All-new Subaru WRX STI to get 400 HP 2.4L turbo engine?

Turbocharged FA24 engine could power Subaru's next gen sports sedan

Subaru may be looking to electrify most of their vehicles by the year 2030. But that doesn’t mean Subaru will not continue making high-performance, turbocharged automobiles like the WRX STI. But with Subaru officially discontinuing the EJ series of engines, what powerplant will the flagship STI get?

Apparently, the automaker is looking at using the 2.4-liter FA24 turbocharged Boxer engine derived from the Ascent (to be called Evoltis in PH) to power the next-gen WRX STI. However, instead of just producing 260 PS and 375 Nm of torque, Subaru will supposedly pump it up to 400 PS and nearly 490 Nm of torque.

Compared to the outgoing WRX STI which already produces an impressive 300 PS and 407 Nm of torque, the next-gen model will crank out 100 PS more and come with an additional 83 Nm of pulling power. How does Subaru plan on making the engine a reality? According to a report by Forbes, the FA24 will be reworked and feature several key upgrades. These include: reinforced crankshaft and pistons, optimized timing balance, tuned valves and intake ports, and tweaked boost pressure.

While some may lament the EJ series’ demise, do note that the engine has been around since 1989. It first served in the first-generation Legacy and has powered Subaru’s WRX STI World Rally Championship victories. But with stricter emission regulations on the horizon, it looks like Subaru decided to go ahead with a new engine.

It’s not only the next-gen WRX STI that will get a new engine. Previously, we reported that the all-new Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ will also be packing the new 2.4-liter FA24 engine. However, it will not be turbocharged and will instead be naturally-aspirated. Compared to the FA20, the bigger FA24 will reportedly be rated to produce 220 - 230 PS along with 250 - 260 Nm of torque. Perhaps Subaru is banking on the FA24 to deliver more power without actually introducing forced induction.

With the all-new WRX STI and the Toyobaru twins set to get new Boxer engines under the hood, it looks like Subaru will fully make use of the FA24 series.