► Subaru reveals two concepts
► One EV, one petrol
► The latter may happen soon
You’re looking at the future of performance Subaru cars in two different forms. Revealed at the Japan Mobility Show, these two new concepts provide a sneak peek into the future of the brand. While one hints at hot hatch that could happen very soon, the other explores the idea of a BEV performance car.
Yes, this isn’t just another electric concept. Called the Performance B-STI Concept, the new car is Civic-sized and looks just as aggressive. We don’t know much other than the fact it’ll use a boxer engine, along with all-wheel drive. That was expected though, wasn’t it?
Of course, the most eye-catching thing about the B-STI concept is its seemingly BTCC-ready body kit. It looks from the pictures above and below – but if anything, it’s even more striking in person. Throw in gold wheels, and it’d be perfect.
And unlike some other concepts around the Japan Mobility Show, this one looks very feasible. In fact, it looks as though it’s moments from release. Is this the next WRX STI? We can only hope.
Where Performance B-STI is realistic, the E-STI concept is pure sci-fi. Angular, sharp and flowing, it’s a striking anti-thesis to the ICE car.
However, it’s still got all the hallmarks of a Subaru; gold wheels do make an appearance, as does the brand’s classic blue hue. Subaru says it wants to connect emotionally with punters, and we’d say that colour combo is doing a decent job.
There is one omission though; it has no rear wing, instead relying on a huge diffuser to generate its downforce.
Curtis Moldrich is CAR magazine’s Digital Editor and has worked for the brand for the past five years. He’s responsible for online strategy, including CAR’s website, social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and helps on wider platform strategy as CAR magazine branches out on to Apple News+ and more.
By Curtis Moldrich
CAR's Digital Editor, F1 and sim-racing enthusiast. Partial to clever tech and sports bikes