When the current-generation Subaru WRX sedan arrived in autumn 2021, it came without a full STI variant — the legendary badge was retained only for vehicles equipped with the STI Sport package. At January’s Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru unveiled the WRX STI Sport# concept, featuring components developed by the STI division and a six-speed manual gearbox. Now, pre-orders are officially open — though only a lucky few will be able to get their hands on one.
Exterior: Subtle but Purposeful Styling
The STI Sport# stands out from its siblings with a few deliberate visual touches:
- Matte gray wheels, shared with the American-market WRX tS variant
- STI badging throughout
- A compact rear spoiler rather than the large wing found on the R-Black Limited STI Performance Edition
An optional STI aerodynamic body kit is also available, adding:
- A sharper front splitter
- Side skirts in black or red
Note that the aero kit can be combined with a quad exhaust setup, but choosing that option makes the optional STI Performance Muffler unavailable.
Body color options:
- WR Blue Pearl
- Ceramic White
- Sunrise Yellow (premium upcharge applies)
Interior: Sport-Focused Cabin With STI Touches
The cabin leans firmly into its performance character:
- Recaro seats trimmed in Ultrasuede microsuede and synthetic leather
- Yellow perforations and STI logos on the headrests
- Leather-wrapped gear lever and handbrake
- Optional STI-embroidered floor mats
- Multiple shift knob styling options
To keep weight in check, Subaru removed several features found in the standard WRX S4:
- EyeSight X driver assistance system
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Seat memory function
- Rear air vents
- Illuminated cupholders
Engine and Drivetrain: A Refined Boxer With Manual Shift
Under the hood sits Subaru’s familiar 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four, producing the standard 275 hp and 350 Nm of torque. However, the unit has been meaningfully upgraded for the STI Sport#:
- Modified pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and flywheel
- Tuned for smoother rev build-up and sharper throttle response
The six-speed manual gearbox is, of course, the headline feature — replacing the CVT found in most WRX variants and giving drivers direct, unfiltered control.
Chassis and Brakes: Track-Ready Hardware
Subaru has paid close attention to the car’s dynamic hardware:
- Electronically controlled dampers with revised settings for improved handling and stability
- Upgraded Brembo brakes featuring gold calipers — six-piston up front, two-piston at the rear — paired with drilled and ventilated discs
- 19-inch wheels fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres
Pricing and Availability: Limited Lottery System
The Subaru WRX STI Sport# starts at 6,105,000 yen (approximately $38,400 USD), making it the most expensive WRX variant on sale in Japan. For comparison, the WRX STI Sport R-Black Limited sits 803,000 yen (roughly $5,100) below it.
Orders will be accepted from April 9 to May 17, after which Subaru will use a lottery draw to select 600 customers who will be eligible to purchase the car. If you’re hoping to add one to your garage, getting your name in early is your best bet.
Photo: Sergey Sechnev
This is a translation. You can read the original article here: Subaru WRX STI Sport# с «механикой» выйдет в Японии ограниченным тиражом
Published April 10, 2026 • 4m to read
