LATEST NEWS
Subby sensations - one for now, another for the future?
Richard Bosselman
October 30, 2025
Subaru Technica International has pulled the covers off two engaging power plays.
PETROL-WED dreamers hoping the world can somehow turn back to the halcyon WRC-conquering days will be praying it’s the one with a combustion engine.
Pragmatists who accept electric is a more certain path will likely put their faith in the future-looking one very probably driven by dual motors.
But perhaps there’s a future for both of the concepts presented at the Japan Mobility Show yesterday by Subaru’s famous STi performance division.
Having one fuelled by petrol and other other by battery suggests Subaru Technica International is having a bet ether way.
Perhaps. As much as it’s good to see STi proposing a bold new future for its endeavours, it was very much charged several years ago to stop developing petrol product and instead start looking to creating a battery blitzer.
With that in mind, it’s worth spelling out that the Performance-B STI concept (below) that drinks fossil fuel is based on the current-generation Impreza WRX.
It sports all the usuals inherent to an STi effort …. so, a new front and rear splitters, side skirts, a bonnet scoop, custom wheels, red accents, and a massive rear wing.
Subaru hasn’t specified what engine powers the concept, only confirming that the Performance-B uses “a horizontally opposed engine.” The most likely candidate is a modified version of the WRX’s turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer.
The interior is as per the current WRX. The show cars is a six-speed manual.
The Performance-E STI, on the other hand, presents as an EV that “represents the future of the performance scene”, according to the brand.
But it seems more of a work in progress. Show attendees noted that while the electric model showcases its exterior design in its entirety, there’s no technical detail to go with it.
Given this, and despite STi having previously very firmly said it has stopped making petrol cars, it could be the Performance-B - the first pukka STi petrol car for several years (no, you cannot count the current Spec B, as it’s a factory car with STi kit, rather than a product specifically conceived by the sports division) - might come on sale, as a fill-in until the electric model is fully good to go.
The electric is far more future-looking in shape, with its swept-back design, bold creases, slim lighting elements and a large wing that’s a bit different. From the side it looks like it has a giant rear spoiler, but those who've seen it in the plastic and metal say the little winglets either side of the rear hatch aren’t actually connected in the middle.
Subaru says the electric concept has “outstanding aerodynamics and practicality, with a design that evokes the brand’s heritage while providing a driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior.”
“By incorporating various innovative technologies, this concept model offers intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences”.