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Subaru Taunts Us with More Performance-Based Specials That We Can’t Have

They’re still concepts, but they’re also the closest to appearing production-ready.

Front view of a yellow Subaru WRX S4 with black grille, LED headlights, and black alloy wheels.Subaru
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By Chris Chin

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It’s another new year and another Tokyo Auto Salon, and Subaru just revealed more fun cars that we can’t have. With Japan’s premier auto show just around the corner, the Fuji Heavy Industries-owned carmaker is gearing up to debut a new model.

But before the main act, Subaru and its performance division, STI, digitally unveiled three special edition models as a precursor. Yes, they’re all sportier and more fun versions of the Impreza and the WRX. No, sadly, they’re not for us.

Today’s closest thing to a modern WRX STI

Yellow Subaru WRX S4 sedan with black accents and rear spoiler on a white background.
The WRX S4 STI Sport R EX is more proof that a WRX STI exists.
Subaru

In addition to teasing a brand-new model that’s the highlight of Subaru’s presence at Tokyo Auto Salon, the carmaker also revealed three new STI concepts. Two of which are the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX and the Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited II.

The third is a more standard-based Impreza five-door model. But first, our focus starts with the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX.

Indoor Subaru car display with multiple cars under bright spotlights and a large screen showing a car.
In addition to the three special models, Subaru is gearing up to debut its main act at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 9.
Subaru

Long and confusing name aside, the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX is basically today’s closest equivalent to a modern WRX STI. It’s based on the WRX S4 STI Sport from last year, which is a limited and even harder-edged version of the standard WRX.

However, the latest Sport R EX cranks up the pizzazz a bit more. The firm added STI’s signature giant rear wing, a bright and eye-catching Sunshine Yellow exterior, and some upgraded interior trim bits.

Yellow Subaru Levorg STI Sport wagon with black wheels and tinted windows on a white background.
The Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited II is basically what modern WRX STI wagon dreams are made of.
Subaru

But more so, the Sport R EX also apparently teases a STI’s new line of genuine accessory and performance parts.

The Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited II follows the same recipe, but for what is essentially the wagon version of the Impreza WRX STI.

Proof that Subaru’s performance division is still alive

Blue Subaru Impreza hatchback with black alloy wheels parked on asphalt near a white wall.
Japan still gets a regular five-door Impreza and now, they have a new STI-based special edition.
Subaru

On the less intense side of things, STI also revealed a more palatable five-door Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition. It’s not a full-fledged STI model like the other two are.

But it’s still for those who want a more unique five-door Impreza with sportier and bespoke appointments. Such upgrades include the standardization of the five-door JDM Impreza’s Plus Package, which adds a bunch of optional extras, and unique color themes both inside and out.

Blue Subaru Performance-E STI concept car with gold-accented wheels and rear spoiler in a studio.
Subaru teased STI’s revival and resurgence at the Japan Mobility Show last November.
Subaru

As enticing as these STI-modified models are, they’re still only destined for the Japanese Domestic Market. However, it’s not entirely the end of the world yet for fast Subaru fans.

Blue Subaru hatchback with black roof, hood scoop, wide fenders, and large rear spoiler in a studio.
With these latest efforts, Subaru is very obvious about its intent to open a new chapter for STI.
Subaru

Not too long ago and separately at the Japan Mobility Expo a couple months back, Subaru revealed two STI-based concepts with one primary goal: to test the waters and see if STI was still in enough demand to warrant a new production model.

While the teasers and concepts might be taunting enthusiasts with possibilities, it’s proof that Subaru is serious about reigniting its STI division.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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