Subaru’s New WRX STI S210 Prototype Stirs Controversy with Unexpected Twists
Subaru recently unveiled the much-anticipated WRX STI S210 Prototype at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, reigniting the passion for the iconic STI badge. However, not all the surprises were welcomed.
The company announced that the new model will be limited to just 500 units, and it will be available exclusively in Japan, which certainly narrows its reach.
Adding to the controversy, Subaru introduced a significant change with the new STI — for the first time in the S-series, the car will be equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Known as the Subaru Performance Transmission, it’s designed for faster shifts and smoother operation, but it’s a departure from the manual transmissions that many STI enthusiasts prefer for a more engaging driving experience.
The S210 features the same 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine as the standard WRX, but with modifications such as a revised intake and an enhanced exhaust system that increase its output to 296 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
Although these tweaks offer a boost over the regular WRX, they still fall short of the previous STI S209’s 341 hp and 330 lb-ft, posing questions about the new model’s performance edge.
Despite these performance enhancements, Subaru’s decision not to include the advanced differential systems usually found in STI models could be seen as a step back.
The vehicle compensates somewhat with features like electronically adjustable dampers, a new carbon rear spoiler, and 19-inch BBS forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
The interior of the S210 matches its sporty exterior with eight-way adjustable Recaro bucket seats, striking red seatbelts, and a unique serialized plaque that emphasizes its limited-edition status.
The allure of such exclusivity, coupled with the car’s high-end features, suggests it will carry a significant price tag, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
While the WRX STI S210 represents an exciting evolution in Subaru’s performance line, its limited availability and the shift to a CVT may leave some fans feeling it’s more of a collector’s piece than the triumphant return of a beloved performance car.
This blend of advancement and restriction makes the new STI a paradoxical chapter in Subaru’s storied history.