Subaru WRX STI Sport#, Not the Car We Wanted, But the One We Expected
Subaru has just unveiled the brand’s latest performance sedan at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. As expected, it’s not a real WRX STI and it’s for Japan only.
It is called the WRX STI Sport♯. That character at the end could be confusing as it has many meanings, but in this case, it stands for Sharp as in the musical sense. So no, this is not the WRX STI pound key or the WRX STI hashtag.
Currently, the WRX S4, as it’s called in Japan, is only available with the continuously variable automatic transmission. The WRX STI Sport# brings back the 6-speed manual transmission along with a viscous LSD (limited slip differential) with center differential AWD.
The suspension gets a few upgrades, including a STI-made front flexible draw tower bar, as well as STI flexible draw stiffeners both front and rear. The car also has the STI-tuned electronically controlled dampers found on the WRX TS sold on our shores.
The rest of the car is standard WRX kit, including the 271 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Brembo six-piston front and two-piston rear brake calipers (painted gold), and Bridgestone Potenza S007 245/35R19 tires mounted on 19-inch matt gray wheels. Rounding out the aesthetics of the car is a small trunk spoiler and black Ultrasuede Recaro front seats with yellow highlights.
Although some may have hoped for a new, legitimate WRX STI, we knew that wasn’t coming and this is exactly what we expected. Still, it’s a cool package and we’re sure the few lucky customers who get their hands on one will be happy.
The WRX STI Sport♯ will be available in limited quantities for the Japanese market starting in the spring 2026.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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