Manx rally driver Mark Higgins set a new record on the 37-mile long circuit in 2011, before bettering it in 2014 and 2016.

The same Time Attack WRX STI, driven by Richie Stanaway, also set a new sedan car record at the Nurburgring in 2016. A lap time of 6 minutes 57 seconds was faster than a Porsche 918 hypercar around the German circuit.

2017 Subaru BRZ tS

Proving that STI action was not just about the WRX, the BRZ coupe got some attention in 2017. The ‘tS’ part of the name stands for tuned by STI, but that did not mean an increase in power – perhaps the one thing BRZ fans wanted the most.

Offered for the North American market only, instead of more horsepower there was more carbon fiber in the form of a huge rear wing. This came along with improved brakes, bigger wheels, and uprated suspension.

2018 Subaru WRX STI RA

Subaru was keen to celebrate the recent lap record successes of the WRX STI. Enter the RA ‘Record Attempt’ model, offering up a seriously modified machine.

The roof was made from carbon fiber, with Bilstein suspension, gold 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, and a big rear spoiler fitted. The engine was also boosted to 310 horsepower. Just 500 buyers had the chance to claim an RA model, and then find somewhere to set their own lap records.

2018 Subaru Americas Rallycross WRX STI

Having competed in Global Rallycross with the WRX STI since 2011, Subaru Rally Team USA entered the new Americas Rallycross Championship.

Subaru entered three 600 horsepower WRX STI supercars in the four round series, with Chris Atkinson and Patrik Sandell driving regularly. Driving duties for the third car would be split between David Higgins and Travis Pastrana. The first outing for the WRX STI saw Sandell take fourth place in the Silverstone Speedmachine final.

2019 Subaru WRX STI

With Subaru of America on a record-breaking run of 77 months with increasing sales, the new 2019 WRX STI was intended to add even more. The 2.5-liter flat-four engine gained a new air intake, helping push the power output to 310 horsepower. Gearbox revisions were said to have improved acceleration, too.

A limited-edition Series.Gray model would also be available, limited to just 250 units. This featured a special Cool Gray paint scheme, Bilstein suspension and Recaro seats.

2019 Subaru STI S209

With the United States becoming the global hotbed of Subaru performance, 2019 was the right time to launch the first-ever S-line performance vehicle for the USA.

Limited to just 209 units, the S209 was fitted with a 341 horsepower 2.5-liter engine. It also gained widened bodywork, exclusive 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A tires, and upgraded Brembo brakes.

As a nod to earlier STI models, the S209 has an intercooler water spray system, operated manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles.

2020 Subaru WRX and STI Series White

As part of the 2019 LA Auto Show, Subaru announced a limited-edition run of Series White models. A total of 500 WRXs and 500 WRX STIs would be made, all painted in an exclusive Ceramic White finish.

New matte bronze wheels featured, with the WRX STI gaining 19-inch items. Performance-tuned Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes, and Crystal Black wing mirrors were all included.

2022 Subaru BRZ

The all-new second-generation BRZ coupe made an official debut in 2020, continuing the partnership with Toyota. For the new model, a larger 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine was the big talking point, taking output to 228 horsepower.

Retaining rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is said to benefit from a 50 percent increase in torsional stiffness, and gains a more modern interior.

2022 Subaru WRX

Built on the new Subaru Global Platform, the brand-new fifth-generation WRX is said to deliver greater performance, technology, and safety than ever before.

As part of the bold design, aluminum has been used for the front fenders. These are said to have reduced weight by 5 lb alone, whilst multiple aerodynamic tweaks have been made to the bodywork.

2022 Subaru WRX

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring are standard, with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine offering 271 horsepower. Buyers will be able to pick from a six-speed manual, with a new automatic Subaru Performance Transmission available on the WRX GT model.

Standard on the range-topping WRX GT will be Recaro sports seats, matte gray 18-inch wheels, and Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver assist technology.

Subaru hopes to have the new WRX with retailers in early 2022, and it looks set to continue the performance legend.

2022 Subaru Solterra STI Concept

Like most major automotive brands, Subaru has acknowledged that electrification will form an important part of its future. This starts with the Solterra, the first fully electric vehicle to wear a Subaru badge.

Just like the BRZ, the Solterra springs from a partnership with Toyota. It shares its underpinnings, along with many design features, with the Toyota bZ4X. Launched at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Solterra still retains the trademark Subaru hexagonal grille.

2022 Subaru Solterra STI Concept

Although the Solterra does still boast all-wheel drive, performance is unlikely to be what attracts buyers to Subaru’s electric SUV. With 215 horsepower, the Solterra should be able to sprint from 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds.

As part of the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru displayed a Solterra STI Concept version. With extra styling enhancements, and the use of cherry red trim, it at least looks the part. However, Subaru promised no extra power from the Solterra’s electric motors.

