Mystery surrounds Subaru WRX spied with performance parts

Our spy photography partners in the US have spotted a Subaru WRX testing with special brakes and hidden badges, suggesting the possibility of a high-performance variant.

The larger brakes – which appear to be finished in red, rather than the signature pink of STI – have had tape placed over them, presumably to cover an insignia, while badges at the rear of the WRX have also been taped over.

The wheel design also appears to be unique, hinting that this could be a previously-unseen version of Subaru's performance sedan.

Despite some remaining hopeful of a WRX STI, in March 2022, Subaru explicitly announced there would be no STI version of the current-generation WRX – even with multiple reports out of Japan of such a model being developed with between 260kW and 300kW.

MORE: New Subaru WRX STI plans axed, but could return with electric power

While the decision puzzled industry commentators at the time – with the WRX STI being Subaru's halo model – it doesn't rule out the possibility of high-performance WRX models being developed and badged as an STI in specific markets.

In May 2022, Subaru's local arm refused to rule out the possibility of an STI model for the Australian market, telling Drive at the time there were "a lot of discussions happening with Subaru Corporation and STI".

Subaru does offer the current WRX with STI styling parts, and Subaru Australia has a history of creating special-edition models for our market.

In 2007, Subaru released the WRX 'Tuned by STI' with extra performance, as well as a Liberty GT 'Tuned by STI' with wheels, body-kit, and special parts.

MORE: Subaru STe trademark hints at high-performance electric cars

Despite ruling out a global WRX STI model, the company hasn't killed off the model entirely, releasing a statement in March 2022 confirming it was "exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification".

A year later, trademark filings revealed Subaru has reserved the 'STe' badge – hinting at a range of high-performance vehicles with some level of electrification.

Is the new Subaru WRX STI or something else? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.