Subaru WRX 30th anniversary special edition in the works for next year

The Subaru WRX is poised to receive 30th anniversary special-edition treatment next year – solving the mystery of recent spy photos that appear to show an upgraded model.

The turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan that helped redefine performance for a generation of car enthusiasts went on sale in 1994 and developed an instant cult following.

The turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive grip that made it a weapon in the World Rally Championship quickly found favour among hot-hatch fans and high-speed criminals alike.

And while the crooks have since moved onto more expensive and more powerful getaway cars, the Subaru WRX still has a loyal following of hardcore enthusiasts.

Now it seems the passion for the Subaru WRX will soon be rewarded with a 30th anniversary special edition.

It remains to be seen whether there will be a power bump for the Subaru WRX's turbocharged engine – an expensive and exhaustive process as it would require a new round of emissions testing – however spy photos appear to show handling could get an upgrade (including with bigger wheels and lower-profile tyres), to accompany some cosmetic cues.

When asked why fresh spy photos of the Subaru WRX had emerged even though the vehicle is already on sale, the boss of Subaru Australia Blair Read told Drive:

"We don't comment on future model plans but next year is 30 years of WRX and ... you'd want bring something good to the party."

It is unclear how many special editions would be allocated to Australia – if the Subaru WRX 30th Anniversary model gets the green light – however one enthusiast has already floated the idea of 555 examples, a nod to the original team sponsor in the World Rally Championship.

When asked if the 30th anniversary edition could spark a revival of the Subaru WRX STI badge – the even higher-performance version of the WRX – Mr Read said: "We stick to our word, so we wouldn't bring back an STI when we've told customers (the WRX STI badge has been retired for this generation of WRX)."

When asked what a special edition Subaru WRX would likely include, Mr Read said: "There are a few good enhancements at work. This will do justice to the WRX nameplate."

When asked about a possible revival of the Subaru WRX STI badge at a later date, Mr Read said: "With the news that was announced (about the retirement of the WRX STI badge for this generation) that was tough news for loyalists. But they're still there, they haven't disappeared ... and the cars that did wear the STI badge were very special and they are still very special."