Is the 2026 Subaru WRX 22B Edition a real factory model?

No. The 22B Edition described here is a fan-made CGI concept inspired by the classic Impreza 22B STI. Subaru has produced limited Series.Yellow models for 2026, but a factory 22B-style WRX has not been announced.

What performance upgrades would a WRX 22B Edition likely include?

A realistic 22B-inspired package would pair an upgraded 2.4-liter FA24F turbo engine tuned above stock output (targeting 300+ hp), a six-speed manual transmission, Brembo braking system with slotted/drilled rotors, lowered and stiffer suspension, and weight-saving measures like removed rear seats and a roll cage.

Why are WRX sales declining and how could special editions help?

WRX sales have fallen amid broader market shifts toward crossovers and changing consumer preferences. Special editions and heritage-inspired models serve as halo products that reignite enthusiast interest, raise brand visibility, and can drive showroom traffic despite being low-volume.

How does a WRX 22B concept compare to the BRZ/GR86 and the original 22B STI?

Compared with the BRZ/GR86, a WRX 22B would emphasize AWD torque and turbocharged power rather than the lightweight, balanced handling of the coupe twins. Relative to the original Impreza 22B STI, a modern WRX 22B would need to balance contemporary safety, emissions, and packaging requirements while trying to capture the original’s rally-focused character.

Imagined 2026 Subaru WRX 22B Edition: A Rally-Inspired Revival Rendered in CGI

4 Minutes

While Toyota’s GR86 Yuzu Edition already hinted at this yellow wave, the bigger headline is that Subaru still keeps the WRX name alive amid falling sales. This piece explores a fan-made CGI concept — the imagined 2026/2027 Subaru WRX 22B Edition — and what a modern tribute to the classic Impreza 22B STI could look like in terms of design, performance, and market positioning.

Design & Visuals

Exterior Styling

The 22B-inspired render retains the WRX’s four-door layout but borrows key visual cues from the original rally coupe: a revised front bumper with STI-branded fog lamp covers, deleted plastic fender flares for a cleaner wheel arch, bronze six-spoke wheels, and a massive black rear wing. The overall stance is lower and more aggressive, aimed at signaling track intent while keeping road usability.

Interior & Track-Focused Details

The concept imagines a stripped cabin with deleted rear seats, a full roll cage, and motorsport-oriented bolstered front seats. These touches emphasize weight reduction and driver focus — common themes in limited-edition performance models and aftermarket WRX builds.

Performance & Specifications (Hypothetical)

Although the CGI artist provided no official figures, a plausible spec sheet for a WRX 22B Edition would include:

Engine: Upgraded 2.4-liter FA24F turbo boxer (tuned beyond stock output)
Power: Estimated north of 300 hp for a true performance uplift
Transmission: Six-speed manual to preserve driver engagement
Brakes & Chassis: Brembo brakes with slotted/drilled rotors, lowered stiffer suspension, reinforced chassis with roll cage
Wheels/Tires: Bronze six-spoke wheels wrapped in high-performance tires

These upgrades align with common limited-edition performance sediment: more power, better brakes, firmer suspension, and driver-focused control.

Market Positioning & Sales Context

Subaru of America reported mixed results across its lineup through August, with total year-to-date sales around 437,000 vehicles. Models such as BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, and Solterra grew, but Ascent, Impreza, Outback, and WRX showed notable declines. WRX fell approximately 38.6%, raising questions about the model’s future.

Limited editions like tS grades and SERIES.YELLOW act as brand halo cars — low-volume, high-visibility launches intended to stimulate interest among enthusiasts. A WRX 22B Edition, even as a fan-made concept, highlights how heritage-inspired special editions can reinforce Subaru’s rally roots and appeal to buyers seeking performance sedans.

Comparisons

Compared with the BRZ and Toyota GR86 (including the GR86 Yuzu Edition), a hypothetical WRX 22B would emphasize all-wheel-drive performance and turbocharged torque, rather than the BRZ/GR86’s naturally aspirated, lightweight balance. Compared to the original Impreza 22B STI, a modern interpretation must reconcile emissions, safety, and four-door practicality while capturing the original’s rally spirit.

Conclusion — Revival or Niche Tribute?

The CGI WRX 22B Edition is a compelling reminder of Subaru’s storied motorsport past. Whether Subaru will commit to a factory 22B-style performance WRX remains uncertain, but fan projects show demand exists among enthusiasts. For now, special editions and tuning culture keep the rally flame alive even as Subaru focuses heavily on crossovers and electrified models.

Key Takeaways

The WRX’s decline in sales makes limited-run performance editions an important brand strategy.
A 22B-inspired WRX would likely feature an upgraded FA24F, Brembo brakes, manual gearbox, and track-focused chassis upgrades.
Fan-rendered concepts demonstrate continuing enthusiasm for rally-inspired Subaru performance cars despite market shifts toward SUVs and electrification.

Source: autoevolution

Join Smarti telegram channel