Subaru STI returning soon, with a catch

Subaru is about to put the STI badge back onto its Impreza – but without a turbocharged engine boost.

Instead, its hero car for the Tokyo Auto Salon from January 13-15 will receive a styling makeover to headline the introduction of the right-hand drive version of the 2023 Impreza in Japan.

“It will be customized with STI parts in development,” Subaru said in a statement.

The STI teaser came as Subaru revealed an illustration of its Tokyo Salon stand, with the STI shown under a car cover in front of the regular Impreza.

The second covered car is thought to be an STI version of the Levorg station wagon.

Subaru disappointed generations of STI fans and potential buyers with its official announcement earlier this year – “There will be no STI variant for the new generation Subaru WRX” – in a media statement reported by Drive in March 2022.

At the time there was speculation of a potential electric STI, but not until closer to 2030.

Drive also speculated the STI potential in the new Impreza with renderings by Theophilus Chin (pictured above).

“At the Subaru/STI booth, all-new Impreza (Japanese model) will be unveiled with STI parts equipped and a special edition of Levorg STI Sport prototype based on Levorg STI R EX model will be displayed,” Subaru said in a media statement.

The Tokyo Auto Salon is the first major international motor show for 2023 and Nissan has already confirmed the display of its Fairlady X – a collision between the SUV body of its Nissan Murano and the front and rear ends of the latest Nissan Z – created by Nissan apprentices.

Subaru will have a range of competition cars on its stand, including a Super GT racing version of its BRZ sports-car.

The other headliner is the STI tweaked Levorg, which is expected to be turned into a limited-edition model for Japan.

“A STI complete car based on Levorg STI R EX model which enhanced stable handling and premium drive feel,” Subaru said in a media statement.