Mystery next-gen Subaru WRX previewed
New concept for replacement for high-performance hatch legend previewed ahead of Japan motor show revealSubaru has sent performance car fans into a tailspin after posted a new mysterious tease of what’s tipped to be the next-generation Subaru WRX hot hatch.
Adding credibility to reports that a production-ready prototype Subaru WRX is heading to October’s Japan Mobility Show, senior execs from the Japanese car-maker have already revealed some details of its next-gen Volkswagen Golf R rival.
Speaking to journalists in Japan, Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru’s Chief Technical Officer, confirmed that an all-new flat-four boxer engine was in the works, with the unit to be combined with an evolution of the all-wheel-drive system that was developed for racers in the Super Taikyu race series.
As well as the WRX, Fujinuki said a “cutting-edge” version would also be launched in the future, potentially hinting at a faster, more extreme version that is highly likely to carry the STI badge.
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— Car Watch (@car_watch) June 3, 2025
It’s thought the new tease could be of the latter, as it shows a car that evolves the current WRX’s design but throws in aggressive aerodynamic aids that include a large grille, splitter, vented hood and wider front and rear fenders.
It’s also not clear whether we’re looking at a hatch or sedan, but when the new WRX family arrives Fujinuki says the fast Subaru will be capable of running on E20 e-fuel, while it’s thought the new boxer engine might also incorporate some level of hybridisation.
Subaru has already announced that a new family of combustion engines is in the works as part of a collaboration with Toyota and Mazda.
The reason for the all-new engine is that the current FA24 2.4-litre flat-four engine, which has been in production since 2018, would be too costly to make compliant with the latest emission regulations.
Since the current Subaru WRX first went on sale in 2021, it’s thought the all-new model won’t go on sale until 2027 at the earliest – unless emission requirements force the current version to be pensioned off before the usual seven-year life cycle change.
More teases of the next-gen Subaru WRX are expected to be released in the build-up to the prototype’s October debut.
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