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Subaru's legendary STI performance division is actively preparing for a comeback, with an electric powertrain looking increasingly likely. According to Scott Lawrence, the General Manager of Subaru Australia, the automaker is closely monitoring fan reactions to recent concepts to shape the future of the STI badge. This development offers a glimmer of hope for automotive enthusiasts who feared the permanent demise of the iconic performance line after the 2022 WRX launched without a fully-fledged STI variant.
Speaking to the Australian outlet Drive.com, Lawrence explicitly stated that the STI division "isn't dead" and noted that the tempo of public news and activity out of STI is picking up. The executive highlighted that Subaru has received a significant volume of feedback regarding the Performance-B and Performance-E concept cars showcased at the Tokyo Auto Show in October.
The Fate of the Performance Concepts
Subaru has reportedly confirmed that the internal-combustion Performance-B will remain strictly a concept vehicle. However, the automaker is keeping the door open for a production version of the Performance-E concept. While Subaru declined to make definitive comments on the electric car's future, the strategic pivot aligns with their earlier statements about exploring electric powertrains for the next generation of performance vehicles.
The transition to an electric STI could offer unprecedented acceleration, even if it means abandoning the famed boxer engine. For context, the current electric Subaru Solterra is the quickest vehicle the brand has tested, achieving a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds. While traditionalists may mourn the loss of combustion, the sheer performance potential of an EV platform could win over a new generation of buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subaru bringing back the gas-powered WRX STI?
No, Subaru has confirmed that the internal-combustion Performance-B concept will not enter production, and the current WRX generation will not receive a gas-powered STI variant.
Will the next Subaru STI be electric?
It is highly likely. Subaru is keeping the door open for a production version of the electric Performance-E concept and has previously stated it is exploring electric powertrains for the STI brand's future.
My Take
The writing has been on the wall since Subaru axed the gas-powered STI for the 2022 WRX generation, but Scott Lawrence's comments provide the most concrete signal yet that an electric STI is inevitable. The fact that the Solterra EV already hits 60 mph in 4.3 seconds proves Subaru has the electric architecture to deliver serious straight-line speed. The real challenge for the Performance-E production model won't be acceleration; it will be replicating the raw, rally-bred driving dynamics and tactile feedback that defined the original boxer-engine STI. If Subaru can engineer an EV that feels genuinely engaging rather than just fast, the STI badge will successfully survive the electric transition.