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Subaru Once Again Taunts Us with Another Performance Sedan That We Can’t Have

Oh Subaru, why you do this to us?

Rear view of a blue Subaru WRX STI with quad exhaust pipes and black rear diffuser.Subaru
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By Chris Chin

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Well, the Tokyo Auto Salon has now come and gone, and Subaru introduced to the world another hot WRX sedan that the public (unsurprisingly) can’t have. It’s called the WRX STI Sport# Prototype.

And if one can deduce from its name, yes, it is Subaru pitching another attempt at making a full-fledged WRX STI. And no, because it’s a prototype, it’s another big tease from the Fuji Heavy Industries-owned automaker and its performance division.

Can we just get one already?

Blue Subaru WRX STI sedan with black and red trim, black wheels, and hood scoop on a white background.
The WRX STI Sport# Prototype was the company’s “anticipated” Tokyo auto show reveal.
Subaru

Subaru has been known to be renewing its interest in reviving its STI performance division. The company put the world on notice after it revealed two STI concepts at the Japan Mobility Show a couple of months ago.

The Performance-E STI and Performance-B STI both sparked a wave of renewed interest among the press and enthusiasts circles. Executives later confirmed the prospects in some follow-up interviews.

Blue Subaru WRX STI sedan with black and red trim, quad exhaust pipes, and dark alloy wheels.
The first thing you’ll notice is the lack of the STI’s signature big wing.
Subaru

More rumors about an STI reveal at the Tokyo Auto Show stirred the pot even more, with the hype mostly consisting of crossed fingers and toes. But now, we know it was just the WRX STI Sport# Prototype.

Subaru and STI were coy on details. But they noted the prototype’s typical use of the WRX’s turbo flat-four and six-speed manual, with symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Black leather manual gear shift knob with silver trim and gear pattern on top in a car interior.
It appears near production-ready, six-speed manual and all.
Subaru

The standard WRX is good for about 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. STI variants typically pack a good bit more, plus some hardened suspension bits and a big-ass rear wing.

Not a “real STI”

Pair of black Recaro sport seats with suede and leather upholstery inside a blue car.
Not much looks different compared to the standard WRX.
Subaru

If you feel a little underwhelmed, you’re not alone. Fans weren’t having it either, with Australia’s Drive taking notice of the feedback on Subaru’s socials.

The term “real STI” also may differ, depending on who you talk to. But most Subaru STI fans will say that a “real STI” is a production model made to meet World Rally Championship homologation requirements, or something.

Right-hand drive Subaru car interior with black leather steering wheel, touchscreen display, manual gear shift, and sporty seats.
For some, the steering wheel is on the wrong side, but everything looks the same on the inside too.
Subaru

Because this is none of those things (instead, just a standard WRX with a pretty-blue and red-trim-lined exterior paint job, an STI badge and a six-speed manual), the crowd is turning it down.

This isn’t the first time Subaru’s underwhelmed fans. Among its enthusiast groups, the company’s developed a slightly sore reputation for making some enticing concepts, but not delivering them accurately in production.

Blue Subaru hatchback with black roof, hood scoop, wide fenders, and large rear spoiler in a studio.
Subaru does show some promise with the Performance-B STI Concept.
Subaru

To the hardcore Subie-ites, this Sport# lands on that list.

But not all is lost. Subaru’s executives did openly admit that they want the fans to let them know what they want from STI. And the execs also described their last two Performance concepts as potential pitches for new STI production models.

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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