Subaru Hinted at the Ideal WRX Before Acting Like It Wasn't There | Carscoops

      Fans are eagerly anticipating a new WRX STI, but Subaru Motorsports USA is testing their patience with imaginative renders.

      Subaru has unveiled digital renderings of a WRX ARA25L rally car equipped with street-legal license plates. This fictional WRX model showcases striking carbon fiber aerodynamic features and a central exhaust system. Brand enthusiasts inundated social media, requesting a road-legal version of the rally-inspired vehicle.

      Instead of launching a new production model, Subaru’s rally division presented a playful “what if” scenario on social platforms, pondering the possibility of the WRX ARA25 rally car being street-legal. The images depict the rally-inspired vehicle with added license plates, suggesting what a contemporary road-legal homologation special could resemble.

      The WRX ARA25L was designed to adhere to Limited 4-Wheel Drive class regulations set by the American Rally Association (ARA). In its full competitive form, it boasts body-colored wide fender flares, redesigned bumpers, a vented hood, and an imposing rear wing that clearly showcases its performance intentions.

      The imagined street version maintains the rally car's design, featuring the aggressive styling with visible carbon fiber accents and a centrally placed exhaust. However, it opts for a more understated paint job and displays a standard license plate on the tailgate, as opposed to the complete motorsport livery.

      Although the renderings, initially noticed by The Drive, come across as more realistic with minor adjustments—such as substituting the race-spec mirrors, removing the hood latches, and eliminating the roof scoop—using tires other than racing slicks could enhance the street appeal.

      Nonetheless, Subaru's objective is evident: to envision a modern homologation special that closely aligns with its rally heritage, even if the street authenticity leans more towards digital artistry than regulatory approval.

      Regarding its mechanical components, the rally car features a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine delivering approximately 315 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the road-going WRX achieves 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

      Significantly, the rally version replaces the road car's CVT with a proper six-speed sequential gearbox. Power distribution goes to all four wheels, as anticipated, and the chassis is bolstered with motorsport-grade suspension and Brembo brakes.

      While the ARA25L renderings are sharp, they seem modest compared to Project Midnight—a unique build stemming from a Gymkhana creation designed to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will feature an even bolder aerodynamic configuration and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating an astonishing 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque.

      As anticipated, Subaru Motorsports USA’s Facebook post received an enthusiastic reaction, with numerous commenters expressing their eagerness to purchase the model and questioning why it hasn't been produced yet. Unfortunately, despite alluding to a potential return of the STi badge, Subaru is still far from transforming its rally-inspired vehicles into road-ready cars.

      However, there may be something on the horizon. Recently, Subaru's Japan division teased a new prototype with a widebody kit and hatchback profile. While details remain scarce, the timing suggests further information might emerge at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in late October.

      For now, the renderings remind us that Subaru still knows how to engage enthusiasts, even if it’s solely through social media.