Subaru has revealed an STI variant of the current WRX, called the S210 Prototype. It will only be sold in Japan, uses an automatic transmission, and makes less power than the last WRX STI.

Last year, we got the chance to drive the Subaru WRX tS, and with an upgraded suspension and brakes, it proved to be pretty darn fun to drive, as well as track-capable. At the time, we said it was as close to a new STI as we were going to get,

Only 500 copies of the 296-hp WRX STI will make it to production, and it's unclear if any are destined for America.

Limited to just 500 units, the Subaru WRX S210 STI gets so close to being the performance sedan we've been waiting for, but it doesn't quite get there.

The WRX STI S210 is the most powerful version of the current-generation model with 296 hp from the upgraded 2.4-liter boxer engine

The latest Subaru WRX doesn’t live up to the lofty standards set by its Impreza WRX forebears, not least because it’s been missing a truly driver-focused version in the mould of the old 22B or RB5. But with the new WRX S210 STI,

There are many WRX special editions, but only this one is a full-fat STI, according to Subie. It's not perfect, though.

Subaru could soon add the option of a six-speed manual transmission to its flagship WRX tS sedan, the only variant that's currently CVT-only.