End of the road for the Subaru WRX STI

Subaru’s electric plans also mean that, for now, there will be no high-performance WRX STI model sold in the USA. The current WRX is the quickest combustion-powered Subaru for North America, as the company focuses on reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions.

Subaru has not ruled out a return of the legendary name, but it will likely be attached to a vehicle with hybrid or electric power.

2024 Subaru WRX TR

Subiefest Florida in 2023 was the venue for another new product unveiling, as Subaru revealed the new WRX TR.

Intended as the most performance-focused model in the WRX lineup, the TR features stiffer suspension springs and tuned shock absorbers, along with recalibrated steering. Its Brembo brakes feature six-pistons at the front, with the calipers painted in red.

Recaro bucket seats can be found inside, and Subaru deleted the moonroof to save weight. Exclusive to the WRX TR are a set of 19-inch multispoke alloy wheels, finished in satin gray.

2024 Subaru Motorsports WRX Project Midnight

For the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Subaru Motorsports USA revealed the fastest WRX race car to date. Named Project Midnight, the track-only special was developed to tackle the famed Goodwood hill climb as quickly as possible, with the aptly named Scott Speed at the wheel.

Its 2.0-liter flat-four engine produces 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving to 9,500 rpm and spitting flames from its hood-exit exhaust. Motorsports-tuned suspension and 18-inch OZ Racing wheels with Yokohama Advan slick tires ensure maximum traction.

The real highlight, though, is Project Midnight’s carbon fibre bodywork. Stretching the WRX’s width, it also contributes to a weight saving of some 1,000 lb versus the production model.

2025 Subaru BRZ Series.Purple

Subiefest Texas was the location of choice in 2024 to announce the sixth special color edition for the Subaru BRZ. As its name suggests, the BRZ Series.Purple is finished in striking Galaxy Purple Pearl, which contrasts with the 18-inch satin silver alloy wheels.

Inside, exclusive gray stitching is used for the steering wheel, door panels, and shifter boot. Sports seats are clad in grippy Ultrasuede material, with gray stitching and leather bolsters.

The STI logo appears on the red starter button, and there is also a short-throw gear shifter and flexible V-bars under the hood. Production of the Series.Purple is capped at 500 units.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

The STI name returns to the Subaru WRX for the 2025 model year, with the release of a new tS version. As before, “Tuned by STI” means an aggressive focus on performance, including the addition of electronically controlled STI-tuned suspension dampers.

These work in coordination with the Drive Mode Select system, offering a choice between Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings.

As has become tradition for tS models, high-performance Brembo brakes are fitted, this time with gold-painted calipers. Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires are wrapped around satin gray 19-inch wheels.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Subaru has also given the WRX tS an exclusive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This can be used to show navigation information, along with additional performance data.

The tS benefits from Recaro Performance Design seats that are wrapped in black Ultrasuede with contrasting blue accents. The “WRX tS” logo is embossed on the front headrests, and can also be spotted on the floor mats.

More blue accents are present on the steering wheel, door panels, and shifter trim, while the STI logo makes an appearance on the starter button.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

The WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged “Boxer” engine is unchanged for 2025, although this still means a healthy 271 horsepower.

Prices for the 2025 Subaru WRX start at $35,750 for the Premium model, then increase to $45,705 for the tS and GT versions. The latter comes equipped with a CVT automatic gearbox, while the tS is available solely with a six-speed manual.

Subaru has seemingly been left with a surplus of Galaxy Purple Pearl paint, as the special hue can be added to the 2025 WRX for $395.

1970 Subaru 360

As part of the 2025 New York Auto Show, a collection of Subarus owned by the Buzzetta family – responsible for the Competition Auto Group of dealerships – is on display.

James Buzzetta, a third-generation automotive enthusiast, is the custodian of the collection, which includes this 360: the very first Subaru road car produced.

Powered by a 25 horsepower two-stroke engine, it is a world away from later performance models.

1991 Subaru Legacy Turbo

James Buzzetta also owns an example of the car that put Subaru on the performance map: this pristine Legacy Turbo.

With 160 horsepower from its 2.2-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, the Legacy Turbo marked the starting point for hot Subaru models in the United States.

2004 Subaru WRX STI

Since 2004, James Buzzetta has added an early example of every new performance STI model to the family collection.

This ‘Blobeye’ Impreza also represents an important milestone for Subaru in North America, being the first time an STI-badged Impreza had been sold officially.

Buzzetta has continued his tradition since, adding examples of the WRX STI S209, and the 2024 WRX TR.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Although Subaru did not have a new WRX to reveal at the 2025 New York Auto Show, it did display a version of the new Outback with a focus on off-road performance.

The new Outback Wilderness makes use of a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Subaru has modified its all-wheel-drive system with a new center-locking differential, aimed at allowing for better “cornering on higher-speed roads”.

It shows that even as Subaru pivots further towards SUVs and electrification, going fast on dirt remains a core part of the brand’s identity.