Subaru will debut a new prototype with carbon-neutral Boxer engine at the Japan Mobility Show.
The new engine supports E20 fuel and electrification, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid formats.
Prototype to race at Fuji 24h in 2026, testing symmetrical AWD system used in motorsports.
Subaru looks to be preparing to unveil a new prototype vehicle at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in October. The model is expected to preview a next-generation WRX and will feature a newly developed horizontally opposed Boxer engine.
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The new powertrain will reportedly support E20 carbon-neutral fuel and has been designed with future electrification in mind. Subaru is said to be exploring hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations for the engine, though official specifications have not yet been disclosed.
The vehicle will incorporate an updated version of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, derived from its racing experience in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series. Subaru has confirmed the prototype will take part in the 2026 Fuji 24 Hours endurance race, continuing the automaker’s approach of testing future technology in motorsports.
A teaser image released by Subaru depicts a silhouette resembling the WRX, featuring what looks to be a hood scoop and seriously prominent aerodynamic features, including massively flared fenders. Though no official name has been confirmed, Japanese publication Best Car Web reports the model is widely believed to be WRX-related.
The development was formally announced during this year’s Fuji 24 Hours race. Subaru executives, including Chief Technology Officer Tetsuo Fujinuki and company president Atsushi Osaki, were present at the event. Fujinuki stated, “We want to value customers who choose Subaru. We will continue to make cars that will help them do so.” In other words, we want to keep our fans and supporters happy.
The current generation WRX was launched in 2022 without an STI variant, marking a departure from previous models. Subaru has since unveiled the S210 prototype, described as the highest-performance STI-developed model to date, though it is expected to remain exclusive to the Japanese market.
Subaru has not indicated whether the new engine or prototype will lead to a future WRX STI or global performance variant.
