STI Logo PNG
The STI logo reflects confidence enhanced by creativity, better embodying the Japanese automobile company’s concept. The emblem conveys the vehicles’ high performance, reliability, speed, agility, and exclusivity.
STI: Brand overview
Ryuichiro Kuze established Subaru Tecnica International (STI) in Japan on April 2, 1988, marking the beginning of the company’s existence. STI was founded as a division of Subaru with the primary focus of building high-performance Subaru automobiles and engaging in motorsports.
Early on, the division concentrated on creating technology that would improve Subaru vehicles’ performance. The company began by adjusting to the production of Subaru cars, focusing on aerodynamics, suspension, and engines.
The manufacturer competed in their first motorsport event, the Kenyan Safari Rally, in 1989. This audacious step for the fledgling company showed it meant business when it entered the motorsport industry. Even though the initial expedition did not provide a triumph, it established the groundwork for subsequent achievements.
The 1990s were a time of intense development. The firm used modified Subaru Legacy and, subsequently, Impreza vehicles to compete aggressively in the World Rally Championship (WRC). These were years characterized by noteworthy rally victories that enhanced the division’s reputation and helped develop new technologies for production vehicles.
The Subaru Legacy RS Type RA, unveiled in 1992, was the first production vehicle from the high-performance division. This car was developed specifically for Group A racing and had multiple improvements over the standard model, including stronger suspension and a more potent engine.
The year 1994 was crucial for the company. The legendary Impreza WRX STI was developed using the Subaru Impreza in rally races. This model became the emblem of the performance division and established the course for its growth for many years. The Impreza WRX STI blended production car utility with technology developed for rally competition.
The greatest achievements came in the WRC, with three straight manufacturers’ world championships from 1995 to 1997. These triumphs enhanced the division’s standing in the racing scene and helped the brand become much more well-known among auto enthusiasts worldwide.
1998, the special edition Impreza 22B STI was unveiled to commemorate the division’s tenth anniversary. Produced in a limited edition of 400 pieces, this car became a legendary vehicle and is today regarded as one of the most sought-after Subaru vehicles among enthusiasts.
The early 2000s saw continuous refinement of high-performance vehicles. The redesigned Impreza WRX STI unveiled in 2004, had better technical specs and a more aggressive look, enhancing the division’s standing in the sports car industry.
By allowing its models to be officially sold in the US in 2005, the performance brand increased its global footprint, creating fresh opportunities for expansion and brand building.
In 2007, the Subaru WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R concept car was unveiled, demonstrating the potential for further evolution of high-performance models.
To commemorate its involvement in the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring event, the division released the Impreza WRX STI tS special edition vehicle. Drawing from the company’s experience in endurance racing, this car was enhanced in several ways.
The current version of the WRX STI, which debuted in 2014, boasts much-improved handling and performance. This model continues the legacy of producing highly-performance versions of Subaru factory vehicles.
The division unveiled its vision for the future of high-performance cars at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2017 by introducing the Viziv Performance STI Concept.
2018, the new WRX STI Type RA-R, a 500-unit limited edition vehicle intended for the Japanese market, was introduced. This model featured a redesigned suspension system, a lightweight design, and better engine performance.
Plans to create electrified high-performance vehicles were revealed in 2018. Subaru chose this as part of its plan to switch to greener technologies.
The first official S-line vehicle to be imported into the US was the S209, unveiled in 2019. Based on the WRX STI, this vehicle had many improvements, such as a stronger engine and better aerodynamics. Only a 209-unit production run of the S209 was made.
The Sport versions were introduced to the Japanese market in 2020. Versions of the Levorg and WRX S4 were part of this lineup; they were improved in handling and design but retained similar engine power levels.
Efforts to electrify cars continued in 2021. The business unveiled the E-RA (Electric Record Attempt) concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The objective of developing this electric race car was to break the current electric vehicle lap record at the Nürburgring.
In 2021, the development of a new platform for high-performance electric cars was announced. Future electric models were to be built upon this platform.
Subaru debuted the next-generation WRX in 2022, but the high-performance model was not revealed. Rather, the business announced that it would use electrified technology to produce the next generation of high-performance vehicles.
The performance division kept up its active participation in motorsports at this time, especially in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the Japanese Super GT series. Race-related experience continues to be applied to enhance production vehicles.
Meaning and History
What is STI?
Since its founding on April 2, 1988, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), originally dubbed STi, has evolved into a revered brand in motorsports. Established by Ryuichiro Kuze, STI serves as the motorsports wing of the Subaru Corporation, operating from its main office in Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. For over thirty years, STI has gained recognition for its advanced engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, cementing its leadership position in the motorsports sector.
1988 – today
The STI emblem is entirely based on an abbreviation that represents the company’s concept and the technical characteristics of its cars. This is conveyed harmoniously with a few strokes in an unobtrusive and understandable form. The abbreviation’s meaning is straightforward:
- S – Subaru (indicating the direct connection of this manufacturer with the well-known corporation, as it is a project of theirs);
- T – Tecnica (representing the segment in which the company operates, offering various types of cars);
- I – International (demonstrating the brand’s presence in the global market and its wide popularity).
Although there are only three letters, they form a cohesive composition, emphasizing the unity of all divisions, their involvement in a common cause, and their focus on collective success. The glyphs also express the durability and reliability of the cars. They flow into each other harmoniously, sometimes becoming parts of each other.
For example, the top of the “T” is formed from the upper half of the “S” and the dot above the “i.” The designers have presented this so skillfully that one can marvel at their creativity and the smooth transition of ordinary lines. Upon close inspection, you can notice that the emblem consists of four components of different shapes: two are very simple, containing a single stroke (straight or curved), and two are complex (the line makes several turns).
The lowercase “i” stands out, as the other symbols are uppercase. Additionally, it is italicized, while the other two letters are not. This approach adds dynamism to the logo, which is important for an automotive company that includes racing cars in its lineup. The vibrant red color also conveys the boundless energy of the technology. It stands out clearly against the white background.
