Subaru’s Wild New Hatch Race Car Feels Like an STI Tease

Subaru fans have been asking the same thing for years. Where is the proper WRX STI hatch? Right now, the lineup sticks to sedans and wagons, but this new project feels like Subaru testing the waters again.

The closest hint yet is the Subaru HiPerfX2. It is a track-only machine set to run in the ST-Q class of the Super Taikyu Series for 2026, replacing the WRX-based sedan Subaru used before. It made its first appearance at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and it definitely does not look like a normal Impreza anymore.

Underneath, it still shares some roots with the Impreza and WRX, but visually, it is a different animal. Wide bolt-on fenders, a vented hood, custom bumpers, and a massive rear wing give it a proper race car stance. It looks like something built with purpose, not just for show.

Subaru says a lot of the hardware comes from parts it already had. The engine, suspension, brakes, and even the differential are carried over from earlier projects. The chassis is based on the Subaru Global Platform but reinforced for racing. Instead of stripping down a road car, the team started with a bare body shell, which made things easier to develop properly.

Power comes from a tuned version of Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine, making around 359 horsepower. It runs on carbon-neutral fuel and sends power to all four wheels through a six-speed manual. So yes, it is still very much a driver-focused setup.

Early testing looks promising. The car completed 54 laps during its first shakedown without issues, which is always a good sign. Subaru is also being pretty clear about its goal this time. They are not just showing up. They want results.

The interesting part is what this could lead to. Subaru calls it a development car, but projects like this usually have a second purpose. If they are putting this much effort into a hatchback race car, it is hard not to think a road-going version could follow.