by Subaru has decided to reclaim its reputation as a brand for enthusiasts and brought two STI novelties to the Japan Mobility Show 2025 at once: the gasoline-powered Subaru Performance-B STI and the electric Subaru Performance-E STI. Both clearly hint at the revival of the legendary WRX STI spirit that fans have been waiting for since 2021.
In recent years, Subaru has repeatedly used the STI badge for special versions of the WRX, but in fact, these were cosmetic packages and suspension tuning — without the explosive dynamics that once made STI cult. Now the Japanese directly acknowledge: sportiness is lacking, fans are tired of waiting, and it’s time to bring back the real “STI”.
The first concept — Subaru Performance-B STI — is built on the basis of the new Impreza. Aggressive aerodynamic body kit, wide wheel arches with ventilation channels — it looks bold, even a bit “angry”. Although technical details have not yet been revealed, it is obvious that under the hood is a turbocharged boxer engine with over 300 hp, a manual transmission, and the signature all-wheel drive. Such a hot hatch could easily get a limited series for Japan and the USA, where interest in powerful gasoline cars is again at its peak.
The second prototype — Subaru Performance-E STI — is electric. It is a large liftback with a flat battery and at least two electric motors. For now, it is a mock-up, but the logic is simple: Europe will not get the gasoline STI due to strict environmental standards, so a charged electric Subaru could occupy this niche. The problem is different — fans are not yet ready to completely give up the sound of the boxer engine and the driving feel, which is hard to replicate with a heavy battery.
Even Porsche acknowledges reality: the new 718, which was planned to be fully electric, will now get an internal combustion engine to avoid losing authenticity. Subaru is thinking in the same direction — and is looking for a balance between traditional mechanics and an electric future.
It seems the brand has had enough experiments with “light-STI”. Both Performance-B and Performance-E are a direct signal: Subaru is not ready to give up its sporting glory to others. And if at least one of these concepts goes into production, fans will finally have a reason to dream about a real “STI” again.
