Three years after Subaru sent its WRX STI speeding off into the sunset the automaker appears ready to bring a new hot hatch to market. But it has two very different concept vehicles coming to the Japan Mobility Show later this month. Which one might be ready for production? Headlight.News has more.
Subaru STI Concepts
While Subaru may be best known for rugged utility vehicles like Outback and Forester, the automaker over the years built a cult following for its WRX line-up and, in particular, the WRX STI. So, it came as a shock to fans when the hot hatch was dropped from the line-up three years ago, even when a new version of the WRX was introduced.
For those hoping the STI eventually would make its return, the wait may be over soon. At least, that’s the signal the automaker appears to be sending based on a news release teasing its plans for this month’s Japan Mobility Show.
The question isn’t so much “if” there will be a new STI, but what sort of vehicle it will be. The event, more commonly referred to as the Tokyo Motor Show, will see Subaru unveil two different takes on a hot hatch, one all-electric, the other using an internal combustion engine.
“Driving the Subaru Difference”
The 2018 Subaru WRX STI
Subaru will roll out a number of concepts and prototypes at this year’s show, all meant to support the theme, “Driving the Subaru Difference.” We’ve already seen some of these models, including a prototype of the all-electric Subaru Trailseeker that debuted at the New York Auto Show last spring.
Expect most of the attention to focus on the two hot hatch models: the Performance-E STI concept and the Performance-B STI concept.
Assuming Subaru really does plan to get back into the serious hot hatch performance market, then, the question is which of these will signals what will go into production? (Or could Subaru surprise us with two very different takes on the STI theme.
Subaru Performance-E STI concept
The Subaru Performance-E STI concept.
We know that, despite the anticipated slowdown in global EV sales growth, Subaru has finally made a commitment to all-electric technology. It’s updated its original Solterra crossover and will soon launch production of the Trailseeker.
According to the automaker’s news release, the Performance-E STI concept ““represents the future of the Performance Scene,” and appears to be based on a new, electrified performance platform the automaker is working up. (How much of the development has been done in partnership with Toyota is unclear, though the two companies have so far teamed up on the Solterra, Uncharted and Trailseeker, as well as Toyota’s bZ, Woodland and C-HR models.)
The electric show car, Subaru adds, “Combines thrilling aesthetic proportions with outstanding aerodynamics and practicality, with a design that evokes the brand’s heritage while providing a driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior. By incorporating various innovative technologies, this concept model offers intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences.”
More Subaru News
Subaru Performance-B STI concept
The Subaru Performance-B STI concept.
While Subaru sees a future in electrification, the automaker clearly isn’t ready to walk away from internal combustion technology. And the Performance-B concept shows what it may have in store. The “B,” if you’re wondering, stands for “boxer,” shorthand for the horizontally opposed engine that has long been a Subaru mainstay.
You might notice some familiar design details, the headlights, in particular, suggesting this STI concept might be based on the current Subaru Impreza platform.
“The design,” the automaker said, “achieves a balance of advanced performance and power with practicality. By flexibly incorporating the assets Subaru has honed over many years, including a horizontally-opposed engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, this model expands the range of options that deliver the Subaru difference, offering more customers the chance to experience the joy of driving.”
We’re hoping to learn more about both concept vehicles – especially if and where they might fit into the production line-up – at the Japan Mobility Show in just a couple weeks.
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