Rally fans, get ready - Subaru isn’t done with STI just yet. The brand will unveil two new concept cars at the Japan Mobility Show, showing off its high-performance future in both electric and petrol forms.
The Performance-E STI Concept is the more radical of the two. It’s a fully electric model that Subaru says will “spearhead a new generation” of performance cars. While the teaser image doesn’t reveal much, the slim headlights, sharp lines and dramatic stance confirm it’s a full concept rather than a near-production prototype.
The design ditches Subaru’s traditional blue-and-gold rally look for a dusty pale blue finish and copper wheels, with a subtle touch of STI’s trademark pink on the front bumper badge - a nod to the brand’s roots.
Alongside it will be the Performance-B STI Concept, a petrol-powered model clearly based on the current WRX. It features a more aggressive grille, reshaped bonnet and bold front wings. Subaru has confirmed it will use a horizontally opposed engine paired with the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system - a setup that’s defined STI models for decades.
While Subaru hasn’t released detailed specs yet, fans are hopeful this could hint at the long-awaited return of a true WRX STI. Current versions, such as the WRX tS in the US and Australia, stop short of delivering the full-fat performance upgrades enthusiasts crave.
We’ll find out more about Subaru’s plans soon, but one thing’s clear - STI is coming back with power, passion and two very different paths for the future.
