The new Subaru WRX STI will become the brand's flagship performance offering after its launch at the upcoming Detroit Motor show 2014. It is based on the new WRX saloon, which was revealed at the LA motor show in November last year.

Subaru has declared the standard WRX as the "the best-handling WRX ever". It is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine, the same unit used in the new Subaru Forester, which produces 264bhp.

It is unknown what performance changes Subaru will make to this engine for the STI version, but at least 300bhp is expected for the all-wheel-drive saloon.

A new, more aggressive bodywork package is expected for the STI, alongside sports suspension and braking systems.