Subaru Continues to Tease the Return of the STI With Two New Concepts

Subaru continues to tease the return of the legendary WRX STI, with a pair of concept cars unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show that should excite — or anger — its fans.

Details were scant, but this pair might well have stolen the show as far as stirring questions of viability. But it’s the Performance-B STI concept in particular that looks production-ready — and best of all, it’s based on a hatchback. Indeed, the discontinuation of the five-door is still triggering to those in the most passionate corners of Subaru fandom, which makes this concept an exciting prospect if nothing else.

Subaru didn’t say exactly what would power a car like this, although it alluded to a hybrid setup of some sort based on the horizontally-opposed boxer engine that’s synonymous with the brand — hence the Performance-B moniker. Meanwhile, the bodywork is simply stunning, with bulging fenders and a familiar cherry blossom red outlining the grille. While much of it looks aftermarket and likely wouldn’t make it to production form, it’s promising nonetheless.

Then there’s the Performance-E STI concept that’s a little more fanciful but no less intriguing. Described as “spearheading Subaru’s new generation,” it’s a swoopy electric vehicle (EV) concept that offers outstanding proportions and a race car-like rear end. Again, few details were announced beyond the emissions-free power source that would motivate it, but alongside the Performance-B STI, it serves as a welcome reminder that Subaru is a brand that very much recognizes its roots.