Based on Subaru’s 2025 Japan Mobility Show exhibit, the Subaru WRX STI could make a comeback. Here’s why this is big deal.
In 2021, Subaru launched the current-generation WRX. Bearing the VB chassis designation, it is the second generation WRX since the brand separated it from the Impreza nameplate. Locally, the VB-generation WRX was launched in five model variations including two wagon variants which was the Levorg nameplate from the previous generation. All variants were equipped with EyeSight technology except for the 6-speed manual base. The WRX line up was pretty good except for the fact that it missed an STI model.
Yes, it does have Subaru’s rally-winning combination of all-wheel drive (AWD) system and turbocharged flat-four-cylinder engine, all housed in a performance sedan package, but not having an STI model made it seem like there’s something missing. For one, STI, which stands for Subaru Technica International, is the motorsports arm of Subaru. It is the same group that brought the brand its rally-winning prestige.
Well, it looks like that void will soon be filled. On October 29, at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show (JMS), Subaru has showcased several concept cars as well as Travis Pastrana’s 1983 Subaru GL Wagon, the multi-motorsport champion’s gymkhana machine built by Subaru America called Huckster. Among the concept cars the brand exhibited at this year’s JMS is the Subaru Performance-B STI concept which many believe indicates the possible return of the Subaru WRX STI.
As seen at the 2025 JMS Subaru exhibit, the Subaru Performance-B STI concept sports a hatchback body layout similar to the Impreza WRX STI GRF. Compared to the battery electric vehicle Performance-E STI Concept, the hatchback concept model is very much close to a production model version. The Performance-B STI Concept features aggressive aero package highlighted by its bulging fender flares all around, huge rear wing, and vented hood. Details also suggest that a boxer internal combustion engine (ICE) mated to the Subaru signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is what powers the STI concept car. As per Subaru, the concept model is set to “expand the range of options that deliver the Subaru difference, offering more customers the chance to experience the joy of driving.”
Should Subaru actually revive the WRX STI, why is that a big deal, you ask? Well, for one, it could symbolize as Subaru getting back to their roots. Like returning from a long break. Since 2022, not having a real-deal STI model in the lineup seemed like 1995-96 Chicago Bulls without Michael Jordan. Sure, the team could still play and win games but it misses its star player.
The STI was an important model as it offered consumers the closest experience to the brand’s rally racing history which is one of the biggest selling points of Subaru to date. It can be argued that the Symmetrical AWD and boxer engine prowess that other Subaru models have offer the same, but having that dedicated performance-oriented model on showroom floors proved how serious Subaru is in channeling its racing pedigree to its offerings.
In the local scene, it can be said that the STI model holds some kind of importance. The STI was influential in making the local car scene richer. Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the official distributor of Subaru in the country, brought in the GD-generation Impreza WRX STI and it had since opened doors for many other performance models to be officially available in the Philippines. If not for the local availability of the STI models, car brands will probably not see that performance models are viable to sell and actually have a spot in the local market. Another way of putting it, the STI models could actually be the reason why car spotting almost feels like a sport to some in the local car scene nowadays.
The Subaru Performance-B STI concept shown this year’s JMS definitely gives us hopes about the WRX STI’s return. Should the Performance-B STI concept car be made into production, let’s just wish that it will arrive on Philippine soil as well.
