Ever since the last Japan Mobility Show, Subaru has shown promise in bringing back the iconic Subaru Tecnica International (STI) badge to its rightful glory. After the Gunma-based brand teased its showcase at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, fans were livid to find that it’s another WRX trim.

However, the WRX STI Sport# Prototype is still exciting news for Japanese owners as it hints at the return of the six-speed manual transmission in its domestic market. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine (FA24) still produces 271hp and 350Nm as before.

In terms of appearance, it features numerous slim aero bits on the front, the sides, and the rear, all painted in the signature STI pink. Wrapped around the sakura-style 19-inch wheels are 245/35-series Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, with six-pot front and two-pot rear Brembo brakes and ventilated discs.

Also announced on the show floor were new STI Performance models, which seem to be appearance packages at best. The Impreza ST-H hatchback is fitted with subtle yet sharp accessories that mimic its racing equivalent.

Both the Levorg (WRX Wagon) and the WRX S4 receive the STI Sport R-Black Limited II treatment with a set of matte-black 18-inch wheels, front Recaro seats with matching yellow accents, and a fresh coat of Sunrise Yellow.

In more exciting news, Subaru will continue to utilize the WRX platform in on- and off-road competition. The WRX NBR Challenge will return to the Nurburgring 24 Hours, with a claimed 6.5% power increase, aiming to be on top of the SP4T class and beyond. Meanwhile, former WRC driver Toshi Arai will further maintain the works team for the Japan Rally Championship.

In sports car racing, the BRZ GT300 will participate in the upcoming Super GT season, carrying a new engine. The EJ20, which has reliably powered the beast since 2012, is now being replaced by a new 3.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine.

While many fans had a lukewarm reception for the WRX STI Sport#, not many saw the showpiece in the form of a race-ready hatchback. Its upcoming Super Taikyu entry resembled the Performance-B STI Concept from the last Japan Mobility Show.

Rocking the wildest FA24 setup from the factory, this endurance racer will serve as a test bed for carbon-neutral fuels, which are expected to be integrated into future performance models for countries with strict emission testing, such as Japan and Europe.

Could this be the future WRX STI that enthusiasts have clamored for since its discontinuation? We have our fingers crossed as tight as a knot that the badge meant business.