Subaru S210 Prototype

Subaru WRX STI S210 is Back, But Not as You Know It

Somnath Chatterjee
By Somnath Chatterjee - News

Published:

Readtime: 4 min

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  • The Subaru S210 Prototype has debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
  • Unlike previous editions, the S210 Prototype will not come with a manual transmission.
  • Power and torque are rated at 221kW and 375Nm, an improvement of 19kW over the standard.
  • The vehicle will be sold exclusively in Japan when it is released sometime “in autumn 2025”.

The iconic WRX STI is set to make a return, but Australian and U.S. fans shouldn’t hold their breath. At the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this month, Subaru lifted the covers on its STI S210 prototype—a vehicle that, for years, fans across the globe had been screaming out for…well, almost.

In a move that caught global attention, the Japanese automaker stopped short of badging the new prototype as a WRX, opting instead to simply label it an ‘S210’. Make no mistake, however, while the iconic moniker might be missing from the official name, the hallmarks are all there, save for a few key elements.

Subaru S210 Prototype
Subaru S210 Prototype | Image: Subaru

Subaru STI S210 Engine and Powertrain

In its presentation at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru confirmed that 500 units are expected to be built with the first production versions to arrive later this year. As has always been the case, the STI performance division has again squeezed out more horsepower from the 2.4-litre ‘boxer’ engine, but this time, it is around 300 bhp.

The standard powertrain makes 271 bhp, while a retuned ECU plus a new intake and exhaust have considerably increased the power output. However, keep in mind that the previous generation STI developed more than 340 horsepower, which means the newer one is a bit restrained. That wasn’t the only decision that perplexed WRX fans, either.

No Manual Transmission

Unlike the previous WRX STIs, which offered exclusively manual transmission, the new prototype employs a ‘Subaru Performance Transmission’—aka a CVT gearbox—albeit one made with more performance in mind. Enthusiasts were quick to bemoan the lack of a third pedal, taking to social media to voice their displeasure. however, it must be said that the decision isn’t entirely unfounded.

Subaru has confirmed that the new STI S210 will be a Japan-exclusive when it is released in autumn this year. Considering the country’s preference for automatic transmissions over manuals (a whopping 98 per cent of all new cars in Japan are automatic), it would appear Subaru is simply playing up to consumer demand, which is never a bad move.

Subaru S210 Prototype interior | Image: Subaru
Subaru S210 Prototype interior | Image: Subaru

Body and Design

From a design perspective, Subaru hasn’t gone too far outside of the box for the new STI S210 prototype and that’s largely a positive thing. The vehicle cops a trick all-wheel drive system plus tuned adaptive dampers along with coil springs. Aside from the meaner-looking body kit, courtesy of a carbon rear spoiler and blue accents, the STI in its new avatar has a set of 19-inch BBS forged wheels wrapped around 255/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. It certainly looks the part and has an exotic aura around it.

Inside, you sit in carbon racing Recaro bucket seats (power adjustable) with red seatbelts, while suede and gloss black trim cover the rest of the cabin. S210 badges remind you that this is not your garden-variety Impreza, either.

Availability

While it may not be as enthusiast-focused as its previous iterations, we can take solace from the fact that the STI badge is back, although currently, it looks like it would be exclusively for the Japan market only. Subaru has been coy regarding the pricing for this special Scooby, but given the rarity, expect to pay a lot more than the previous STI. 

Somnath Chatterjee

Contributor

Somnath Chatterjee

Somnath Chatterjee is an experienced car journalist and current automotive editor of ABP News Live. His supercar reviews, interviews and industry features have appeared in global publications such as Upscale Living, Robb Report and Yahoo Lifestyle Asia. Somnath specialises in ...