All Roads Lead to STI
One of the hottest news items in the automotive scene right now has been the Subaru WRX STI teasers. We've extensively covered teaser after teaser, trying to dissect clues to further crack the case about what Subaru is really hinting at.
The first teaser broke on X on Christmas Day , showing what appeared to be a WRX with the STI badging on the grille. The second teaser video was released a few days later , showing more interior details and even giving our ears a tease with an engine note.
Subaru 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon STI Showcase
Following these teasers, Subaru has just announced exactly what will be shown in its booth during the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS). Considering the importance of TAS to the overall global performance and aftermarket scene, the brand is pulling out all the stops.
Subaru has confirmed that there will be a showcase of three (semi) STI models. The first is the Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited Ⅱ STI Performance, based on the STI Sport EX variant. This Sunrise Yellow Levorg features 18-inch aluminum wheels (painted matte black), a black front fascia, door mirrors, and a roof antenna. Inside, it'll have Recaro front seats with yellow perforations and an STI logo, as well as a suede-like instrument panel, creating a sense of exclusivity and presence. In addition to these features, the car is also fitted with genuine SUBARU accessories and STI performance parts.
Next up is another Sunrise Yellow WRX S4 STI Sport R-Black Limited Ⅱ STI Performance. This one is based on the STI Sport R EX variant of the WRX lineup; it has the same matte black finishes as the Levorg, as well as the same interior enhancements, with the most notable difference being the rear wing of the WRX, which really looks eerily like a WRX STI, but sadly isn't.
Lastly, there is the Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition PLUS package. Which, as the name suggests, is based on the hatchback Impreza ST-H. It has its own STI enhancements, leaning more toward performance than aesthetics. Other cars to be displayed include the new Super Taikyu race cars, the 2026 Subaru BRZ GT300, and the Subaru WRX VBH All Japan Rally Car.
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Hiding in Plain Sight
The official press release lists six cars for the whole exhibition, but a closer look at the supporting image for the booth shows five uncovered and two covered cars. This suggests that while the brand is keen to amp up anticipation for the show, it's still holding some cards close to its chest.
Could it be that the seventh car not announced is the all-new reborn Subaru WRX STI? We'll have to wait until January 9 to find out when it breaks cover for all the world to see.
This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
