Subaru Reveals Two Hugely Different STI Concepts At Tokyo Show
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Subaru just dropped two wildly different visions for the future of its STI performance brand at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, and they couldn’t be more different if they tried.
Performance-B – What (most) fans have been asking for
The Performance-B STI appears to be what Subaru fans have been begging for over the better part of 10 years. Many wanted a new STI, a hatchback, and the plastic cladding gone. Subaru delivered on all three.
Based on the current Impreza, Subaru revealed the concept has a “a horizontally-opposed engine”, which many expect to be a turbocharged FA24 boxer-four.
Thankfully, fans at the show confirmed it retains the six-speed manual and an actual handbrake.
Expected to produce over 300 horsepower, it also features Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) and multi-mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
The Performance-B gets styling features you’d expect, such as a massive rear wing, flared (and painted!) fenders with huge vents, and a selection of hood cut-outs.
In the cabin, alongside the correct number of pedals, fans at the show are pleased to share that it has Recaro bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and physical controls.
Although it’s a concept, rumors are swirling that Subaru is set to race this car next year, which would make production far more likely if true.
Despite checking all the boxes, initial reactions to the concept remain mixed. Some fans love it, while others aren’t sold on the styling. You can’t please everyone.
Given how most things are heading in the high-performance sector, we’re just grateful to see them sticking with a traditional engine… Which brings us to the next point.
Performance-E – The (controversial) electric future
Alongside the Performance-B, they also showed off the Performance-E STI concept. According to Subaru, it’s “a battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept model that represents the future of the Performance Scene, spearheading Subaru’s new generation.”
The four-door hatchback features dual-axle electric motors and AWD, and the aerodynamic design bins the typical huge rear wing STIs are known for. Instead, it features dual winglets on the rear hatch.
It’s certainly different, and the wild gold wheels with massive calipers behind certainly get your attention, even if it’s a little more tame on the whole.
While the Performance-B looks realistic and ready for production, the Performance-E looks too much like a concept car, and it’s unlikely it’ll be ready to hit showrooms anytime soon.
Unsurprisingly, fans are once again arguing about whether they like it or not. Let’s be honest, though. EVs will always be controversial, especially with ICE purists.
Opinions aside, it’s great to see Subaru continuing the STI’s future after years of silence, even if it looks like it’ll eventually steer towards the (seemingly inevitable) EV path.
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
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