Subaru hasn’t built a proper STI model in the U.S. in years — not since the previous WRX STI pulled out in 2021. And while the company has previously said a new gas-powered STI isn’t in the cards, its latest concept has us thinking differently. This car looks shockingly close to production.
in Japan Mobility Expo 2025Subaru revealed not only two Concepts of sexually transmitted diseases. The first is the Performance-E STI, a long-range, all-electric vision of a potential battery-powered performance car. But that’s the Performance-B STI concept we’re after truly Interested in?
Apparently, based on the current second-generation WRX (VB) model sold in the US, the Performance-B STI turns the sedan into a five-door and adds a full suite of STI-specific upgrades. It has new front and rear splitters, side skirts, a hood scoop, custom wheels, red accents, and a massive rear spoiler.
Subaru did not specify which engine would power the concept, only confirming that the Performance-B uses a “horizontally opposed (combustion) engine.” The most likely candidate is a modified version of the WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, although the jury is still out.
Beyond that, the STI Concept is essentially a five-door WRX with a few extra touches—not that we’re complaining. From the live images we’ve seen, the interior looks almost identical to the current WRX – aside from a few STI badges – with a six-speed manual transmission and a large central touchscreen.
Given the recent downturn in electric vehicles, it wouldn’t be surprising if Subaru reconsidered its stance and brought the STI name back to a high-performance gas-powered vehicle. And with WRX sales currently slowing as well, this concept could be exactly what Subaru needs right now.
