Subaru Considering Model between WRX and STI?

Tit for tat. That’s what the fight between Mitsubishi and its Lancer and Subaru and its Impreza is sounding like

The WRX STI has moved up in such a way that there's now room for a model between it and the regular WRX. (Photo: Subaru)

. Most recently, Mitsubishi launched the Ralliart version of the Lancer, which will slot in between the normal Lancer and the almighty Evolution model, just as the WRX sits in between the run of the mill Impreza and the STI.

The thing about the new Lancer Ralliart is that it’s no small fish in terms of performance. Whereas the old Lancer Ralliart was a nicely balanced, but warm (not hot) small car, the new one’s going to be a real scorcher. With the same basic drivetrain components as the Evolution, but de-evolved in a simpler state, including the engine, twin-clutch gearbox and all wheel drive system, it’s undoubtedly making Subaru sweat.

Naturally, Subaru is going to fight back with a bigger hammer. The Fuji Heavy Industries subsidiary is

Competition has required Subaru to kick things up a notch. (Photo: Subaru)

seriously thinking about producing a third WRX model to bridge the expanse between the regular WRX and the WRX STI. That’s what the idea is, at least, coming from Subaru of Australia. The gap between the WRX and the WRX STI, in terms of performance, is fairly large, and with the reduction in price for the regular WRX by a significant amount, there’s enough room to stick a new model in between.

Word has it that this WRX model would be a step above the WRX in terms of performance, and would reflect the doings of some of the limited and special edition models that Subaru is known for in the UK and Australia such as the Prodrive-enhanced models like the “RB5” and “RB320” models. Such a vehicle could be ready by 2009.

And so, the battle continues…