Subaru has pulled the wraps off its pair of STI-themed concept cars at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. One is an electric vehicle called the Performance-E STI concept, while the other, called the Performance-B STI concept, is gas-powered. Subaru states the electric one represents the future of the “Performance Scene,” while the gas STI concept shows off the brand’s current “Performance Scene.”
Indeed, the Performance-B STI concept looks far more production-ready compared to the slick styling of the electric Performance-E model. Both cars are four-door hatchbacks – a wonderful nod to some of the best STI models ever made – but the B model has far more detail in its styling. It includes things like large sideview mirrors, door handles, and regulation lighting. The electric version, meanwhile, lacks those required items and wears simpler, less adorned body panels with an aggressive face.
What Do These STI Concepts Mean?
Subaru has provided very little information about these concept cars. What everyone wants to know is if their very existence signals that Subaru is ready to get back into the STI game. The company stopped selling its halo performance model after the 2021 model year, at which time it cited tougher emissions regulations and an unclear future regarding electrification as reasons why. Hopefully, after four years without an STI, Subaru has figured out what it wants to do.
The fact it has presented us with two distinct concepts seems like a big clue. It could be the case that Subaru plans to bring back the STI as a gas-powered model first for one last combustion-based hurrah. A few years down the road, that car might then be replaced by a purely electric STI that brings shocking levels of power to the all-wheel-drive (AWD) rally monster.
There’s another interpretation to consider: perhaps Subaru is observing reactions to both concepts to determine which gets built and which gets shelved. With the pullback in demand for electric vehicles, particularly in the U.S., Subaru might not be comfortable building an all-electric STI model until it determines that is what its customers want. These two concepts could essentially be the public’s chance to vote on what will power the next STI.
TopSpeed’s Take
While we’re not afraid of the inevitable transition to electric vehicles, based on design alone, we’d vote for the Performance-B STI model to make it to production. The thing looks ready to roll down the production line as is, and we love some of its design details, such as the air extracting outlets behind the rear wheels and its massive rear wing.
That said, whether the next STI has an internal combustion engine or not, the STI will, at some point, transition to electricity. Our guess is an STI EV will bring huge power gains over what STIs have had in the past. Coupled with its relatively small size and a rally-bred AWD system, an electric STI will likely become one of the best electric performance bargains on the planet. It’s only a matter of time.
While the standard-issue WRX has been holding down the fort well enough in the STI’s absence, we’re eager for the two to reunite and give Subaru’s performance car portfolio a boost. These two concept cars likely conceal what Subaru’s intentions are regarding a future STI. It’s just a matter of reading the tea leaves correctly.
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