Subaru Awakens the STI Hot Hatch: Performance-B and Performance-E Concepts Bring Turbo and Electric Thrills

Subaru just reignited the hearts of performance enthusiasts at the Tokyo auto show, spotlighting two new STI-badged hatchback concepts that make the future of Subaru’s speed division thrillingly uncertain–and undeniably exciting. With one concept breathing through a turbocharged boxer and the other running silently on electrons, Subaru’s message is clear: their signature driver’s cars will thrive in both the internal combustion and electric eras.

Performance-B STI Concept: Turbo Boxer Tradition, Ready for Production

The Performance-B STI concept is a love letter to the brand’s rally-bred heritage–think of it as the sixth-generation Impreza hatch cranked up with all the flavors that define Subaru’s performance icons. This car looks practically showroom-ready, equipped with classic AWD, flared arches, a functional hood scoop, and a towering rear wing that screams “STI pedigree.”

Subaru kept powertrain specifics close to the vest but confirmed the return of the famous turbocharged flat-four boxer under the hood. In true STI form, all-wheel drive is standard, and Subaru teases a manual transmission as a possible option–giving purists a glimmer of hope for a stick-shift hot hatch in a world going paddle-shift.

Unlike so many concepts that look untouchable, the Performance-B’s proportions, stance, and details strongly suggest that Subaru isn’t just dreaming here; they’re evaluating how quickly they can get a production version into WRX-starved garages.

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (3)

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (2)

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (1)

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (8)

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (7)

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (6)

Subaru Performance-B and Performance-E STI Concepts (5)

Photography: Toby Thyer

Performance-E STI Concept: Electrifying a Legend

The bolder of the two, the Performance-E STI concept, dives headfirst into the EV era. Subaru calls it its “first STI-spec EV hatch,” and visually, it’s a stunner: aggressive lines, a trademark blue/gold livery, flared fenders, and aero tricks everywhere.

Take a look at the rear: what reads at first as a Ginormous STI-style wing is actually a clever optical trick. Instead of a traditional spoiler, the Performance-E sports two separated winglets flanking the rear, designed explicitly for downforce with minimal drag. According to Subaru, it’s all about achieving that perfect blend of racing performance and real-world driving range—aerodynamics for the EV age.

Inside, the Performance-E concept promises a “driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior”—think quick daily commutes or track-day domination with zero tailpipe emissions. Subaru hasn’t released numbers on motor count, battery size, or output; but if their electric ambitions are as serious as the design is bold, expect the Performance-E STI to chase down future hot hatches with both grip and gusto.

Why This Matters: STI’s Future is Powering Up, Not Powering Down

It’s been a long, dry spell since a true WRX STI prowled the streets (the last arriving in 2021). These two hatchbacks are Subaru’s clearest signal yet that the company’s performance arm is not fading quietly in the EV transition; it will double down on the attributes that made STI famous–while broadening its reach for electrified speed addicts.

Subaru’s split strategy also stands out in a field of automakers making reluctant, one-way leaps to EVs. Instead, they’re modeling the enthusiast’s future around customer choice. Want six speeds, a manual, and a boxer rumble? Performance-B. Want silent, instant torque with new-school tech? Performance-E.

The possibilities are head-turning, especially for markets like the UK and Japan where hot hatches remain icons. Both concepts wear their intentions on their sleeves (or wings)–the Performance-B for petrolheads, the Performance-E for early EV adopters who still crave a real driver’s car.

Hot Hatch Details: Aero, AWD, and True Character

Both concepts feature wide, athletic stances and aggressive aerodynamic garnishes. On the Performance-B STI, you’ll spot widened arches, a bold bonnet scoop, big brakes, and a rear wing that channels classic rally cars. Manual gearbox and a real handbrake? Subaru says yes, making it an outlier among modern, sanitized “performance” cars.

The Performance-E STI, meanwhile, combines practicality with outlandish style. Its hatch shape and long roof hint at everyday usability, but adaptive aerodynamics, blue/gold rally accents, and downforce-focused design mark it as a pure-bred STI—just rewired for fewer emissions. Faux wings or not, Subaru’s engineering team claims real racing aerodynamics fused with the needs of an EV’s range and efficiency.

Will These Go Into Production?

Subaru calls both concepts just that—concepts—but the near-production finish of the Performance-B in particular gives fans plenty of hope. The company has a long track record of using concepts to preview production models with little visual change.

For the Performance-E, the path is less clear. Technical challenges, cost, and performance targets might push a full EV STI out a few years. But with the groundwork on display, Subaru is clearly thinking about more than just compliance EVs–they want the driving soul of STI to survive the battery revolution.

Conclusion

Subaru just reminded everyone what the STI name stands for: thrilling, all-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks that look as wild as they drive. Whether it’s turbo boxer power or electron-fed instant torque, the new STI flagships are ready to conquer both road and future. For those who’ve been waiting (and waiting) for Subaru’s return to the world of true hot hatches, these winged warriors are the hopeful dawn of a new STI era.