Will Subaru finally deliver with a new WRX STI fans have been waiting for?
Subaru teases 'STI' for Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 debut
While we were on holiday break, Subaru has been busy this past holiday season with a Christmas day teaser of something that may very well be the new WRX STI that we've all been waiting for. The first teaser video dropped after a "Merry Christmas" greeting on Subaru's X account. It showed the STI badge on what looks like the grille of a WRX and an STI vanity plate and then the car roaring through a tarmac road in winter. It ended with January 9, 2026; the opening day of the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
A second video was released on December 29, featuring a race car driver stepping in and starting up the car, then revving it up.
The latest video released January 4, shows more details of the car making it apparent that it's really a WRX STI. And it also shows off a wheel with an STI center cap, which normally signifies a real STI model and not just an STI-inspired car. It also ends with January 9, 2026.
Subaru's Tokyo Auto Salon microsite states that their press conference at the Tokyo Auto Salon is scheduled for 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM Tokyo time. The microsite also has two more slots for teaser videos, so we'll get more sneak peeks on what's to come.
Let's wait til Friday to see if this is finally the real deal WRX STI. Subaru really needs this with WRX sales slumping due to competition from more exciting nameplates from competing brands.
