Two Subaru STI concepts teased for Tokyo debut

Subaru will debut two high-performance concept cars at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo later this month. These new STI builds offer a glimpse into the brand’s dual approach to performance — one steeped in its turbocharged heritage, and the other signalling its electric future.

The pair of concepts, developed by Subaru’s in-house tuning division, STI, is named Performance-B STI and Performance-E STI. While details remain scarce, teaser images reveal contrasting approaches to design and power — one powered by Subaru’s traditional boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, the other embracing full electrification.

Performance-B STI: Petrol power, WRX spirit

From the limited visuals shared, including the full-body silhouette, the Performance-B STI appears to draw heavily from the Subaru WRX, showcasing a more aggressive evolution of Subaru’s rally-inspired icon.

It features wider wheel arches, a thin red grille frame, and a reworked bumper with enlarged air intakes. At the rear, a large wing spoiler dominates the design, underscoring its motorsport credentials. Subaru confirms it will be powered by a boxer engine coupled with its signature symmetrical AWD system.

Given that there has not been a true STI performance flagship for the Subaru WRX lineup for the current generation, this new STI brings hope to the enthusiast buyers.

Performance-E STI: Subaru’s electric future

The Performance-E STI represents Subaru’s next chapter in performance motoring. Unlike its petrol counterpart, the electric concept features a grille-free front fascia, slimline headlights, and gold-trimmed alloy wheels that nod to classic STI design cues.

Its aerodynamic profile includes a roof-mounted spoiler, while Subaru promises “outstanding aerodynamics and practicality,” along with a “driver-friendly layout and comfortable, spacious interior.” 

Outback and Forester Wilderness on display

Subaru’s Tokyo display will also include prototypes of the Outback Wilderness, Forester Wilderness, and the Trailseeker, a rebadged sibling of the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV.

Both Subaru Wilderness models are already sold in the US, featuring rugged styling, raised suspension, and enhanced off-road capability. Their Japanese debut suggests that Subaru is preparing to expand the Wilderness sub-brand into Australia and other markets, although the exact launch timing remains unconfirmed.

Ken Block tribute: GL Family Huckster

Also sharing the stage is the Subaru GL Family Huckster, a wild collaboration between Subaru USA and Ken Block’s Hoonigan Racing team.

Based on the 1983 Subaru Leone (GL), the Huckster replaces most of its original bodywork with carbon-fibre panels and a tubular spaceframe chassis. Under the bonnet sits a four-cylinder boxer engine producing a massive 643kW, paired with a 6-speed sequential transmission and all-wheel drivetrain.