Subaru WRX STI comeback Teased With Dual Powertrain Strategy: ICE and EV

After the painful decision not to develop a new all-new WRX STI, Subaru is indicating the brand is far from giving up on its iconic performance division. The Subaru WRX STI comeback was strongly hinted at the recent Japan Mobility Show (JMS), where the brand shocked and delighted fans by showcasing not just one, but two distinct STI concepts.

Subaru Corporation Product General Manager Masaaki Kobayashi confirmed that the brand is not firm on locking into a single powertrain for future STI models. By displaying both an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and an Electric Vehicle (EV), Subaru is studying how to capitalize on both types of enthusiast demand.

Subaru Performance-B STI Concept — *Source: Jacob Oliva/Autoblog*

Here is a look at the two distinct concepts and the meaning behind the brand’s dual-track approach.

Two Concepts, One Goal: The STI Spirit

The decision to showcase two concepts—one for purists and one for the electric future—is unprecedented in the performance segment. No other automaker currently offers a single performance model with both powertrains.

Concept Name	Powertrain Base	Chassis / Design Note	Strategic Role
Performance-B STI	ICE (Boxer Engine)	Based on the current WRX/Impreza, appearing more like a production-ready hot hatchback.	Reassures existing fans who prefer the mechanical sound and feel of the boxer engine.
Performance-E STI	BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)	Sleeker, aerodynamically optimized fastback; represents the future direction of the Performance Scene.	Spearheads Subaru’s next generation, leveraging instant electric torque for AWD handling.

The Performance-B concept is expected to utilize the brand’s 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine along with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, echoing the formula that made the WRX STI legendary. The Performance-E concept is believed to use a dual-motor setup, enabling precise torque vectoring and a low center of gravity.

The Decision to Keep ICE Alive

While tightening emissions regulations globally made a full-ICE STI difficult to greenlight previously, the strong preference of some enthusiasts for the mechanical feel of a combustion engine has shifted Subaru’s thinking.

Customer Choice: Kobayashi-san noted they want to offer customers a choice, recognizing that many still prefer the boxer rumble and mechanical engagement of an ICE performance model.
Feasibility: A battery-assisted ICE model or pure ICE in select markets may now be seen as a viable option, moving away from a previous all-EV commitment.

The Subaru WRX STI comeback remains subject to customer feedback from the show. However, the move to showcase the almost production-ready Performance-B hot hatch signals that the STI spirit is still alive and well, and may soon be available in two distinct flavors.

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