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New 2025 Subaru WRX STI revealed as special ‘S210’ edition

Subaru has finally swept the dust off its old STI nameplate and applied it to the WRX, introducing the 2025 STI S210. However, before you get too excited, there are two important things you need to know.

Firstly, this is a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model only, which means it isn’t coming to Australia any time soon. Secondly, and it’s truly disappointing, it comes with a CVT automatic. Hmm, imagine 10 years ago, suggesting new WRX STI models would feature a CVT. You’d be laughed out of the pub.

2025 Subaru WRX STI S210 - rear wing

Subaru Japan is showcasing the STI S210 at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It’s based on the WRX STI Sport R EX variant sold in Japan, featuring a 2.4-litre turbo flat-four engine developing 221kW and 375Nm. There’s no mention of 0-100km/h performance. As a guide, the best time we’ve achieved in the local 202kW WRX tS CVT sedan is 6.68 seconds.

Interestingly, and strangely, the predecessor to this new variant, the S209, which was sold in some overseas markets, featured a 254kW/450Nm turbo flat-four. And of course it had a six-speed manual transmission.

2025 Subaru WRX STI S210 - Recaro seats

Aside from the disappointing powertrain, the S210 comes with bespoke BBS forged wheels wearing 255/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZF adaptive dampers with exclusive S210 springs, S210 draw stiffeners front and rear, and a set of Brembo front brakes. There’s also a special transmission cooler for the CVT.

Other highlights include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a unique bodykit with black trimmings and STI spoilers and rear diffuser, and then inside a pair of carbon-backed Recaro front seats, an STI steering wheel and instrument panel, and some black garnishes. There’s also a special build number plaque noting its 1-of-500 allocation.

2025 Subaru WRX STI S210 - Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru has no plans to introduce a proper STI model with a turbo engine in the future, for global markets. Speculations suggest the badge might make a comeback on a future high performance electric vehicle, but time will tell.

For now, Subaru is using the STI badge to build sticker packs and sporty enhancements on existing models, such as the recently launched Forester STI Sport. See below for the main specs of the S210:

Main S210 Specifications (development target values based on prototypes)

Overall length/width/height (mm) 4690×1845×1465
Seating Capacity 5
Wheelbase(mm) 2675
Minimum turning radius(m) 5.6
Dry weight (kg) 1630
Engine FA24 2.4-liter Horizontally-Opposed four cylinder, DOHC,Direct injection turbo
Max. output (net) [kW(PS)/rpm] 221(300)/5700
Max. torque (net) [Nm (kgm)/rpm] 375(38.2)/2000-5600
Transmission Subaru Performance Transmission
steering Rack and pinion
Suspension 4-wheel independent Suspension
Brake(Front/Rear) Ventilated disc/Ventilated disc
Tires 255/35R19

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.

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