--- title: "Subaru’s Killing the WRX in Japan for Now: TDS" date: "2026-03-19" modified: "2026-03-19" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/subarus-killing-the-wrx-in-japan-for-now-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Subaru’s Killing the WRX in Japan for Now: TDS ![2025 Subaru WRX tS in blue.]() *\Subaru\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Quick, tight, and dense, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news bubbling around the globe and places it all in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. The first cup of coffee is gone and I'm ready for a second, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Currently I'm driving a 2026 Nissan Armada Pro-4X and adore the chunky buttons, knobs, and toggles on the dashboard. 🪦 Orders for the [Subaru WRX will cease in Japan]() on May 18 with the current car winding down due to not meeting upcoming emissions and noise regulations in its home country; Subaru has only said there's no news to share in terms of the WRX in the U.S., and the nameplate isn't expected to be discontinued, but its fate both in Japan, and America, are not yet clear. 🔋 [Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said]() the automaker has not [killed its EV plans](), rather the timeline has shifted with development still taking place and the first electric model now arriving after 2030; the Lanzador 2+2 concept, which was supposed to be a preview of the automaker's first EV, will go into production but will now feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 🔋 Mercedes-Benz [AMG showed its upcoming lineup]() to dealers in Sindelfingen, Germany and it includes three electric AMGs including a low-slung coupe, a crossover SUV, and a sporty, sloped-roof SUV variant; the convertible G-Class was also reportedly shown. 🚙 [Ineos has entered the rental car fleet game]() as Hertz prepares to stock the Grenadier SUV at 21 airport locations in the U.S. starting this spring. 🚨 [Volkswagen recalled 48,165 Jetta sedans]() due to a fire risk related to possibly having an unconnected transmission ground wire. 🪦 BMW will [kill the current i4]() as the [new i3 sedan]() launches. 🔋 BMW [product boss Bernd Körber said]() the company "will always look into sports cars; EVs have a space in sports cars. So I would say not unlikely, but not something that will be imminently launched next year." 💰 Koenigsegg is preparing to [possibly go public with an IPO]() to raise cash to boost production. ✨ The [first new Alpina models]() from BMW will be based on the 7-Series and X7. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()