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Subaru teases possible new WRX STi in Tokyo
Peter Barnwell
2025-10-31
JUDGING by its Japan Mobility Show concept and prototype models, Subaru has plenty of good stuff in the pipeline, highlighted by two STI performance models – one petrol and one battery electric – plus three ruggedised Wilderness variants – two petrol and one electric.
This mix of powertrains yields some tasty vehicles leveraging the STI nameplate for performance fans and the yet-to-be-seen Down Under Wilderness nomenclature for Subaru SUV owners wishing to go bush.
Subaru’s Tokyo show stand brought two experiential scenes to life – Performance and Adventure – each designed to deepen the emotional connection with customers while channelling a large proportion of the Japanese brand’s audience.
Plenty of public interest centred on the world premiere of the Performance-E STI performance BEV and the Performance-B STI hot hatch, which the Japanese manufacturer says will bookend its high-performance range for the next era.
At the other end of the user spectrum, Subaru’s new Trailseeker battery electric wagon joined the latest-generation Forester and Outback SUVs in Wilderness prototype format to illustrate its commitment to those with a go-anywhere spirit.
With a view to the future, the Performance-E STI (BEV) concept made its global debut as a “forward-looking” performance vision for Subaru’s next generation sporty models.
Subaru says it pairs “dramatic, athletic proportions with aerodynamic efficiency and everyday practicality, wrapped in design cues that evoke Subaru heritage”.
Inside, a driver-friendly layout and spacious cabin set the stage for intuitive, exhilarating responses enabled by innovative technologies.
The more conventional Performance-B STI (ICE) concept, also making its global debut, could mark the return of the legendary WRX STI that was discontinued four years ago.
This concept hot hatch has all the accoutrements of previous WRX STis, including a coffee table-sized rear wing, pumped guards, manual transmission, huge bonnet scoop and dual exhaust that all looked production-ready.
Subary says this concept is for the purist but “blends advanced performance and power with real-world usability”.
The concept is also said to "flexibly draw on Subaru’s core assets – horizontally-opposed engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive – it broadens the pathways to the joy of driving, inviting more customers into the performance fold.
Subaru’s other main focus of adventure vehicles also saw plenty of emphasis at TMS with a new BEV Crossover and a pair of ruggedised Wilderness models.
The Trailseeker prototype, making its Japanese premiere, is the second model in Subaru’s global BEV line-up, “uniting precise BEV control with crossover practicality – equally at home on weekday errands or weekend escapes”.
The Forester Wilderness Prototype (that would no doubt kick a goal Down Under) is accessorised with “unique bumpers, expanded wheel-arch cladding, and exclusive LED fog lights to toughen up the look to capitalise on the model’s enhanced off-road capability and functionality that builds on Forester’s core strengths.
And finally, the Outback Wilderness prototype (also a goal-kicking prospect for Oz), which “stays true to Outback’s ethos of harmonising with nature, adding further off-road capability and functionality to lift its tough, rugged character for the great outdoors”.
“This year’s Subaru exhibition isn’t just about sheet metal. It’s about energy,” said Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence.
“Two worlds, Performance and Adventure, designed to capture both the thrill of the drive and the freedom of the journey.
“This exhibition showcases Subaru’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence and offers a window into future possibilities whilst also maintaining clear line of heritage in every vehicle.”