Subaru has not shown a real STi (Subaru Tecnica International) badge on a production-ready sedan in four years. That changed earlier today at the Tokyo Auto Salon with the reveal of the 2026 Subaru WRX STi Sport♯ Prototype, which was unveiled alongside STi-tuned versions of the Levorg and WRX S4, plus active race programs from Super Taikyu to Japanese rally. It comes just days after Subaru teased a potential WRX STI.
Now this is not the full return of the WRX STi as you once knew it. Instead, Subaru is presenting a Japan market-focused interpretation that brings the six-speed manual back to the domestic lineup for the first time in the current generation. Visually, the car looks the part with the World Rally Blue paint, STi badges on the grille and trunk, cherry red accents along the bumpers and side skirts, and gold Brembo brakes sitting behind 19-inch wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires sized at 245 35R19, and ZF electronically controlled dampers tuned by STI. Underneath, it borrows heavily from existing high-spec WRX variants, including electronically adjustable dampers and a familiar chassis setup.
Power comes from the turbocharged 2.4-liter FA24 boxer four, already used across the WRX range. While exact Power figures remain unconfirmed at this point, STi adds chassis bracing, dedicated tuning, and supporting hardware designed for sustained performance. Inside, Subaru has focused on touch points. Recaro seats, Ultrasuede trim, metal pedals, and the long-awaited manual transmission.
【東京オートサロン2026】
— 株式会社ＳＵＢＡＲＵ (@SUBARU_CORP) January 9, 2026
＼いよいよ開幕／
今年のSUBARU/STIブースでは、本日初公開のクルマを多数展示！
幕張メッセ 東ホール７のSUBARU/STIブースに、是非お越しください！
出展詳細は特設サイトをご確認ください。#SUBARU #スバル #スバリスト #東京オートサロン #東京オートサロン2026… pic.twitter.com/0jVOro5s8Z
Now Subaru and STi ofcourse built their performance legacy by dominating in the world rally championship (WRC) back in the 1990s with motorsport legends like Colin McRae behind the wheel. The cars famously use turbocharged boxer engines and symmetrical All Wheel Drive to create traction, balance, and durability.
The low-mounted boxer four lowered the center of gravity, reduced vibrations, and delivered predictable handling in poor conditions. That formula carried Subaru from the early Impreza WRX through legends like the limited-run 22B and into the modern era. The 1992 Legacy was the first road-going Subaru to feature an STI badge, but notably, it was in 1994 that the first Impreza WRX STI was introduced.
The model launched in the United States in 2004. Available across sedan and hatchback bodystyles over 18 years, packing around 300 horsepower, the WRX STi was discontinued in 2021, owing to tightening global emissions norms with the EJ-engine series, leaving the door open for rivals.
This latest reveal lands after years of anticipation and mixed signals. Subaru says that this model could go into production soon with deliveries as early as spring, but there is no confirmation on U.S. availability. Currently, the top-spec model is the WRX tS, which starts under $50k, is manual-only, and already features STi-tuned hardware.
Subaru has leaned on STI branding through trim packages while rivals pushed horsepower and hardware forward. For now, the STI Sport♯ is a step toward involvement, but if you are watching for a true ground-up WRX STI flagship revival, the wait is not over yet.
Images: Subaru
