Subaru previews two all-new STI concepts

Both battery and combustion power coming for 'future of the Performance Scene'

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 15 October 2025 / Loading comments

A few things are guaranteed when the Tokyo show comes around. There’ll be something truly wild from Toyota (that they might actually make), something random from Mitsubishi to remind the world they still exist, then a couple of really cool concepts from Subaru that won’t go anywhere from the show floor. Remember the Electric Record Attempt that was going to the Nurburgring? Exactly.

For 2025, there are two STI models inbound: the Performance-E STI concept and the Performance-B STI. The latter follows the familiar script, just the teaser alone suggesting that it’ll resemble something that looks like a traditional STI four-door; Subaru says a boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive - ‘the assets Subaru has honed over many years’ - will feature, like every racy show saloon it shows. There’s not much more to say for now, other than the suggestion that this Performance-B will give more customers ‘the chance to experience the joy of driving’. So maybe the latest WRX will at last get an STI flagship, and be available to more than a few people in Japan.

The Performance-E concept is arguably more interesting, representing as it does the future of STI. And Subaru’s EVs have been more notable of late, thanks to cars like the battery-powered Outback and Uncharted. From what can be told right now, the Performance-E is going to be rather sportier than those, but beyond that it’s hard to tell; Subaru is promising both ‘outstanding’ aero as well as practicality, and those attributes don’t tend to go hand in hand. The design ‘evokes the brand’s heritage’, which inevitably makes you think of Imprezas, but perhaps could be more coupe-shaped. Let’s see - an electric STI feels more viable in 2025 than a turbocharged one. Whether it’s more desirable remains to be seen.

The STI concepts will be joined on Subaru’s Tokyo stand by the Hoonigan Huckster (any excuse to embed that video), plus new Foresters, Trailseekers and Outbacks. A line-up that would significantly benefit from some STI fairy dust to bring Subaru back on the enthusiast radar. Let’s hope these are the motor show previews that Subaru finally follows through with.