Subaru could be getting ready to launch a new era of performance cars. A pair of newly discovered trademarks has sparked speculation about the future of the BRZ and the STI name.
With Subaru already teasing bold new concepts, the rumors are starting to grow louder.
Subaru “ACX” Trademark Could Hint At The Next BRZ Successor
Subaru recently filed trademarks for the “ACX” and “ACX STI” names, and many believe the move could point toward the successor to the BRZ.
The current second-generation BRZ first arrived in 2021, and with the sports coupe now several years into production, attention is shifting toward what Subaru plans to do next.
For the past two generations, Subaru and Toyota worked together to develop the BRZ and GR86.
The partnership helped both brands keep an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car alive during a time when many automakers moved away from smaller enthusiast models.
Subaru has not announced whether Toyota will again play a role in the ACX project, and the company has not confirmed any production plans tied to the ACX name.
It also remains unclear whether the ACX will be an EV or a gas combustion engine, as Subaru hasn’t confirmed anything.
Many Japanese automakers are still uncertain about fully committing to EV or hybrid performance cars as stricter global emissions regulations continue to impact future vehicle development.
The trademark filings do suggest Subaru is planning more than one version of the car. The STI trademark hints at the possibility of a higher-performance variant carrying Subaru’s famous badge.
The ACX Badge Has Deep Roots In Subaru’s Sports Car History
The “ACX” name is not completely new to Subaru. The company previously used the badge during the 1980s for one of its sports coupe concept projects. Subaru used the “ACX-II” name for the conceptual prototype that eventually led to the production Subaru XT.
The timing is significant because the 1980s produced some of Subaru’s more unusual and memorable performance-focused designs. Models like the XT and SVX stood apart from traditional Subaru vehicles with futuristic styling and sporty ambitions.
Bringing back the ACX name could signal Subaru revisiting that experimental spirit for a modern generation.
The trademark filings also show Subaru may want to position the next car as more than just a simple BRZ replacement.
Reviving an older nameplate gives the company room to create a new identity while still connecting the project to Subaru’s performance history.
Subaru’s Recent STI Concepts Show The Brand Wants A New Halo Car
Subaru has already shown signs that it wants to return to building more exciting performance vehicles.
At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, the company revealed two new STI concepts called the Performance-E STI and Performance-B STI. The concepts gave fans a look at two very different directions Subaru could take in the future.
The Performance-E STI introduced Subaru’s first STI-focused EV concept. It featured an aggressive hatchback design with sharp bodywork, large brake kits, gold wheels, and a fully electric layout.
Subaru did not release performance numbers or battery details, but the concept showed the company is actively exploring electric performance cars.
The Performance-B STI stayed much closer to Subaru’s traditional formula. The concept used a turbocharged boxer engine paired with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Large fenders, dual exhaust tips, hood vents, and a massive rear wing gave the car a much more classic STI appearance.
Both concepts arrived as Subaru continues searching for its next true flagship performance model.
The “ACX” and “ACX STI” trademarks now add even more fuel to speculation that Subaru may finally be preparing its next major sports car project.
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