Photography courtesy Subaru
“We want to embody the joy of driving and the joy of handling, which are the foundation of Subaru,” Subaru said in its presentation at the Japan Mobility Show. The two prime examples of that? The Performance-E and Performance-B STI concepts.
Note: Presentation in Japanese.
Performance-E STI Concept
Subaru believes the Performance-E STI represents “the future of the Performance Scene.” It pairs thrilling EV acceleration with the all-wheel drive platform Subaru’s known for. As the result, the combination creates “a sense of unity that resonates with the five senses of people from the moment they start driving,” Subaru said.
Performance-B STI Concept
The ICE version doesn’t look too far removed from today’s WRX but appears to have a hatch. What’s even better news, fellow enthusiasts? It touts “the fun of a manual transmission.” Maybe there is hope for the future, especially for those of us who love the third pedal and a stick, and not a simulated one, either. The real deal, please.
Two thoughts:
-The E-STI looks like they borrowed the rear end off the current Lexus IS and added a hatch.
-For crap's sake, JUST MAKE A HATCH WRX /STI AGAIN. Bring over the Levorg or whatever. Hell, just drop the WRX engine in the Crosstrek, I don't care. Just bring it back!
I'm pleasantly surprised to see that the Performance-B isn't just a hatchback, but also comes with a manual, too.
I'm pleasantly surprised by the styling of the Performance-E. It looks BRZ-esque.
By the time both of these make it to production, they'll be sedan only, and the ICE version will only be found with a "Performance eCVT" in perfect Subaru fashion.
Also I don't see an EV ever hitting the 5 senses in a visceral way an EJ does, or VTEC kicking in a 6k RPM, or a cammed big block, but okay.
In reply to DirtyBird222 :
Yes, there are potentially a lot of changes between now and when and if it hits production. However, it's fun to dream.
Let's be honest: the STi peaked some 20 years ago then plateaued until an unceremonious death. Like other Japanese legends, they've been long dropped by the Europeans and Americans.
I desperately want an EV wagon or hot hatch. I'm too afraid of a Taycan to pull the trigger on the Sport Turismo, and I consider the Ioniq 5 N a CUV.
I also never grew out of my boy racer phase because I love the styling of both of these.
One nit to pick in this article:
The ICE version doesn’t look too far removed from today’s STI, but appears to have a hatch.
There is no such thing as "today's STI" since they were discontinued at the start of this decade.
In reply to maschinenbau :
That should have read as today's WRX. Corrected. Thank you.
In reply to The0retical :
I'd love to get the Sport Turismo. It's pretty much my dream daily.
Also, plus +1 for never outgrowing your boy racer phase.
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