2024 Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport Limited Edition teased

Subaru Tecnica International (STI) will reveal a special limited-edition Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 12.

Based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX model that’s offered in Japan, the new STI-badged Rex shown in a shadowy image released overnight features fresh alloy wheels and a ducktail spoiler.

But the Japanese car-maker’s motorsport division has confirmed the limited-edition will also come with handling upgrades beneath the skin.

STI has not yet detailed the improvements but says the enhanced handling will add a “premium drive feel” – a hint the WRX S4 STI Sport prototype will remain road-biased rather than morph into an extreme track tool.

Under the bonnet, the Japanese-market Subaru is unlikely to get any more power, carrying over the standard car’s turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four good for 202kW and 375Nm (25Nm more torque than Aussie-spec cars).

Also expect a CVT automatic transmission and the brand’s famed symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

Sadly, the sportier, better-handling WRX is likely to be off limits for the Australian market, while an all-new replacement for the last-generation WRX STI has been completely ruled out – although the STI badge might reappear on a future EV.

Subaru will also use the Tokyo Auto Salon to show off a BRZ STI Sport with large carbon-fibre rear spoiler, plus a Levorg Layback STI Performance that will debut a range of new accessories aimed to ramp up its visual sportiness.

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