Some very exciting news from the Japan Mobility show has emerged in the form of the Subaru Performance-B STI concept, presaging the imminent return of Subaru’s most celebrated vehicle – the WRX STI.
Using the body of the Impreza hatch and Crosstrek, the car features bonnet vents, pumped haunches, a comically oversized rear wing and central twin-exhaust outlets submerged within a chunky diffuser. Subaru hasn’t provided many details, only sending out this short statement:
“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.”
Interestingly, the area in front of the bonnet scoop reads ‘Proud of BOXER’ and the black plastic cladding as seen on the VB WRX sedan is conspicuously absent. The grille features a larger, more brawny take on the hexagonal shape with red outlining, appearing to feed more air into the engine bay.
Details about the powertrain are scarce, but it could be based on the 2.4-litre FA24F turbo boxer, which generates 202kW and 350Nm in the WRX. Power could climb as high as 300kW, but this is mere speculation at this point.
What does give us cause for excitement is the six-speed manual gearshift of the concept, with the return of the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) dial beheind the shifter, which can apportion torque distribution between front and rear wheels.
Considering how much we loved the WRX tS Spec B we reviewed, a new STI could be something extremely special indeed.
Alongside it, the Performance-E STI concept was shown, with a more dynamic interpretation of the WRX’s styling, with the intention of showing the STI brand will be relevant in the electric era too.
