Subaru preparing all-electric STI

Friday, 24 December 2021

No, it’s not on fire, it’s just a teaser image. We’ll see the real thing in January.

Subaru is working on an all-electric STI, and it will show a preview in just a few weeks’ time at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Called the ‘STI E-RA’, it is a high-performance machine built “for the carbon-neutral era”… and that’s all Subaru is really saying about it.

Subaru has revealed its version of the all-electric SUV it co-developed with Toyota.

Looking at the name, the EV won’t necessarily be based on the new WRX. In fact, going off the C-shaped headlights, the STI could be based on anything from the BRZ to the new Solterra EV. The illuminated STI logo looks cool, though.

The company does say it is a study model for future motorsport vehicles, so there’s a chance it could be a special electric racer.

**READ MORE:

This is what the new WRX STI will (probably) look like.

* Mitsubishi teases a new Ralliart-flavoured concept

* New Levorg in line for more powerful WRX engine

There will also be an STI version of the WRX-GTB wagon on show.

* Honda has built a drag-ready electric hatchback and a kei-hillclimber

* Subaru officially confirms next-generation WRX STI

In any case, expect at least two motors for all-wheel drive and some healthy power figures.

Joining the electric STI will be a concept of the actual WRX STI, which will likely be limited to a visual preview. It gets a chunky rear wing, a performance muffler and lots of red accents.

Also appearing will be a Levorg STI concept, a hotted-up version of the WRX-GTB wagon already confirmed for New Zealand. Subaru says the STI version also gets red aero bits and a redesigned exhaust, like the WRX STI, along with “special items enhancing the utility of a wagon.'

Not sure what that means, but as a refresher, the WRX-GTB gets the same turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer four as the WRX, making an identical 202kW. It’s paired with an ‘eight-speed’ Sport Lineartronic CVT without any mention of a manual. Naturally, symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard as well.

It would be reasonable to assume the STI version ups power, possibly as high as 298kW/490Nm.

Other STI models include a BRZ STI model. Don’t get your hopes up too much, it'll probably be a regular BRZ with some cosmetic upgrades. Toyota did a similar thing recently with the GT86. But, Subaru specifies “performance parts”, so there is a chance some extra power or a fresh exhaust is coming to the BRZ.

The Tokyo Auto Salon kicks off on January 14.