Legendary performance model of a cult-loved car brand hints at comeback, four years after it's discontinuation.
Gear up, petrolheads! It appears that Subaru is revving up its engines once again, hinting at the return of the legendary WRX STI, following a four-year hiatus. Although the Japanese carmaker has made its name with practical SUVs and estates like the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, its motorsport history continues to echo among car enthusiasts.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Subaru dominated the World Rally Championship, earning six WRC titles in the Constructors' and Drivers' championships between 1995 and 2003, with drivers like Colin McRae and Richard Burns at the wheel. The blue-and-gold Impreza WRX STI became an icon as a result, making the high-performance Impreza model—later renamed the WRX STI—a huge success and a staple until its discontinuation in Europe, the UK, and North America in 2021.
The WRX STI's demise was attributed to tightening emissions regulations and Subaru's shift towards hybrid and electric models. However, recent developments might indicate that the WRX STI's days may not be fully numbered yet.
Earlier this month, Subaru's Chief Technology Officer, Tetsuro Fujinuki, revealed that the brand would unveil a new model at the Japan Mobility Show in October[1]. While he kept details under wraps, a brief design sketch ignited speculation that the WRX STI, or perhaps its spiritual successor, could be making a reappearance. According to Japan's Car Watch, Fujinuki suggested that the new model would make good use of Subaru's technological assets and would reinforce an "even more cutting-edge" car.
Though official confirmation of a global WRX STI comeback is scarce, and waiting for UK fans to get excited is still premature, Subaru clearly hasn't forgotten its motorsport roots.
Meanwhile, Skoda has brought back a whiff of nostalgia by showcasing a retro-futuristic take on the classic Favorit hatchback, spanning 1987 to 1995, making it a common fixture on UK roads. The VW-owned marque explains that they drew inspiration from the brand's storied history to create a modern interpretation of the former favorite.
Stay tuned for more updates on Subaru's performance-focused model destined to hit the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. In the meantime, dust off those old WRX STI keys, and let the memories of spirited drives and WRC victories fill your garage once more.
[1] Enrichment Data: Subaru has not explicitly announced plans to reintroduce the WRX STI model globally, especially after its discontinuation in Europe, the UK, and North America in 2021. However, there are hints of a performance-focused prototype set to debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which could potentially hint at a next-generation WRX or STI model. This does not confirm a global reintroduction but suggests that Subaru is exploring new performance options.
Car enthusiasts eagerly await the potential return of the iconic Subaru WRX STI, following revealments of a new performance-focused prototype set to debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Meanwhile, Subaru's continuous emphasis on its technological assets promises an "even more cutting-edge" vehicle, sparking anticipation for a possible revival of the beloved sports car in the lifestyle of car enthusiasts.
