Subaru recently showcased the WRX STI Sport# prototype at the prestigious Tokyo Auto Salon, signaling a significant development for enthusiasts of performance vehicles. This new iteration primarily serves as a manual-transmission version of the WRX S4 STI, a model previously available exclusively in Japan with an automatic gearbox. The unveiling followed a period of intense speculation, driven by a series of teaser videos that suggested the potential return of a fully-fledged STI model. While the Sport# prototype does not represent an entirely new high-performance STI, it directly addresses a long-standing demand from the driving community for a more engaging and driver-focused experience.
Subaru's New Prototype: A Closer Look at the WRX STI Sport#
At the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese automaker Subaru introduced its latest concept, the WRX STI Sport# prototype. This highly anticipated vehicle is essentially a version of the existing WRX S4 STI, which has been sold exclusively in Japan, but with a crucial upgrade: a manual transmission. Previously, the WRX S4 STI, powered by a 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine (similar to the standard WRX available in other markets), was only offered with an automatic transmission. The introduction of the Sport# prototype signifies Subaru's acknowledgment of the enthusiast community's strong preference for a manual gearbox in its performance models.
While specific details remain somewhat limited, initial observations from the Tokyo Auto Salon suggest that the Sport# prototype features a distinctive, more textured grille mesh. Notably, the large rear wing characteristic of the regular STI models appears to have been removed from this prototype. Additionally, a vibrant red strip encircling the car's lower body was visible on the display model, though its presence in other photographs suggests it might be an optional aesthetic enhancement. Subaru has yet to release a comprehensive list of specifications, but further updates are expected as more information becomes available. The unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Salon, rather than a global event, and its exclusive YouTube livestream in Japanese, initially tempered some of the earlier excitement generated by Subaru's teaser campaigns. Nevertheless, this development indicates Subaru's ongoing commitment to evolving its performance offerings.
This unveiling serves as a potent reminder to Subaru of the fervent desire among enthusiasts, particularly in markets like the United States, for high-performance vehicles that offer an uncompromised driving experience. Given that a new, dedicated STI model has not been released in the U.S. since the 2021 model year, the anticipation for any STI-branded development is understandably high. While the Sport# prototype might not be the full-strength STI that many had hoped for, it demonstrates Subaru's responsiveness to consumer sentiment. The company's prior presentation of two STI-branded hot hatches at last October's Tokyo Auto Show further underscores their awareness of market demands. This ongoing dialogue between manufacturer and consumer suggests a promising future for Subaru's performance division.