Some new trademark filings has us pondering the possibilities.Rear side of a blue Subaru Performance-E STI concept car with illuminated red taillights and a large rear spoiler.Subaru is apparently very serious about revamping its STI lineup and more. New trademark filings with the global World Intellectual Property Office show the Japanese automaker is prepping some new future models.But they’re not exactly names that anyone’s ever heard of before. Among the trademark filings were some new badges, such as “ACX” and “VPX,” along with versions with “STI” appended to them (1, 2).AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile one of the names is familiar in the world of Subaru, the other has us and fans really pondering about.The new names could indicate new electric models, or a BRZ successorThe Subaru BRZ is nearing the end of its production run, which has fans wondering about its future. - Credit: SubaruIt was just a couple of weeks ago when our pals down yonder caught wind of some new trademark filings by Subaru. Two of which were also the “ACX” and “ACX STI.”According to their assessment, speculation suggests the ACX could be teeing up to replace the BRZ as Subaru prepares a next-gen successor. That’s because Subaru’s naming convention usually sticks with full-lettered words, as opposed to short letter combinations.Subaru’s latest trademark filings align with some of the brand’s past naming conventions, which led to models like the SVX. - Credit: SubaruThe BRZ is the only naming exception within Subaru’s lineup. Additionally, Subaru previously used the “ACX” nameplate to designate the prototype that eventually gave birth to the production XT and SVX from the ’80s and ’90s.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith the latest development, the same rumors remain. But the added icing on the cake, which really has fans pondering about, is the filing for the “ACX STI” nameplate.While trademark filings tend to be a hit or miss in terms of providing clues to future products, they still have Subaru and Japanese sports car fans wondering. Especially since the BRZ is nearing the end of its series production lifecycle and everyone’s wondering what’s next.Subaru used the “ACX” badge to designate the prototypes for what eventually would become the production XT. - Credit: SubaruSome think the ACX could be the BRZ’s successor. And the inclusion of the ACX STI badge also has enthusiasts wondering if Subaru’s actually preparing a spicier version of its sports coupe. Presuming the ACX is the BRZ’s successor.As for the “VPX,” it could be anyone’s guess. The Fuji Heavy Industries-owned automaker is currently in the midst of formulating its future product strategy as the brand prepares to make its transition to an all-electric future.A Subaru “VPX” is a new oneSubaru’s STI division revealed the Performance-E Concept last year to announce their comeback plans as the automaker’s performance division. - Credit: SubaruWhile it’s not a major priority for the brand, especially with others dialing back their EV efforts. The projected long-term future of most, if not all automakers, still appears to remain all-electric. Thus, Subaru is reportedly getting its ducks in a row to reveal some new electric models.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe VPX could be one of them, particularly since Subaru has a history of using the letter “X” to designate experimental models. The automaker did the same when it was first developing the Impreza-based WRX, which stood for “World Rally eXperimental.” And we all know how that one ended up.The Fuji Heavy Industries-owned automaker is still eying an electric future. - Credit: SubaruOther rumors suggest the VPX badge could be reserved for some future experimental racecars. Especially since Subaru is ramping up its STI division once again.Earlier this year and in late 2025, Subaru revealed some new STI-based concepts to tell the world that they want to make fun sports cars again. With STI on the path to coming back, the news just has fans contemplating the possibilities.Fans are still waiting for a true WRX STI successor, which the Performance-B teased in October 2025. - Credit: SubaruMost purists are crossing their fingers for the revival of the WRX STI. But these new nameplates could imply that Subaru’s building out its performance division beyond the traditional examples.AdvertisementAdvertisementWho would say no to more Subaru STI models?About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google
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