Subaru’s STI performance badge has been absent for several years, with the automaker previously stating that the next vehicle to wear one would be electrified. However, the company recently announced that it had prepped two STI concepts for the 2025 Japan Mobility Show — one of which happens to be powered by gasoline.
The vehicles will be accompanied by several prototype models — including the Forester Wilderness, Outback Wilderness, and Trailseeker.
Meanwhile, the performance models have been dubbed the “Performance-B STI concept” (pictured below) and “Performance-E STI concept.” It’s worth noting that the term “WRX” doesn’t appear anywhere in Subaru’s release and the cars are clearly being framed as concept cars, rather than prototypes.
That could suggest that the company doesn’t have any concrete plans to put them into production. However, the company has repeatedly suggested it wanted to build another WRX STI (likely as an all-electric vehicle) and WRX fans have been clamoring for an STI variant (ideally gasoline powered) for quite some time.
Still, we don’t have any proof that either model will be related to the WRX or any other model currently being manufactured. These could be an STI-ified version of the Forrester and Solterra for all we know.
From Subaru:
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept model that represents the future of the Performance Scene, spearheading Subaru’s new generation. [The Performance-E STI concept 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.
[The Performance-B STI concept is a] concept model representing Subaru’s Performance Scene, with an internal combustion engine (ICE) base. The design 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.
Subaru has admittedly been shying away from high-performance models, so the odds of either vehicle landing on the market is questionable. While still a good performance sedan, the current WRX is a little softer than its predecessors. It’s heavier and a little less responsive. But it’s likewise easier to live with and more comfortable than the WRX models that came before, without becoming boring to drive.
This has led to calls from WRX fans to bring back the hardcore STI variant. But, with WRX volumes on the decline, Subaru is probably wondering if it’s even worth doing.
It likewise sounds as though the brand could be considering building something using a recipe similar to the current Dodge Charger. Subaru’s release makes it sound as though any upcoming STI models will be electrified with the base variant being equipped with an internal combustion engine.
That strategy has not worked out particularly well for Dodge. While capable of offering blistering acceleration, performance electrics haven’t been overly popular with enthusiasts due to their added weight and limited driving ranges. However, the combustion version of the Charger is assumed to sell significantly better once it goes on sale — even if there are some lingering concerns that the chassis needing to accommodate both battery and electric powertrains will come with some compromises.
The STI duo will debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show and be joined by several other models we’ve seen before.
Subaru’s Forester Wilderness prototype takes the base Forester model and give it additional off-road capabilities by way of shorter overhangs, additional wheel arch cladding, exclusive LED fog lamps, and a smattering of other off-road goodies.
It’s to be joined by the Outback Wilderness prototype, which gives roughly the same treatment to the standard Outback wagon. Since Subaru already builds Wilderness variants for North America, the prototypes are assumed to be testing Japanese interest in the models and previewing forthcoming changes for said market.
The all-new Trailseeker prototype (previously seen at the New York International Auto Show) will likewise be present, representing Subaru’s second planned all-electric model. Based on the visual cues and internal statements it’s very obviously based on the current Solterra model, effectively serving as an upsized off-road alternative.
Subaru said the Trailseeker would maintain balance as a usable crossover vehicle and something a little more rugged, making it “ideal for both everyday outings and extraordinary journeys.”
Hopefully, it offers excellent battery range (at least more than the 220-miles boasted by the Subaru Solterra). One of the biggest complaints thrown at EVs designed to tackle remote trails is that they often have trouble getting to those locations before the battery runs out of power. This is something made far worse due to those regions often lacking the charging infrastructure required to resolve the problem.
Lastly, Subaru plans on displaying the 1983 Subaru GL Family Huckster. But this wasn’t a car that was ever available for purchase. Built by Subaru of America’s performance division, the Family Huckster is an exhibition car based upon the old Subaru GL Wagon.
It’s effectively a WRC chassis equipped with a 862-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged flat-four engine and about as much modern rally tech they could install into the vehicle without making it look too modern.
The car is probably most famous for being driven by Travis Pastrana in 2022 as part of the Hoonigan Gymkhana video series. But it’s made other exhibition runs, most recently at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Subaru plans on displaying all of the aforementioned models at the Japan Mobility Show, starting on October 29th. That same day, Subaru Corporation President Atsushi Osaki plans on making a public address — perhaps providing some more information about the brand’s product strategy and how it relates to the vehicles being showcased.
[Images: Brandon Woyshnis/Shutterstock; Subaru]
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