Subaru Drops Another Hint at a New STI Model

Key Highlights

• Subaru has released a new teaser featuring an upcoming STI model.
• The preview includes STI branding and a blue car outline.
• The complete unveiling is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Subaru has once again teased fans with a brief video hinting at the return of the famed STI badge. Shared on its Japanese social media accounts, the clip offers a sneak peek at what could be a new performance model aimed for a 2026 launch. While similar teasers have appeared before, anticipation remains high.

The short video opens with close-ups of the STI emblem, followed by flashes of a blue sedan—or possibly a hatchback—with a shape reminiscent of the WRX, speeding through snowy forest roads. The distinctive growl of Subaru’s boxer engine can be heard, although no technical information has been disclosed yet.

The teaser closes with the phrase "Coming Soon" and the date January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Tokyo Auto Salon, a major event in Japan’s performance car calendar. This venue seems an ideal stage for Subaru to potentially bring back one of its most celebrated performance names.

Speculation suggests this might just be an STI Performance Pack, similar to previous visual upgrades seen on other markets' models. Recently, Subaru previewed the Performance-B and Performance-E concepts, offering a glimpse at future performance directions, but this teaser likely does not represent a production-ready version of those.

There have been hints that upcoming STI variants could incorporate some form of electrification. However, the audio cues in this teaser don’t suggest an electric or hybrid powertrain. If Subaru does proceed with a production STI, January’s reveal could mark the revival of a rally-inspired icon. Fans are certainly hoping for it.