Subaru’s STI Goes Diesel, Mitsubishi’s Evo Goes Hybrid

Rumours on the birth of diesel-powered Subaru WRX STIs began more than two years ago and now the rumours are back, thanks to Global Warming.

Subaru initially came up with the idea of high-performance diesel cars and an oil-burning STI that may probably generate 200bhp at least and over 405Nm of torque. Despite the issues of emissions and global warming, gasoline engines still remain prevalent in the market, but with lower displacements.

It seems a new engine based on the 1.5L boxer in the base Impreza may offer the right amount of power if it’s mixed properly with other technologies. Though there are possibilities that Subaru may develop a diesel STI, but it gives no guarantees that it will ever make it to the US.

Arch rivals Mitsubishi with their Lancer EVOs could easily make it to the US since they’re gravitating more towards a hybrid version. Their earlier plans for a hybrid were reportedly cancelled in favour of diesel. But, Mitsubishi now aims to retain a sophisticated all-wheel-drive with an acceleration of up to 100kmh in less than five seconds with CO2 emissions below 200 g/km.