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Time to read 8 min
We go to every event, year after year, expecting to experience new things, meet new people, see the latest and greatest, and possibly be astounded by something we've never witnessed during the previous gathering. It would be silly not to admit that these are reasons we even invest the time to travel and spend a day or more amongst our peers and like-minded friends. The great team at Subie Events are well versed in setting the stage for excitement and surprise. So far this year they have served up a full docket of enthusiast fun for the Subaru community from their season launch of Connecticut's Wicked Big Meet in June, to their West coast festival romp at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia for Subiefest California in August, right up to the midway point this month with Boxerfest 2025 in York, PA on September 14th. Again, a full array of entertainment, vendors, and performance was on display, but the color and brightness on this one seemed to be amped up beyond that of years before.
On September 11, Subaru officially announced that special editions of two of their iconic performance platforms would be unveiled in public for the first time at this year's Boxerfest event. The car maker pulled no punches with their latest collectible siblings as their 2026 Subaru WRX and BRZ clothed in stunning Sunrise Yellow paint were on full display to bring the community into the first stages of infatuation then obsession. The color choice is quite familiar to many of the Subaru faithful as this shade has been exclusively offered on other Subaru models both in Japan and the United States. This Boxerfest introduction will guarantee that the most serious enthusiasts and collectors will seek and desire with force since Subaru has established a production cap keeping the manufacturing of both to only 350 units. Attendees at this event truly saw an exhibit of possibly two of Subaru's rarest new offerings in the North American market. According to Subaru's PR, pricing for the special yellow models "will be revealed closer to their respective release dates." Subaru added, "demand is expected to be high among collectors and enthusiasts alike."
The wide-eyed spectators were overjoyed learning that the glowing WRX is powered by a 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine and sure-footed with the much envied Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a set of Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires on 19-inch matte black wheels. To further ensure this car's handling capabilities, the revered team at Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has tuned the vehicle's suspension and smartly engineered the system with electronically controlled adjustable dampers, along with the maker's inclusion of Brembo® brakes to make this rarity another instant performance classic. Not overshadowed by pure performance offerings, the WRX will have both technology and style in the mix with yellow stitched Recaro® front seats, an approximately 12 inch digital instrument cluster, and infotainment system. Subaru will also deliver some difference with the BRZ by equipping the platform with a 228-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.4-liter BOXER® engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The STI team has also tuned the vehicle’s front and rear Hitachi® dampers while Subaru shoes the BRZ with Michelin Pilot® Sport tires, 18-inch matte black rims, and keeps the yellow-accenting style throughout the car's interior.
Alongside some exciting announcements and lifting of veils, the event brought its familiar energy and spirit through some inspiring displays of community creativity, dedicated enthusiast nostalgia, and driving from both admired pilots and industry pioneers. One buzz-worthy part of Boxerfest 2025 was the appearance of Yoichi Hori, Chairman and CEO of Subaru of America and the individual who is tasked with overseeing all of the company's U.S. based business operations. Obviously one of the top executive staff at Subaru, Hori is an experienced engineer, and also a passionate, lifelong automotive enthusiast who grew up following his desires as a mechanic and driver on both the track and in rally competition. He thrilled Boxerfest spectators by getting behind the wheel of the VT21x, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI Rallycross Supercar and providing the faithful with an impressive demonstration of power and ability. The Vermont SportsCar built VT21x was designed and engineered for the Nitro Rallycross competition and equipped with a 2.0L turbo BOXER® engine with over 600 horsepower. The advanced, aerodynamic vehicle was obviously not pushed to its extreme limits during his demo, but Hori showed his true metal as the U.S. brand leader, chief representative and supporter.
Of course, the rally superstar with its reinforced chassis, lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar body, and tank like personality was not enough to feed this diverse crowd, but there was plenty more on the agenda to satisfy. The event brought a number of new models to the stage including Subaru's 2026 Trailseeker, an all-electric, 375 horsepower, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive SUV Concept Vehicle with a reported 8.3 inches of ground clearance which opens the door to the car maker's journey into the EV adventure market. The crowd also saw the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid which can also be an attractive solution for the environmentally minded Subaru driver who might not be dedicated to track days or the performance lifestyle, but may just want an alternative to a mix of gas-powered adventuring, roomy family hauling, and their daily drive to the city. According to Subaru's specs, the new hybrid's powertrain combines a 2.0-liter boxer engine with two electric motors equalling approximately 194 horsepower for the chosen driver. Also, unless the majority of those in attendance had not heard the news over the past year, Subaru has made huge strides in the popularity race in the SUV market which brought a few 2025 models into the festival spotlight by showcasing this year's Crosstrek Wilderness, Outback Wilderness, and Forester Hybrid.
