Subaru Unleashes a New WRX STI—Just Not the One We Were Hoping For

The Hope That Refused to Die

Ever since the VB-generation Subaru WRX sedan landed without a proper STI sibling, the longing has been real. We have been clinging to every hint, teaser, and concept that suggested a true-blue WRX STI comeback was still possible. The optimism spiked with the WRX STI S210 prototype revealed almost exactly a year ago, but it cooled quickly. No manual transmission, no Driver’s Control Center Differential, and no meaningful power bump meant it never quite felt like the heir to the last real STI, the one that capped out at 341 horsepower and 330 lb-ft.

Subaru didn’t help matters by teasing even harder afterward. Two STI-flavored concepts shown at the Japan Mobility Show, followed by cryptic teasers hinting at sound, feel, and intent, made it seem like something bigger was brewing.

And here it is at last: the WRX STI Sport♯. Still not a full-fat STI (cue: sad trombone), but this time, at least, there’s a manual gearbox involved. Given how cautiously optimistic we’ve become, the disappointment feels muted rather than sharp.

What the STI Sport♯ Actually Brings

Subaru hasn’t been especially talkative about the new WRX STI Sport♯ shown in Tokyo. Officially, it’s described as a WRX S4 with a manual transmission and STI performance parts, which is both accurate and frustratingly vague. Reading between the lines, though, this appears to be a manual-equipped evolution of the previously revealed WRX S4 STI Sport♯, rather than a clean-sheet performance leap.

That means the familiar FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four carries over, producing around 275 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Power still feeds all four wheels, now through a six-speed manual instead of Subaru’s performance CVT. The focus remains firmly on chassis balance and response, with Subaru saying that it comes with “high-performance tires, electronically controlled dampers, and Brembo brakes, and exclusive STI parts are used to maximize driving quality.”

Visually, the new WRX STI Sport♯ comes with blacked-out elements, a subtle spoiler, dark pink skirt accents all over, and STI badging. As expected, there are Recaro seats inside, trimmed in Ultrasuede, and a stick shift. And more STI badges.

Still Waiting, Still Hoping

Subaru has stated that the WRX STI Sport♯ at Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) is still a prototype. There are no details yet on production timing, availability, or whether it will follow the earlier 500-unit limited run in Japan. Will it come to the US? Probably not – and besides, you’re better off with the WRX tS that you can actually purchase. For now, Subaru’s TAS showing serves as a statement rather than a commitment.

This is where the usual frustration returns. The STI Sport♯ suggests Subaru is moving in the right direction, but not fully committing. It offers enough to keep interest alive, but still holds back. The manual gearbox is a positive step, but the overall package still leaves something to be desired.

Still, Subaru fans are nothing but loyal to the idea of a WRX STI comeback. Maybe not today, maybe not with this car, but hope, somehow, remains stubbornly alive.