Subaru Teases WRX STI; Full Reveal of Mystery Model January 9

Could we finally see the return of the vaunted WRX STI? We're betting not quite.

The WRX STI hasn't been a part of Subaru's lineup since the last-generation model rolled into the sunset in 2021. Now Subaru Japan is teasing an STI-badged WRX model ahead of a full reveal January 9 at the Tokyo Auto Salon, suggesting the popular model could return. There are some signs that suggest it won't be exactly what fans expect, however.

The 12-second teaser comes to us via the platform formerly known as Twitter. In it we see what is clearly a WRX-shaped vehicle, though one of the fly-bys suggests a different LED light signature than the existing model. Iconic WR Blue paint? Check. Small pink STI badge lodged in the grille? Check. But beyond that, we're not entirely convinced.

For starters, there are no gold wheels; while not a prerequisite for the full STI treatment, it would seem like a missed opportunity for Subaru to skip one of its most recognizable styling cues. In fact, these look suspiciously like the existing wheel design, and they sit within the standard contrast cladding around the arches, too. So uh, what's the big deal?

This could be the production version of the S210, a CVT-only special edition Subaru teased at last year's Auto Salon. It could also be an entirely new model in the same vein as the WRX tS, which stands for Tuned by STI, after all.

Subaru did tease a very appropriate—and very production-ready— Performance-B STI hatchback at last year's Tokyo Mobility Show, suggesting the brand is serious about its performance division once more. This doesn't look like a continuation of that theme, but we'll know for sure on January 9.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.