Overview
- Subaru revealed the Performance-E (electric) and Performance-B (boxer/ICE) STI concepts in Tokyo, presenting two potential paths for its performance brand.
- The Performance-E is positioned by Subaru as the future direction, featuring a cylindrical battery layout, a claimed 15% lower center of gravity, dual‑motor AWD schematics, and next‑generation suspension packaging.
- The Performance-B pairs a turbo boxer engine with Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive and production‑style detailing, with on‑site reports noting a six‑speed manual and DCCD controls that Subaru has not formally confirmed.
- Subaru characterizes both vehicles as design studies with no production commitments, and it told Drive there are no plans to put the Performance‑B into production.
- Design director Shin Imai said he is considering an electric STI‑badged car, a signal that follows the WRX STI’s 2022 discontinuation and Subaru’s broader EV roadmap alongside ongoing Toyota collaboration.