Subaru just dropped a cryptic teaser that has everyone asking the same question: is this the next WRX? With barely any media buzz, the brand quietly revealed a shadowy image ahead of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in October. But what it lacks in noise, it makes up for in impact.
The reveal came with a strategic whisper during the Fuji 24-Hour endurance race. Tetsuo Fujinoki, Subaru’s Executive Technical Officer, mentioned an upcoming model built around the upgraded all wheel drive system used in the Super Taikyu race series. Although he never said WRX out loud, the silhouette, aggressive lines, and timing all point to a high performance successor to the legendary WRX, possibly even an STI variant.
Reports from Japanese media say Fujinoki described the prototype as a thrilling new concept grounded in Subaru’s strongest technical DNA. While the teaser image shows little, the details that do emerge reveal a ferocious stance, large grille, wide fenders, and a vented hood that screams race-inspired. The body style blends sedan and hatchback cues, leaning hard into Subaru’s performance legacy.
But it’s not just about the exterior. Subaru is also developing a new generation of boxer engines, built to run on E20 carbon-neutral fuel. Hybrid support is likely in the mix, though exact specs like displacement or cylinder count remain under wraps. This engine marks Subaru’s step into a greener but still thrilling future, aligning with its partnership with Toyota and Mazda, announced in 2024, to balance sporty performance and sustainability.
Fujinoki made it clear that Subaru’s heart is still with its fans. “We appreciate customers who choose Subaru, and we will continue building cars that satisfy them,” he said. That’s a strong signal that while the world shifts to electric, Subaru is staying true to its roots, just with a future-focused twist.
Stay tuned for October 30, when the next chapter of WRX (and possibly STI) gets officially revealed.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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