Another reason to hope for the return of the Subaru WRX STI
One of the most popular compact performance cars has said goodbye to us at the end of the 2021 model year, and its return has been awaited by enthusiasts ever since. We're talking, of course, about the Subaru WRX STI.
The company briefly hinted at a future electrified generation, then launched slightly more racy or limited versions of the WRX in various markets, such as the S210. Let's not forget the strange Sport Mobility concept presented in Tokyo as part of the Japan Mobility Show in autumn 2023.
The same event will return in 2025 (October 30-November 9), and Subaru plans to unveil a new prototype, as foreshadowed by the illustration below, recently made public. We can see what looks like a next-generation WRX, with an air intake on the hood and very prominent fenders.
Following the unveiling, the prototype in question will take part in the Fuji 24 Hours endurance race in 2026, allowing engineers to test the car.
Japanese media report that a new flat-cylinder engine is planned, compatible with both carbon-neutral E20 fuel and hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. An improved all-wheel drive system is also planned.
Let's wait until the Japan Mobility Show to see what more Subaru has to say, and whether we can really expect a new WRX STI. In the meantime, we'll have to make do with the 271-hp WRX, available in a tS (“tuned by STI”) version with new electronically controlled dampers... and an “STI” logo on the start button.
