The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →As of October 8, 2026, Subaru has not confirmed a new-generation WRX STI production car or a North American return. But STI-branded performance activity continues: Subaru has shown electric and combustion-engine concepts, a WRX STI Sport♯ prototype, and Japan-market STI models. Those developments keep the possibility open; none is proof that the familiar WRX STI is coming back.
What Subaru said about a next-generation WRX STI
Subaru of America’s clearest statement came on March 11, 2022. The company said it was exploring opportunities for a next-generation WRX STI, including the possibility of electrification. It also drew a firm line around the new WRX platform at the time: “In the meantime, a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.” Subaru of America’s statement left future possibilities open, but it was not a promise to launch a replacement.
Subaru’s later announcements show ongoing STI-related development, not a reversal of that statement into a confirmed production plan. The distinction matters: a concept, prototype, or Japan-only performance model can demonstrate the brand is active without establishing that a new WRX STI is approved for sale.
What the STI concepts reveal about Subaru’s options
At the Japan Mobility Show on October 29, 2025, Subaru unveiled two STI concepts with different powertrains. The company presented both as concepts, rather than announced production cars. Subaru’s announcement makes clear that the company has not settled publicly on a single powertrain route for a future performance model.
#1 Best Overall
- [Product Specification] Dimension:L5.7" x W2.6" x H2.0" (L14.5 x W6.5 x H5.0 cm); Weight: 215g; Color: Blue.
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| Vehicle or concept | Powertrain and status | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance-E STI | Battery-electric concept, unveiled in 2025 | Subaru has explored an electric STI performance concept; no production model was announced. |
| Performance-B STI | Internal-combustion concept with a horizontally opposed engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Subaru has also shown a combustion-engine direction. Japan’s WRX S4 page identifies a planned five-door hatchback as the concept’s production version, but does not call it a new WRX STI. |
That leaves the question “Will the new WRX STI be electric?” unanswered. The Performance-E concept is evidence of exploration, not confirmation that an electric WRX STI is planned. The Performance-B-derived hatchback points to a combustion-engine model in Japan, but Subaru’s product page does not identify that car as a WRX STI.
What the 2026 WRX STI Sport♯ prototype means
Subaru showed the WRX STI Sport♯ (Japanese model) at Tokyo Auto Salon on January 9, 2026. The company described the displayed vehicles and related images as prototypes. The announcement is evidence that Subaru continues to use STI branding in WRX performance development, but a prototype display is not a confirmation of a production model, a new-generation WRX STI, or a launch outside Japan.
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What Subaru plans to develop for Japan by 2027
Subaru’s Japan-market WRX S4 page, accessed October 8, 2026, says three manual-transmission models are under development for delivery by 2027. The date is a target in Subaru’s plan, not a guarantee. The page describes the models as:
- A catalog WRX with a TY85 transmission.
- A BRZ complete car.
- A five-door hatchback planned as the production version of the Performance-B STI concept.
The page describes the WRX as aiming for a “return,” but it does not call the WRX with TY85 transmission a WRX STI. Nor does the planned Performance-B-derived hatchback description make it a new WRX STI. These are Japan-market plans; they do not establish North American timing or availability.
Rank #3
- [Product Specification] Dimension: L4.5" x W2.0" x H1.6"; Weight: 150g; Color: Blue.
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- [Function] Pull back function and front doors can be opened.
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- [Gifts for Men] This diecast model car is a fine choice of gift for men, boyfriend, dad and husband, especially when they own a real WRX STI in life.
STI is still producing performance cars, but that is not a successor announcement
The S210 illustrates the difference between ongoing STI activity and the return of the WRX STI nameplate. Shown as a prototype in Japan in January 2025, the S210 is an STI complete car based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX. Subaru Tecnica International said it drew technology from its Nürburgring 24-Hour Race program and announced a 500-unit production limit. STI’s announcement and Subaru Corporation’s Tokyo Auto Salon release describe a specific Japan-market performance car, not a new-generation WRX STI successor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the WRX STI coming back to the United States?
There is no confirmed U.S. launch in the official announcements and product information cited here. Subaru of America’s 2022 statement kept exploration open while ruling out a next-generation combustion WRX STI on the new WRX platform at that time. Later concepts, a Japanese prototype, and Japan-market development plans do not establish a U.S. model or launch date.
Rank #4
- [Product Specification] Dimension: L6.1’’ x W2.4’’ x H2.0’’; Weight: 0.88 lb / 400 g; Color: white.
- [Material] This 1:30 Scale Impreza WRX STI model car is made primarily from diecast metal with plastic parts and rubber tires, ensuring durability and making it a robust toy vehicle or a collectible item.
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The most accurate reading is that Subaru has not announced a new-generation WRX STI for production, but has not publicly closed every future route either. Whether that changes—and whether any future model reaches North America—remains unconfirmed.
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