Subaru Just Dropped a Teaser for a Sporty New Model – Could it Be the STI Successor?

Miami Herald

07-06-2025

Subaru's iconic rally-derived sport sedan, the WRX STI, has been absent from the market since 2021. Although its slightly less potent sibling, the WRX, is still available for purchase from your local Subaru dealer, Subaru loyalists have long been awaiting any sort of news about an upcoming replacement for the hotter, Subaru Technica International-developed model.
That lengthy wait may almost be over, according to Motor1, which reports that, "During a media session surrounding the Super Taikyu series at Fuji Speedway, Subaru Executive Managing Director and Chief Technical Officer, Tetsuro Fujinuki, confirmed a new performance model for this year's Japan Mobility Show." Although no official details have been announced yet, we can expect to learn more come October when the 2025 Japan Mobility Show begins. For the time being, however, we're left wondering what exactly Subaru might have up its sleeve.
When looking at Subaru's teaser image, it seems pretty clear that whatever Subaru is planning on unveiling in November, it'll be heavily based on the current VB-generation WRX, as made evident by its distinct forward fascia, C-shaped LED headlights, and, of course, its signature hood scoop. Notable differences that set this teaser apart from the standard WRX are its aggressive front bumper splitter, its widened wheel arches, and perhaps most curiously, the blurred rear end.
What's most intriguing about the rear of the car's roof is the obvious tailgate hinges, which might suggest that a hatchback variant of the Subaru WRX STI might return after a long hiatus–something that many Subaru and hot hatch fans alike will be extremely excited about. Despite the hatchback hints, the image also seems to suggest a large spoiler could be present on the rear. Keep in mind that this is pure speculation, but it seems like the details on the rear of the vehicle in the image might suggest that both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback variants of the WRX STI could be made available. Only time will tell, but we remain extremely hopeful that the beloved WRX STI Hatchback makes a glorious return.
Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence and Adobe Photoshop, we imagine what a tarted-up, STI-branded variant of the VB-generation Subaru WRX could look like. Although the render pictured above depicts a two-door coupe body reminiscent of the iconic Subaru Impreza 22B STI, an actual WRX STI would likely retain all four of its doors, or perhaps gain a fifth door in hatchback guise. Despite its coupe appearance, the above render gives us a glimpse at possible styling alterations for the STI model, such as facelifted headlights for a more aggressive look, larger grilles for increased cooling airflow, wider wheel arches with contrast painted overfenders, and, of course, an extra aggressive rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.
Although not many details have been officially confirmed yet, we're eagerly awaiting more information to be revealed in October of this year. We'd love to see a hatchback return to Subaru's iconic WRX lineup, so hopefully the tailgate hinges on the teaser image turning out to be a clue and not just meaningless speculation. Regardless, we're glad to see Subaru working on something sporty and exciting rather than yet another crossover. Now, if only Mitsubishi would get the hint...
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.