Subaru WRX STI 2026 : Subaru has officially brought the WRX STI badge back into the spotlight with the 2026 WRX STI Sport♯, a limited‑edition, track‑focused variant that rekindles the spirit of the legendary rally‑bred sedan.
Unveiled at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, this new STI‑badged machine is built on the current WRX platform but sharpened with STI‑tuned hardware, upgraded brakes, and a more aggressive personality aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts.
Exterior: Subtle But Mean
At first glance, the 2026 WRX STI Sport♯ looks like a more aggressive version of the regular WRX rather than a full‑blown wide‑body monster.
Subaru adds a unique front bumper with larger intakes, STI‑badged grille inserts, and subtle aerodynamic tweaks that hint at its track‑ready nature without screaming for attention.
From the side, the car sits slightly lower thanks to STI‑tuned suspension and rides on 19‑inch alloy wheels wrapped in high‑performance rubber, giving it a planted, muscular stance.
At the rear, a small lip spoiler, STI‑specific diffuser, and dual‑tip exhaust complete the look, making it clear this is not just another WRX in a special paint job.
Interior: Driver‑First Cockpit
Inside, the WRX STI Sport♯ leans heavily on Recaro‑style performance seats wrapped in Ultrasuede with contrasting stitching, offering strong lateral support for spirited driving.
The steering wheel is thick‑rimmed and wrapped in leather or Ultrasuede, with STI badging and paddle shifters (where available) keeping the driver’s focus on the road rather than on flashy gadgets.
Digital instrumentation and a central touchscreen remain, but Subaru keeps the layout relatively simple so the driver isn’t distracted by menus and animations.
Physical buttons for drive‑mode selection, traction control, and other performance settings let owners quickly dial in the car’s behavior without taking their eyes off the road.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 WRX STI Sport♯ is expected to use a tuned version of Subaru’s 2.4‑liter turbocharged flat‑four boxer engine, with output hovering around 275–290 horsepower and roughly 295 lb‑ft of torque, depending on final tuning.
Power is sent to all four wheels through Subaru’s Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive system, which has been further refined for sharper throttle response and more predictable behavior at the limit.
A six‑speed manual transmission is the centerpiece of the STI Sport♯, preserving the raw, mechanical connection that fans have long demanded.
STI‑tuned ZF dampers, upgraded Brembo‑style brakes, and a stiffer chassis setup give the car a more direct, track‑oriented feel, with quick steering and minimal body roll during hard cornering.
Tech, Safety, and Driving Modes
Despite its performance focus, the 2026 WRX STI Sport♯ still carries Subaru’s latest safety and driver‑assistance tech, including EyeSight‑derived systems, multiple airbags, and advanced stability controls.
These systems can be dialed back or partially disabled in sportier modes, giving experienced drivers more freedom while still offering a safety net for everyday use.
Drive‑Mode Select lets owners toggle between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and sometimes a custom Individual setting that adjusts throttle response, steering weight, and suspension damping.
On the track, the STI Sport♯ feels more focused and responsive than the standard WRX, while on the street it remains surprisingly livable for a performance‑oriented sedan.
Availability, Pricing, and Enthusiast Hype
For now, the WRX STI Sport♯ is positioned as a Japan‑market and possibly limited‑global model, with Subaru remaining non‑committal about a full‑blown STI‑badged WRX for the U.S.
Enthusiast communities in North America are closely watching whether Subaru of America will import a version of this car or instead offer STI‑tuned WRX tS and GT trims as the closest alternative.
Early reports suggest the STI Sport♯ will be sold in relatively small numbers, making it a halo model that celebrates Subaru’s rally heritage rather than a mass‑market volume seller.
That exclusivity, combined with its manual gearbox and STI‑tuned hardware, has already made it one of the most talked‑about performance cars of 2026 among WRX loyalists.
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Subaru WRX STI 2026
The 2026 Subaru WRX STI Sport♯ marks the symbolic return of the STI badge after years of uncertainty and concept teasers.
By building on the current WRX’s platform and adding STI‑specific suspension, brakes, and tuning, Subaru has created a car that feels both modern and faithful to the rally‑bred DNA that made the STI a legend.
For enthusiasts who still crave a manual‑transmission, all‑wheel‑drive performance sedan, the 2026 WRX STI Sport♯ is a welcome reminder that the spirit of the STI is very much alive.