Subaru hints at WRX STI comeback with January 9 reveal locked in

Subaru has released two short social media teasers for the WRX STI. Both clips feature the words “Coming soon” and indicate a planned reveal on January 9, 2026, likely at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The first 12-second teaser shows a WRX in blue colour driving through a snowy forest, with the sound of a turbocharged boxer engine. Grille-mounted STI badges, a slightly larger bonnet vent, and an STI logo on the front number plate indicate it is a variant of the standard WRX.

Design cues and performance hints

A rear three-quarter shot in the teaser shows what appear to be 19-inch alloy wheels similar to the WRX tS Spec B released in Australia in 2025. The sedan body and side skirts indicate potential differences from the regular WRX model.

The second teaser focuses on performance, showing dual exhaust outlets vibrating as a driver presses the engine start button. A rev counter and turbo boost indicator appear on-screen, reinforcing the STI’s high-performance credentials.

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Expected specs and positioning

Subaru Australia has not confirmed technical details, but the WRX STI is expected to sit above the tS Spec B in the local lineup and may be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. The tS Spec B, priced from $61,490 before on-road costs, has 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a larger rear wing, Recaro seats, and a 4-cylinder 2.4L turbo engine producing 202kW/350Nm.

The STI is anticipated to exceed these outputs to better challenge rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R, which delivers 235kW/420Nm and a claimed 0–100km/h time of 5.4 seconds. In comparison, the tS Spec B achieves 0–100km/h in 6.0 seconds.

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Past STI models and future hints

Subaru has previously offered limited-run models in Japan, including the S210 WRX STI, which increased the 2.4L engine output to 221kW/375Nm. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Subaru also showcased two STI concepts, including a hatchback and an electric variant.

Australian arrival locked in

The WRX STI is scheduled to be revealed on January 9, 2026, at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The model is expected to be available in Australia following the reveal.