The aggressive concepts hint at a shift in Subaru’s performance strategy and are joined by rugged versions of production models

One by one, Japan’s major automakers are unveiling their lineups at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. This time, the spotlight turns to Subaru, where attention is centered on two STI-branded concepts: one fully electric and the other featuring a five-door hatchback design.

For this year’s event, the automaker has split its presentation into two distinct themes, Performance and Adventure, united under the banner “Driving the Subaru Difference”.

The STI Studies

Leading the lineup are two world premieres from STI, the Performance-E and Performance-B concepts. The Performance-E is a fully electric model described as “spearheading Subaru’s new generation”, hinting that it could evolve into a future production car – possibly an electric successor to the Levorg.

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According to Subaru, the Performance-E “combines thrilling aesthetic proportions with outstanding aerodynamics and practicality”. The concept features sharp body surfacing, bold LED headlights, and large bumper intakes, with a silhouette that leans toward a sporty estate.

Subaru Performance-E STI Concept

The sloping roofline leads to a ducktail spoiler with two fins instead of a conventional rear wing and a large diffuser with an F1-style brake light. Another cool touch is the gold-finished aero covers on the wheels, contrasting with the black alloys and the red brake calipers.

The electric concept promises a “driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior”, while incorporating “various innovative technologies” for “intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences”. Subaru has shared renderings of the architecture, revealing a floor-mounted battery, front and rear electric motors, and a sporty suspension setup.

Hatchback With Heritage

The second debut, the Performance-B STI concept, sticks with internal combustion power. It’s described as broadening Subaru’s range of performance options, which also makes us believe it could evolve into a production offering.

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The hot hatch looks like a high-performance version of the current Impreza five-door hatchback elevated to STI glory. It rocks wide fenders with integrated vents, a hood scoop, redesigned bumpers with larger intakes, and a wider grille with a red stripe. There is also a massive rear wing and a rather complicated diffuser without visible exhaust pipes.

The aggressive bodykit, in combination with the alloy wheels shod in high-profile tires, make it resemble a motorsport-ready machine. Under the hood sits a boxer engine paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, although we don’t have any info concerning output figures.

Subaru Performance-B STI Concept

While it’s uncertain whether Subaru will put this hot hatch into production, such a model would recall the third-generation WRX STI from 2008 and could challenge the Toyota GR Corolla in spirit and layout.

Adventure-Ready SUVs

On the adventure side of the display, Subaru showcases prototypes of the fully electric Trailseeker (E-Outback) crossover, the new Forester Wilderness, and the latest Outback Wilderness.

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All three will make their Japanese debut fitted with optional outdoor accessories. The Trailseeker carries a roof box, the Forester mounts two large canoes, and the Outback features a roof rack with a bike carrier.

Retro Meets Wild

Rounding out the show stand will be the Family Huckster, a reimagined 1983 Subaru GL Wagon fitted with dramatic performance and aerodynamic upgrades.

Subaru Adventure Scene