The Subaru WRX STI Sport has been unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but the prototype has left enthusiasts wanting more.
While the WRX has been labelled as an STI Sport in its home country, it’s understood the vehicle is essentially the same as the WRX tS Spec B already sold in Australia.
However, it reintroduces a manual transmission to the WRX after a seven-year absence in Japan.
Along with the six-speed manual, the WRX STI Sport features a 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine making 202kW and 350Nm – down 25Nm on the S4 variant currently sold in that market, and approximately 50Nm less than the previous-generation S4.
Strictly speaking, Subaru Japan has named the new model the WRX STI Sport♯ – being the musical symbol for ‘sharp’.
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However, in this case, it’s assumed to be a reference to the car’s handling, rather than offering a semitone of difference to buyers.
Like the Australian WRX tS Spec B, the STI Sport comes with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, Recaro seats in ultrasuede, and 19-inch wheels – though the STI Sport loses out on the Spec B’s large rear spoiler.
Despite the generous use of Cherry Red – the signature pink colour of STI – across the prototype, it’s believed this vehicle is more like a sports package provided by STI, rather than a true high-performance STI variant.
Myriad online commenters have slammed the prototype, with many wanting a ‘true’ STI after the high-performance model was axed in 2022.