Enthusiasts are chomping at the bit for a new STI in America. Subaru hasn’t offered one since the final VA-generation model rolled off the line in 2021. Recently, though, the company unveiled two STI concepts—and with enough interest, one of them could eventually join the lineup.
At this year’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Subaru showcased two concepts: the Performance E-STI and the Performance-B STI. The Performance-E is an all-electric version of the brand’s beloved performance model, while the Performance-B is essentially a five-door Impreza with STI components. The big question, though, is whether either of these concepts will actually make it to production.
Speaking to Australia’s Drive, Subaru Corporation Product General Manager Masaaki Kobayashi didn’t dismiss the possibility. He explained that Subaru created the concepts to gauge fan interest—a common practice among automakers. The company wanted to demonstrate what electric and gasoline-powered STI models could look like in the current and future lineup.
"We want to offer the choice," Kobayashi-san said in the interview. "That’s the reason we showcased [two concepts], one as an ICE [internal combustion engine] and one as a BEV [battery electric vehicle]."
Unfortunately, the company still hasn’t committed to producing a new STI—be it electric or gasoline-powered. That said, Kobayashi-san did suggest that with enough interest from fans, Subaru might be willing to reconsider.
"This is the first time we [have] shown it to the public, so maybe we want to know what the customers think, maybe we get the feedback from the customers then we will think [about production versions]," Kobayashi-san said.
Of course, that’s a big "what if." Subaru has previously said that a new gas-powered STI is unlikely as its performance division shifts toward an all-electric future. But with EV enthusiasm cooling—especially in the US—Subaru could potentially reconsider and bring a new gas STI to market.
For that to happen, though, fans need to make their voices heard.
Source: Drive
