Is This Mystery Box-Flared, Winged Subaru a New STI—Or Just Another WRX?

Motor Trend

05-06-2025

Subaru fans might have a reason to get excited again. With the high-performance STI version of the iconic WRX still in the wilderness, fans have been eagerly awaiting news that the rally and motorsports special might return. During the 2025 running of the 24-hour endurance round of the Super Taikyu series, Subaru unveiled an image to the press on hand that, to us, is throwing strong "STI" vibes. Of course, Subaru provided virtually zero details on this interesting... whatever it is.
According to Car Watch the presentation during Super Taikyu round 3 at Fuji included Tetsuro Fujinuki, Chief Technical Officer and Executive Managing Director of Subaru, who briefly spoke about a new WRX that will be unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29 and 30. While he wanted to talk further about it, he said 'but I got scolded, so I'm going to be a little vague.' He described it as a car that was 'a little more Subaru-like' and that it would utilize the technological assets Subaru currently has. 'A little further down the line,' said Fujinuki, 'we would like to create an even more cutting-edge car.'
What that means is up to interpretation and speculation, but Car Watch was inclined to think it was something to do with the jointly developed Toyota Hybrid System found in Subaru's Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid, albeit adapted to suit with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine like the FA24 under the hood of the 2025 WRX.
For what it's worth, Subaru has been pretty clear that any would-be STI likely would not be based on the WRX as we know it, and would probably incorporate some electrification. Again, Car Watch's speculation seems spot-on in regard to the hybridization theory, but it's less clear whether this mystery machine represents something beyond a WRX sedan. (Past STI models have been relatively closely related to the regular WRX, sort of like a Volkswagen Golf R is to the GTI.) The car pictured above certainly isn't just any old WRX, and its body, face, and general appearance seems different enough that we could be looking at a different car altogether. The only question is whether that car is an STI. All we know is, we're excited to see what this car and its box-flared body, aggressive splitter, and interesting looking rear wing will evolve into at the Japan Mobility Show.