Is This the Next WRX From Subaru or Something Even More Extreme? | Carscoops

      The future appears bright for enthusiasts of the Subaru WRX and its boxer engine.

      10 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Subaru is set to reveal a new prototype at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show later this October.

      A teaser implies that this model may be a performance variant closely associated with the WRX.

      The automaker is working on a new boxer engine alongside an advanced all-wheel drive system.

      Although Subaru isn't making a lot of noise, it is clearly suggesting something significant for fans of sporty compact vehicles. The company has quietly released a cryptic teaser that seems to hint at the next-generation WRX. A prototype is scheduled to debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show this October, and Subaru has confirmed that a new boxer engine is under development.

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      This information came to light during the recent 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway in Japan. Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru’s Chief Technology Officer, briefly discussed a new model without revealing any specific names. However, he mentioned that it will feature an enhanced version of the all-wheel-drive system currently employed in the Super Taikyu racing series.

      Hints Indicate a New WRX

      As reported by Japan’s Car Watch, Fujinuki characterized the upcoming vehicle as an “attractive car” that leverages Subaru’s existing technological advancements. He also mentioned plans for a more “cutting-edge” variant in the future and assured that further details would be unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. While not officially confirmed, everything points toward this being the long-anticipated update to the WRX, potentially including a full STI version in the works.

      The teaser image shown during the interview offers little clarity but suggests a heavily stylized Subaru with an aggressive aerodynamic profile. The front end appears to evolve the current WRX design, showcasing a large grille, a pronounced splitter, and a vented hood. Wide front and rear fenders contribute to a track-focused stance. The image quality is too low to definitively classify the car as a hatchback or sedan, but it evidently emphasizes performance-oriented design elements.

      A New Boxer Engine Is Coming

      Alongside the new model, Fujinuki confirmed the advancement of a next-generation boxer engine. While specifics remain scarce, the engine will support E20 carbon-neutral fuel, with strong indications of hybrid assistance being included. Details about displacement or cylinder configuration have yet to be disclosed.

      This development aligns with the joint announcement made in May 2024 by Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda. The three manufacturers pledged to adopt a multi-pathway strategy, aiming to sustain their signature engines while integrating electrification and alternative fuels to minimize emissions. Subaru’s boxer engine, an essential aspect of its identity, will continue to play a crucial role in this plan.

      More: Subaru Is Reconsidering Its Electric Vehicle Strategy

      In an interview with Best Car Web, Fujinuki stressed Subaru’s ongoing dedication to its customers. “We want to value customers who choose Subaru,” he stated. “We will continue to produce cars that serve their needs.” For fans, this is a clear indication that the brand intends to maintain its strengths, even as the industry moves toward electrification.

      The current Subaru WRX was launched in 2021, with the ultimate variant being the STI S210 that arrived earlier this year, limited to 500 units for Japan.

      More information is expected when the 2025 Japan Mobility Show kicks off on October 30. Anticipate not just the prototype but also Subaru’s latest iteration of its enduring boxer engine.