Subaru hasn't built a proper STI model in the US in years—not since the previous WRX STI bowed out in 2021. While the company has previously said that a new gas-powered STI isn’t in the cards, its latest concept has us thinking otherwise. This car looks shockingly close to production.
At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Subaru unveiled not one but two STI concepts. The first, the Performance-E STI, is a fully electric, far-flung vision of a potential battery-powered performance car. But it’s the Performance-B STI concept that we’re really interested in.
Seemingly based on the current second-generation WRX (VB) model sold in the US, the Performance-B STI transforms the sedan into a five-door and adds a full suite of STI-specific upgrades. It sports new front and rear splitters, side skirts, a hood scoop, custom wheels, red accents, and a massive rear wing.
Subaru hasn’t specified what engine powers the concept, only confirming that the Performance-B uses "a horizontally opposed [combustion] engine." The most likely candidate is a modified version of the WRX’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer, though the jury is still out. Our colleagues at Motor1 Italy captured the concept in person at the Japan Mobility Show:
Beyond that, the STI concept is essentially a WRX five-door with a few extra touches—not that we’re complaining. From the live photos we’ve seen, the interior appears nearly identical to the current WRX—aside from a few STI badges—complete with a six-speed manual transmission and a large central touchscreen.
Given the recent EV downturn, it wouldn’t be surprising if Subaru reconsidered its stance and brought back the STI name on a gas-powered performance car. With WRX sales currently sluggish as well, this concept could be exactly what Subaru needs right now.
