The Subaru WRX STI is back... but only in Japan
From a special BRZ to the return of the WRX STI, not forgetting crossovers and racing cars: here are the models presented by Subaru.
Subaru took centre stage at its home show, presenting sports cars and crossovers never before seen on the Japanese market. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, held from 10 to 12 January in Tokyo's Chiba district, the House of Pleiades presented a host of models and concepts destined to arrive in Japanese dealerships over the coming months.
Among the most interesting was certainly a special BRZ and, more importantly, the return of the WRX STI, the most powerful variant of the WRX sold in the UK until a few years ago. But unlike the latter, the new version, presented in Tokyo as a prototype but destined for production, will not leave Japan.
Here's the WRX STI again (and more)
In terms of sports cars, here's the BRZ STI Sport Purple Edition STI performance, based on the BRZ STI Sport grade for the Japanese market, which features an exclusive Galaxy Purple Pearl colour with black detailing, a refined interior with silver and grey accents and dedicated STI performance accessories.
Subaru BRZ STI Sport Purple Edition STI performance
The return of the WRX STI is also planned for Tokyo. The STI S210 prototype, based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX, represents the culmination of the knowledge developed by the brand during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Only 500 units of this top-of-the-range S-series model will be produced and distributed exclusively in Japan.
Subaru WRX STI S210
Subaru WRX STI S210, the 2.4 turbocharged model
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.4 with 300 PS and 375 Nm, around 25 PS and 26 Nm more than the conventional WRX sold in various parts of the world, including the USA, Japan and Australia. However, there is no manual gearbox: the model can only be fitted with a CVT automatic transmission.
A number of upgrades are planned, including 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, a new exhaust system, Recaro sports seats with red seatbelts and a dashboard nameplate for each of the 500 cars.
Still on the subject of the WRX, the Subaru stand also features the WRX S4 STI Sport R-Black Limited STI performance, a special version with a black interior and exterior, focusing on elegance and high quality with the addition of STI performance components.
From crossovers to racing cars
As for SUVs and crossovers, Subaru is presenting the Levorg Layback Black Selection STI performance, a special edition of the Levorg Layback Limited EX featuring an aggressive design and STI performance accessories.
Subaru Crosstrek Strong Hybrid STI performance
There's also the Crosstrek Strong Hybrid STI performance, which improves on the styling of the Crosstrek Premium S:HEV EX (with a full hybrid engine which should also arrive in Europe) by adding STI performance components.
Subaru BRZ GT300 2025
Subaru also unveiled a series of track-ready race cars: the 2025 BRZ GT300, which will compete in the Super GT Championship in the GT300 class; the 2025 WRX NBR CHALLENGE, destined for the Nürburgring 24 Hours in the SP4T class; and the High Performance X Future Concept, designed for the 2024 Super Taikyu Series.
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