What Does WRX STi Stand For?

The Subaru WRX STi is a Japanese performance legend.

Its rally pedigree helped propel the WRX STi to motoring superstardom, and all generations of the WRX STi have found a cult following (some perhaps more deservedly so than others).

However, what does WRX STi stand for?

In this short article we are going to look at the meaning of the name.

So, what is the meaning of WRX STi?

What Does WRX Stand For?

Let’s start by looking at the WRX piece.

WRX is meant to stand for “World Rally Cross” (X as in the symbol for cross).

This is to denote the rally heritage of the WRX, which was adapted from the fairly pedestrian Impreza sedan.

What Does STi Stand For?

The STi part does not mean what many people think it might (in the, shall we say, medical context).

STi actually stands for Subaru Technica International.

Subaru Technica International is Subaru’s Motorsport division – similar to BMW’s M division, Mercedes’ AMG, or Nissan’s NISMO.

It was founded in 1988 by Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) which is the parent company of Subaru.

Compared with Prodrive, STi is an “in-house” company. It is part of the Subaru family of companies and does not sit outside of it as an independent tuning house.

STI produces performance enhancing parts for Subaru cars … taking already exciting vehicles like the WRX and turning the volume up to 11!

Conclusion – What Does WRX STI Stand For?

WRX STi stands for “World Rally Cross / Subaru Technica International” – WRX being “World Rally Cross” and STI being “Subaru Technica International”

As you can see, that is quite a mouthful – so it makes perfect sense for this to be shortened significantly.

What is your favourite generation of the WRX STi? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to read our WRX STI buyer’s guide for more information as well.