Sweetener
Is the high-performance gasoline hatchback dead? Not according to Subaru. With this Subaru Performance-B STI Concept, the Japanese are sending a strong signal. There will indeed be another sporty STI model with a gasoline engine. However, it doesn’t forget about EVs. There will also be a very powerful electric STI performer!
In 2021, Subaru presented the WRX: a sedan that leaned heavily on the Levorg. The four-door had crossover-like styling around the wheel arches and was quite sporty according to WRX tradition. A significantly more powerful and sportier STI version never materialized, much to the dismay of many Subaru enthusiasts. Subaru is now making up for this in a way. On the show floor of the Japan Mobility Show, there are two previews of new sporty STI models. One is electric, the other simply has a combustion engine again!
We’ll start with the latter. After all, it’s quite rare these days for an automaker to dare to present a new hot hatch with a gasoline engine. The show debutant is called the Subaru Performance-B STI Concept and comes across as quite bold with its aggressive bumper work, substantial rear wing, side skirts, and hood scoop. Subaru doesn’t provide technical specifications, but it does say that the device has a boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It has a manual transmission and likely a more powerful version of the powertrain that delivers 275 hp in the WRX. We’re betting that Subaru won’t settle for less than 400 hp. The model itself looks far too concrete to be just a show car. Even if you mentally remove all the spoiler and wing work, what remains is a production-ready looking and previously unknown hatchback.
This Subaru Performance-B STI Concept looks like it could be in the showroom right away.
Electric STI
There’s more. Subaru is bringing another sporty STI model to Tokyo. It’s called the Subaru Performance-E STI and it’s also a hatchback, although it looks more elongated than its gasoline equivalent standing next to it. This show car is also adorned with spoiler work all around and even has WRX STI characteristic wheels with a gold tint. This study model looks less production-ready than the Performance-B STI Concept, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s just a random idea. On the contrary. Subaru is taking the STI label into the EV era. You can bet that there will be a derivative of this show car as well.
Less concrete, but possibly even bolder: the electric Subaru Performance-E STI Concept.