• Subaru revealed a performance-focused lineup for Tokyo Auto Salon.
  • Manual WRX STI Sport♯ returns along with bright yellow STI editions.
  • New Impreza-based racecar debuts for 2026 Super Taikyu Series.

Update: We’ve updated the story with official photos, full specs, and new details released by Subaru for all vehicles on display.

Performance takes center stage at Subaru’s 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon booth, with the spotlight moving away from off-road themes to speed and track-focused upgrades. While plenty of fans were crossing fingers for a full-fat STI model after a string of teasers hinted at something new, as we suspected and reported, the result is far more restrained.

There’s no new STI production model, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, Subaru has brought a prototype designed for the Japanese market, which shares its DNA with the manual US-spec WRX, which until now, hadn’t been offered in Japan. It arrives with a handful of hardware enhancements, all bearing STI badging.

A Manual WRX For Japan

The main attraction is the WRX STI Sport♯ (that’s “Sharp”) prototype, which reintroduces a manual gearbox to the nameplate in Japan. The model builds on the WRX S4 STI, swapping out the CVT for a six-speed manual that buyers in the U.S., Canada, and Australia already know well.

More: Subaru Made Two STIs And Now It’s Asking You To Choose

The WRX STI Sport♯ is fitted with a familiar turbo 2.4-liter boxer engine producing the standard 271 hp (202 kW / 275 PS) rather than the 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) of the limited-production S210 from last year. The powertrain is mated to a symmetrical AWD system with a Viscous LSD and center differential.

The sports sedan also benefits from STI-tuned electronically controlled dampers by ZF, Brembo brakes with gold calipers, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, and other STI performance parts for the chassis. Inside, it gets ultrasuede seats with black stitching and yellow perforations, as well as leather-wrapped shift knob and handbrake lever.

Subaru WRX STI Sport♯ Prototype
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI

The prototype exhibited at the show also features a splitter, side skirts, and rear bumper extensions finished in a redish pink, matching STI emblems, quad tailpipes, a diffuser, and a lip spoiler. However, it doesn’t have the fixed rear wing found in other STI-branded specials.

More: WRX Sales Hit A Record Low, While A Discontinued Model Went Up Double Digits

The market launch of the manual WRX STI Sport♯ in Japan is scheduled for spring 2026. Subaru didn’t announce pricing, but said that the model will be sold in limited numbers.

More STI Badges For Special Editions

If you thought that’s enough STI magic for a single show you’re wrong. Subaru has unveiled two STI Sport R-Black Limited II STI Performance Editions based on the WRX and the Levorg twins.

Both are dressed in a vivid new Sunrise Yellow paint, although the color palette includes other options as well. Furthermore, the models ride on matte black 18-inch aluminum wheels and feature blacked-out details on the grille, side mirrors, and roof antenna.

Subaru Sport R-Black Limited STI Performance Editions (WRX And Levorg)
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI

Subaru

Inside, the sporty sedan and wagon are fitted with Recaro seats featuring yellow perforated upholstery, black stitching, and suede-like inserts around the instrument cluster.

There are no changes to power output or suspension geometry, but Subaru notes that both cars can be equipped with a selection of genuine accessories and STI Performance parts. The Levorg is available with turbocharged 1.8-liter or 2.4-liter engines, while the WRX S4 STI is exclusively offered with the latter.

The special editions are now available to order in Japan. The Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited II is priced at ¥4,686,000 ($29,800) or ¥5,368,000 ($34,100) depending on the powertrain option, while the WRX S4 STI Sport R-Black Limited II costs ¥5,302,000 ($33,700).

Subaru Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition Plus
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI

A Slightly Less Boring Impreza

Next in line is another mouthful, the Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition with the Plus Package. As the name implies, it’s based on the ST-H trim but enhanced with STI Performance Parts aimed at increasing handling precision and visual punch.

More: Subaru Impreza S-Edition Looks Like An STI But Goes Like A Rental

Exterior highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, STI Performance emblems, a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, a rear spoiler, and a performance muffler. The chassis has been upgraded with a flexible tower bar and a draw stiffener, but there are no changes to the powertrain options (ICE and hybrid).

The real surprise here isn’t in the specs. Subaru plans to give away the customized Impreza as a prize to one visitor who completes a survey during the event.

Rally Cars And Race Cars

The lineup will also include three vehicles designed specifically for racing and rallying. The most significant debut is an all-new entry slated for the 2026 Super Taikyu Series. The model is based on the Impreza hatchback but features redesigned bumpers, wide fenders, a rear wing, and racing wheels.

Subaru Racecar For The 2026 Super Taikyu Series
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI

Subaru hasn’t shared full specs yet, but confirmed that the car will run on carbon-neutral fuel, deliver high performance, and act as a test platform for next-generation technology.

Read: Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport Is A Japanese Special Only Available Through A Lottery System

The new model is joined by an improved version of the BRZ GT300, prepared to re-enter the Super GT Championship next season. Subaru is aiming to return to title-winning form for the first time since 2021.

Completing the motorsports trio is an upgraded WRX VBH rally car, tuned for competition in the JN-1 class of the All Japan Rally Championship.

2026 Subaru BZ GT300
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
2026 Subaru VBH Japan Rally Championship
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Tokyo Auto Salon 2026
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI
Subaru Showed Four New STI Models, And Not Even One’s A Real STI

Subaru