Not Quite STIs
Over the years, Subaru has been releasing STI Sport versions of its WRX in Japan. In other parts of the world, it's called the tS or Tuned by STI, and it gets a sharper suspension package, bigger brakes, and larger wheels. It also comes with unique interior touches that include deeper Recaro seats and a generous amount of blue trim. There are no power upgrades, though.
Then, back in January 2025, the WRX S210 was previewed in prototype form during the Tokyo Auto Salon. It was then released in extremely limited numbers in Japan, with just 500 made. The good news was that it made 296 hp, a healthy bump over the WRX's 271 hp figure. The bad news? It was, of all things, CVT-only.
Is It Finally Coming?
Fast forward to today, and Subaru has released a teaser for what appears to be an all-new WRX STI. It was shown in X on Christmas Day, and the short clip featured an STI badge on the WRX's grille. Okay, there's not a lot to go on from there, but it does spark curiosity.
As far as we can tell, it's still a sedan and sticks to the classic formula that's been around for over 30 years. There's also the car's premiere date, slated for January 9, 2026. Not too long a wait, then.
Coming soon pic.twitter.com/X4SGKw3eVl
— 株式会社ＳＵＢＡＲＵ (@SUBARU_CORP) December 25, 2025
Cautiously Optimistic
An exciting update, for sure, but we're a little cautious about the whole thing if we're being honest. A couple of WRXs have been sold in the Japanese market under the STI Sport name. There's the STI Sport R (similar to the tS), the STI Sport # (that's sharp, not hashtag), and the aforementioned S210. Even Australia has made a few special models for it, namely the Club Spec, tS Spec B, and 50 Years Edition.
But there are promising signs that we'll be getting an actual STI soon. During this year's running of the Japan Mobility Show, Subaru presented the Performance-B STI Concept. It used the hatchback body of the Impreza, and came with fat fenders, a wider suspension track, and the obligatory giant wing at the back. If anything, it's a signal of intent to revive the WRX STI down the line, and it might come sooner than later.
Either way, we'll find out the answer in about two weeks. If it's yet another STI-badged WRX, we'll be slightly disappointed but not entirely surprised. If it isn't, then we're more than happy to be proven wrong on that. We do have one request if it pushes through: please stick a manual in it, Subaru.
Jacob Oliva/Autoblog
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