- Subaru will unveil a new prototype at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in late October.
- Teaser suggests the model could be a performance version closely related to the WRX.
- The company is developing a new boxer engine with an evolved all-wheel drive system.
Subaru might not be making a lot of noise, but it’s definitely hinting at something big for fans of sporty compact cars. The company has quietly dropped a mysterious teaser that appears to preview the next-generation WRX. A prototype is set to debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show this October, and yes, Subaru has confirmed a new boxer engine is in the works.
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The news surfaced last weekend during the 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway in Japan. Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru’s Chief Technology Officer, spoke briefly about a new model, though he avoided mentioning any names. What he did say was that it will come equipped with an evolved version of the all-wheel-drive system currently used in the Super Taikyu race series.
Hints Point Toward a New WRX
According to a report from Japan’s Car Watch, Fujinuki described the upcoming vehicle as an “attractive car” built on Subaru’s existing technological strengths. He added that there are plans for a more “cutting-edge” version in the future, and promised that additional details will be revealed at the Japan Mobility Show. It’s not confirmed, but all signs suggest this could be the long-awaited update to the WRX, possibly even with a full STI version in the pipeline.
The teaser image shown during the interview doesn’t give much away, but it does show what looks like a heavily stylized Subaru with aggressive aerodynamics. The front end appears to evolve the current WRX’s design, featuring a large grille, a pronounced splitter, and a vented hood. Wide front and rear fenders give it a track-ready stance. The image is too blurry to say for sure whether the car is a hatchback or a sedan, but it clearly leans into performance design cues.
A New Boxer Engine Is on the Way
In addition to the new model, Fujinuki confirmed development of a next-generation boxer engine. While details are still limited, the engine will be compatible with E20 carbon-neutral fuel, and there was a strong hint at the inclusion of hybrid assistance. No word yet on displacement or cylinder count.
This aligns with the joint announcement from May 2024 by Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda. The three automakers committed to a multi-pathway approach, aiming to keep their signature engines alive while incorporating electrification and alternative fuels to reduce emissions. Subaru’s boxer engine, a key part of its identity, will remain central to that plan.
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Speaking to Best Car Web, Fujinuki emphasized Subaru’s ongoing commitment to the customers who choose the brand. “We want to value customers who choose Subaru,” he said. “We will continue to make cars that will help them do so.” For fans, that’s a clear signal that the company intends to stick to what it does best, even as the industry shifts toward electrification.
The current Subaru WRX was introduced in 2021. The ultimate version is the STI S210 that arrived earlier this year with a limited production of 500 units for Japan.
More answers should come when the 2025 Japan Mobility Show kicks off on October 30. Expect to see not just the prototype, but also Subaru’s latest take on its enduring boxer engine.
