Subaru Could Be Plotting a WRX STI Comeback
Contrary to numerous earlier reports, new teaser images suggest a more aggressive WRX variant is in development.
Subaru Sparks New STI Hopes With Teased Wide-Body WRX
When Subaru launched the latest-generation WRX back in 2022, fans were left disheartened by one major omission: no full-fledged STI version. While the automaker tried to soften the blow in the U.S. with the introduction of the WRX tS—complete with signature STI pink accents—it wasn’t quite enough to satisfy diehard rally enthusiasts. The same goes for the rumored S210, which also failed to fill the STI-sized void.
Now, it seems Subaru might be preparing to give its loyal fans what they’ve been waiting for. At a recent motorsports press preview in Japan, the company teased a mysterious wide-body vehicle. The brief glimpse was enough to reignite speculation that a true STI comeback could be on the horizon.
Box Flares and a Big Spoiler Stir Up STI Speculation
While HARJA couldn’t independently verify the origin of the image, Japanese automotive outlet Car Watch reported that it was shown during a Subaru information session on June 1, ahead of the Fuji 24 Hours endurance race. The teaser depicts a low-slung vehicle—definitely not an SUV or crossover—flaunting aggressive box-style fender flares over all four wheels and a towering rear wing that hints at serious downforce capabilities. Up front, a pronounced splitter sits beneath a reworked fascia that looks nothing like the current WRX. Instead, it features a more angular grille and squared-off headlights, suggesting this might be a whole new beast altogether.
From the single image shared by Car Watch, it’s difficult to pin down exact details, but the mystery vehicle appears to be a five-door hatchback. Subtle twin bulges at the rear of the roof suggest hidden hinges, possibly hinting at a liftback design. The hood, meanwhile, is notably sculpted and chamfered—but what stands out most is the absence of a traditional hood scoop. That design choice marks a significant departure from STI tradition and could indicate a shift in Subaru’s performance strategy. Rather than relying solely on turbocharging, the automaker might be moving toward a hybrid setup, pairing its iconic flat-four engine with electric assistance. Such a configuration would eliminate the need for a top-mounted intercooler—long a hallmark of STI models.
Please Be Cool, Please Be Cool, Please Be Cool…
In its brief commentary alongside the teaser image, Subaru hinted that the upcoming performance vehicle would incorporate its latest technologies—potentially including the “Strong Hybrid” system. In the U.S.-spec Forester Hybrid, this setup features electric motors that generate 118 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque on their own. When paired with the WRX’s existing 271-hp turbocharged flat-four, that could result in a combined output of around 390 horsepower or more. Impressive, yes—but there’s a catch. The Strong Hybrid’s architecture relies on a two-motor setup: one motor integrated into a CVT and another powering the rear axle via a clutch pack on the driveshaft. That means any high-performance application of this system would likely be automatic-only—potentially disappointing fans hoping for a manual STI revival.
If that’s true, it seems Subaru hasn’t quite taken the lessons from the WRX STI S210 Concept’s tepid reception to heart. Although the S210 boasted more power and several handling upgrades compared to the standard WRX, its use of a CVT instead of a six-speed manual left many American Subaru fans disappointed. Hopefully, Subaru can figure out a way to blend hybrid technology with a traditional six-speed manual—because the instant torque delivery of a gas-electric WRX STI would be absolutely thrilling.