As always, no Subie event would be complete with a full schedule of activities to bring excitement and inspiration to the Subaru-loving masses. Whether you are on site to drool over some of the regions most inspired modifications, check out what is new and improved from some of the industry's premiere vendors, watch a few icon drivers show their talents in full view, or personally get involved in the festival yourself by competing individually or with members of your club, this past Boxer fest laid a perfect stage for your desires. Scanning the event grounds brought a nice view of cars, tents, and dusty air while the sound of roaring power broke through the audio vibration of conversation and laughter. Busy lines formed at a constant pace in front of the booths and tents hosted by a number of vendors including Subimods, Killer B Motorsport, Overtake, COBB Tuning, Billetworkz, XForce, IAG Performance, and too many more to mention here. Also, to make more of a direct connection to the community of dedicated organized drivers and enthusiasts in the region, there were a few car clubs on scene with Team Subiechick, Midnight Pretenders, Berks County Subaru Enthusiasts, Rochester Subaru Group, VB MAFIA, Keystone State Subies, Subaru Mechanics FB Group, and the crew from 845Subie bringing strong representation to BFest for 2025.
Hoofing along the pathways past the collection of tents would soon bring any anxious spectator to the action packed section of the event which is always a spark to the senses and inspiration. Boxerfest brought a nice treat to this year's audience as a couple of motorsports legends in the world of Subaru gave a familiar taste of what performance and talent look like in person. Travis Pastrana, co-founder of the Nitro Circus, a fan favorite, and admired motorsports star who has continuously pushed the envelope of performance and stunts through his career in freestyle motocross, rally racing, and NASCAR, was in attendance to thrill and bring smiles to all. Pastrana took to the event's open stage in the fondly nicknamed "Family Huckster", a custom 1983 Subaru GL, and performed an impressive Gymkhana demo, prompting a sea of applause and cheers. Another enthusiast influencer, skateboarder, legendary Subaru rally driver, and familiar smiling face in motorsports, Bucky Lasek appeared with the VT11x Subaru WRX STI Rallycross supercar called "Betty" to also demonstrate some of his skills and experience to the crowd of excited onlookers. His career spanning over 28 years has solidified his position as both a dedicated enthusiast, advocate, and inspiring energy source for the Subaru brand, and a welcoming conversationalist to all who attend these events.
Rounding out this great event is always the community participation and availability for a wide range of experience, talent, and creativity to push forward and continue to build a movement that has no intention of stopping its acceleration. This year also brought a number of learning options hosting Tech Seminars and educational segments including a "Rally 101" tech talk from Subaru co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino, "A Deep Dive into Speed Density" from CSTuned, "Aftermarket Tuning in a Regulated World" from the team at COBB Tuning, a MachV Motorsports segment called "Wheel and Tire Fitment", and "Benefits of Oils and Additives" from the folks at LIQUI MOLY. In addition to education came the pure creative inspiration part of the event with the Subimods sponsored "All-Subaru Car Show" which brought a wide selection of classic platforms spanning time and style over Subaru's cherished history. An array of entries from an army of faithful enthusiasts covered the competition including, "Best Old School Pre-1995", "Best Impreza 93-01", "Best WRX/STI 15-21", and "Best Off-Road" just to mention a few of the 15 categories judged for the event. Some winners of these sections went on to grab the final best awards, including "Best BRZ/FRS" winner Paul Simmons who climbed to clinch the event's top prize, "Best of Show". Finally "The Flat Four Showdown" allowed some Boxerfest participants to show their skills and clock their best time on the Autocross course which was carefully plotted and designed to safely help inspired drivers test the limits of their car and abilities while having fun and building memories with other members of the Subaru community. Beyond the speed, merchandise, conversations, and burning track, Boxerfest marked 2025 as another spectacular point in enthusiast history.
Have you had the opportunity to attend any of this year's events, including Wicked Big Meet, Subiefest California, or the recent Boxerfest? Are you inspired by someone you met at one of these events or by something you read in this article? Are you thinking about your own modification journey and wondering how to get started?
Look no further...
Subimods continues to concentrate on providing aftermarket innovations and products that take the Subaru platform of your choice to new levels in the present and the future, no matter if you choose a more exciting, dynamic daily drive, a more exhilarating weekend on the track, or a more aggressive adventure overland and in the wild.
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Bryon Turcotte - Managing Editor/Writer
Turcotte has worked as a writer, journalist, and digital content developer for 30 years. He began his career in music journalism in 1995 then worked for several years as both a staff writer, managing editor, and a freelancer for both regional and national music publications. Over the next three decades his contributions extended beyond the music industry as he served within the realms of higher education, science and technology, manufacturing, and finance. He has been serving as a content developer and writer on the Subimods Marketing team since August 2023.
