After nearly five years of absence, Subaru’s legendary STI performance division is finally making a comeback. The Japanese automaker has confirmed that two STI-themed concept cars will debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, marking the start of a new era for Subaru’s high-performance lineup.
At the upcoming exhibition, Subaru will showcase two distinct STI concepts — one fully electric and the other based on the brand’s iconic boxer engine reflecting its dual approach to performance in the electric age.
While Subaru has a reputation for teasing enthusiasts with concept models that rarely reach production, this time the signs appear far more promising. The two vehicles, dubbed Performance-E STI Concept and Performance-B STI Concept, represent Subaru’s vision for the future of performance engineering.
The Performance-E STI Concept is designed to illustrate Subaru’s next step toward electrified performance, blending dynamic styling with everyday usability. Early images reveal a sleek front fascia with slim LED headlights, reminiscent of the Tesla Model 3, and a hatchback profile a notable shift from the traditional WRX sedan silhouette that has defined the STI lineage for decades.
This model is expected to demonstrate Subaru’s capability to combine zero-emission technology with the brand’s trademark driving engagement and control.
Meanwhile, the Performance-B STI Concept takes a more traditional yet aggressive approach, channeling the spirit of classic Subaru performance. Based on its shape, the model appears to draw inspiration from the WRX or the Levorg a high-performance station wagon sold in Japan — featuring a prominent rear wing, long roofline, and bold aerodynamic contours.
Subaru describes the concept as a vehicle that “balances power and practicality” while “flexibly integrating existing technologies,” a clear indication that it uses a hybrid powertrain built around the boxer engine and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
At a time when several global automakers are slowing their transition toward full electrification, Subaru’s decision to introduce both electric and hybrid STIs is seen as a strategic step. The hybrid setup helps the brand meet global emission standards while allowing the return of STI performance in a more sustainable, modern form.
Although reports previously suggested that Subaru had shelved plans for a new STI generation, the company’s latest announcement hints at renewed momentum. Rumors about the revival of STI performance cars have been circulating since last year — and now, with these two concept models, that speculation seems closer than ever to becoming reality.
Whether one of these two vehicles eventually evolves into a production model remains to be seen, but for enthusiasts around the world, the legendary STI nameplate may soon rise again — more powerful, electrified, and ready for the future.
