The Japan-Only Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport♯ Is Not Quite an STI

Despite our hopes and dreams, Subaru has no plans to sell an STI variant of the latest generation of WRX sedan. That does not mean the brand is not interested in making more interesting versions of the existing WRX, but even something as satisfying as the new WRX TR is still far from an STI. That trend continues with a new Japanese-market car, the limited edition WRX S4 STI Sport♯.

WRX S4 STI Sport♯ is meant to be pronounced WRX S4 STI Sport Sharp, a needlessly alliterative name made all the more confusing by the usage of the STI badge. Think of this less like a facsimile of a WRX STI and more like a BMW M Sport model, something that features accessories and advantages from the brand's performance division but falls short of earning that division's full endorsement as an official model.

In other words, this is definitely not a WRX STI. Instead, it is a collection of STI accessories added to an existing WRX that also receives a suspension tune that, per Subaru, is meant to "improve handling stability and provide a higher ride quality." Outside, the Sport♯ is differentiated by a black grille, side-view mirror cover, roof antenna, trunk spoiler, and badging. Inside, it gets Recaro seats, extensive Ultrasuede trim, and silver stitched accents. Performance accessories include sway bars, a transmission fluid cooler, a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5s, and BBS wheels separately designed for the front and rear, but the car adds no horsepower over a standard WRX.

Subaru says that just 500 examples of the WRX S4 STI Sport♯ will be built for the Japanese market, all priced at the equivalent of $43,000. Since production is so limited, buyers will have to win rights to a purchase slot by entering a lottery at Japanese Subaru dealers. Results of that lottery will be announced on February 1.

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