The prospect of a new Subaru WRX STI, based on the current-generation VB WRX Sedan, seems like a pipe dream, to the point that some countries have devised ways to keep the sacred rally-born nameplate alive.

The door to a new Subaru WRX STI has officially cracked open, as Subaru has revealed a Japan-only WRX STI S210 Prototype at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. Yes, it’s only for the Japanese market, but remember that Subaru flat-out said there would be no STI at all for this latest-generation WRX.

Subaru ’s not bringing back the WRX STI, but it’s definitely having fun with the regular WRX . We’ve shown you the 670-horsepower race car conversion a.k.a. Project Midnight , as well as the highly futuristic Sport Mobility design study that hinted at Subaru sports cars in the next decade.

The WRX STI S210 is the most powerful version of the current-generation model with 296 hp from the upgraded 2.4-liter boxer engine

The latest Subaru WRX doesn’t live up to the lofty standards set by its Impreza WRX forebears, not least because it’s been missing a truly driver-focused version in the mould of the old 22B or RB5. But with the new WRX S210 STI,

Limited to just 500 units, the Subaru WRX S210 STI gets so close to being the performance sedan we've been waiting for, but it doesn't quite get there.

There are many WRX special editions, but only this one is a full-fat STI, according to Subie. It's not perfect, though.

Subaru is finally handing out some STI love. A trio of models is getting Subaru's high-performance brand treatment, with the BRZ, WRX, and even the Subaru Forester now available as new STI models with the high horsepower,