Subaru is preparing to launch Japan-exclusive special models developed by its performance division, STI. The company will introduce STI-enhanced and tuned versions of the WRX sedan, Levorg, and Impreza hatchback. All three models will be limited to the Japanese domestic market, and for 2026 they adopt a softer and more understated interpretation of the STI formula. Unlike Subaru’s legendary and aggressive STI special editions from the past, the 2026 trio focuses on subtle styling and equipment upgrades while maintaining core brand identity, but without the extreme visual intensity seen previously.
The Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited II STI Performance is based on the Japanese-market Levorg STI Sport EX grade and extends the specification with additional black exterior elements, including trim for the lower front bumper, mirror caps, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a black fin-style antenna. STI badging, along with an STI muffler featuring exhaust tips embossed with the STI logo, are also part of the package. Inside the cabin, the Levorg STI Sport R-Black Edition upgrades to Recaro front seats, finished in Ultrasuede with yellow perforated inserts that visually tie in with the Sunrise Yellow exterior paint, which is a signature special color for this limited edition. Subaru engineers have designed the changes to ensure the Levorg delivers an authentic STI character through refinement rather than aggression.
Mechanically, the Japanese Levorg STI Sport R models use the same 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine architecture as the Thai-market WRX Sportswagon, producing 202kW of power. However, the Japanese specification quotes a maximum torque output of 375Nm, which is slightly higher than the 350Nm peak torque figure published for Australia, highlighting a distinct state of tune for the Japanese domestic market. Subaru has confirmed that a similar range of subtle STI styling upgrades and equipment enhancements will be applied to the WRX S4 STI Sport R-Black Limited II STI Performance for Japan, including Sunrise Yellow paint, black 18-inch wheels, black mirror caps and antenna finishes, while carrying over the WRX’s existing black lower body kit and wheel-arch moulding. The WRX S4 interior also gains Recaro seats with yellow perforated accents and a suede-look instrument panel that matches the seat trim theme, reinforcing a cohesive cabin design language.
The third STI-enhanced model for 2026 is the Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition with Plus Package. Although the Impreza has less sporting pedigree than the Levorg and WRX, STI has applied the same overall design direction, emphasizing black body kits, wheels, and mirror caps. Subaru describes the Impreza’s design as “sporty yet suitable for everyday use, blending a casual feel with an accessible, lifestyle-friendly interpretation of performance styling.” Notably, the Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition does not use a bespoke signature exterior paint color and does not receive a Recaro seat upgrade, retaining its standard interior configuration and trims.
Subaru STI will also use the Tokyo Auto Salon platform to showcase its motorsport activity, displaying the WRX VBH Japan Rally Championship car, the BRZ GT300 race car, and an all-new 2026 Super Taikyu Series competition vehicle. Subaru has previously fielded a developed version of the BRZ in the Taikyu endurance competition, demonstrating continuity in its racing involvement. The Tokyo Auto Salon show will officially open to the public on January 9, 2026, marking the first major event for Subaru’s new JDM-focused STI special editions.
Source: Drive.com.au
