Subaru WRX STI Sport# Prototype: a visual upgrade, not a rally rebirth

Subaru has unveiled the WRX STI Sport# Prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a concept that promised a revival of the legendary STI but turned out to be just a slightly modified version of the production WRX. Fans were hoping for a rally-bred rebirth, but instead they got a visual upgrade.

Technical Base

Despite the iconic badge, Subaru hasn't introduced any progress in dynamics. Under the hood is the familiar 2.4-liter turbo engine, producing around 270 horsepower, along with the standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

This is the same setup already available in the current WRX. There's no increase in power, no revised chassis, and none of the signature STI enhancements that fans have loved for decades.

Design

External modifications include extended side skirts with red accents, an aggressive body kit, 19-inch wheels, gold Brembo brakes, and a spoiler. Inside, you'll find Recaro bucket seats.

But this visual work doesn't turn the prototype into a full-fledged STI model: it lacks unique aerodynamic solutions and the characteristic technical focus on handling. It's more of a special edition WRX than a true heir to the rally school.

STI Prospects

Interestingly, Subaru has previously shown much bolder concepts: the Performance-B STI and the electric Performance-E STI—projects that seemed like ideological successors to STI. Against this backdrop, the Sport# Prototype feels like a step back. The company might be testing public reaction before unveiling a true flagship.

The price of the new model hasn't been announced yet, but the STI Sport# modification will cost more than the standard WRX with a CVT (starting from 4.5 million yen) and the STI Sport R EX version (5 million yen), roughly estimated at 5.3 million yen.