Subaru Finally Put A Manual Back In A WRX STI, Sort Of

When Subaru released the new WRX without a real STI, fans felt it right away. That S210 concept got everyone’s hopes up last year, but the buzz didn’t last long. Without a stick shift or a real power boost, it just wasn't a genuine STI.

Subaru kept dropping hints afterward, showing off sporty concepts and promising something big. Naturally, everyone’s expectations started climbing all over again.

Now we have the WRX STI Sport♯. It’s still not a full STI, but at least it finally comes with a manual transmission. That alone makes it more interesting than what came before.

Nothing radical under the hood. Still the same 2.4-liter turbo, around 275 hp, all-wheel drive, and six-speed manual transmission. Subaru claims to have prioritized handling and driving experience over outright speed. It gets improved tires, adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, and STI-tuned components.

Visual design is restrained. Black trim, small aerodynamic touches, pink STI accents, Recaro seats, and a large number of badges are the order of the day. After all, you need to be reminded of what you are aspiring to be. For now, it remains a prototype. There is no guarantee that it will ever be available for sale, and it likely will not make it to the United States either. This is Subaru toeing the water more than making a plunge.

It’s a step forward, just not the big STI comeback fans are waiting for. Still, for Subaru loyalists, the hope isn’t gone yet.