- Subaru will introduce a new ICE-powered hot hatch and a fully electric STI in Tokyo.
- The STI-branded models are presented as concepts, but could hint at future offerings.
- They’ll be joined by the Trailseeker, and the Wilderness trims of the Outback and Forester.
Subaru is hyping us up for this year’s Japan Mobility Show with the official announcement of its exhibits. The highlights will be two STI-branded concepts – one with a fully electric powertrain and another one with a five-door hatchback bodystyle.
For this year, the automaker splits its lineup in two scenes – Performance and Adventure – under the the main theme “Driving the Subaru Difference”.
More: The Next Chapter For Japan’s Favorite Sports Wagon Could Hide A Powertrain Surprise
Starting with the STI world debuts, the two concepts are dubbed Performance-E and Performance-B. The first one is a battery electric vehicle that is “spearheading Subaru’s new generation” making us believe it could evolve into a future production offering.
According to the official announcement, the Performance-E “combines thrilling aesthetic proportions with outstanding aerodynamics and practicality”. The teaser reveal sharp surfacing, aggressive LED headlights and large bumper intakes, while the silhouette hints at a hatchback/fastback bodystyle.
Furthermore, the electric concept promises a “driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior”, while incorporating “various innovative technologies” for “intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences”.
The Performance-B STI concept is an ICE-powered hot hatch, which is said to expand range of options for customers. The model was first teased in June, but we now get more information about it.
More: Subaru Impreza S-Edition Looks Like An STI But Goes Like A Rental
The headlights and the vented hood look identical to the current WRX sedan, but the redesigned bodykit includes wide fender extensions and a different grille. More importantly, it adopts a five-door hatchback bodystyle with a large wing mounted on the tailgate. Under the hood lies a boxer engine, mated to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.
While we don’t know if Subaru will put the hot hatchback into production, such a model could revive the tradition of the third-gen WRX STI from 2008 and pose as a suitable rival to the Toyota GR Corolla.
Moving on to the Adventure Scene, it includes prototypes of the fully electric Trailseeker (E-Outback) crossover, the new Forester Wilderness, and the new Outback Wilderness.
More: Subaru Plans To Win Europe With Rebadged Toyotas, One Of Which Is An E-Outback
All three make their premiere in Japan, and come fitted with optional accessories. More specifically, the Trailseeker has a roof box, the Forester carries two large canoes, and the Outback has a roof rack and a bike carrier.
Finally, the company will also exhibit the Family Huckster, a special version of the 1983 Subaru GL Wagon with wild performance and aero upgrades.
The automaker will hold a press conference at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29, with a speech from its President, Atsushi Osaki.
