Subaru’s Performance-B STI concept, which was unveiled for the first time in the world at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 on October 29, 2025, has excited the hearts of Subaru fans. Reminiscent of the WRX STI, a five-door hatchback that once captivated many fans, this concept car is an important vehicle that suggests the direction of Subaru’s new entry-level sports model.
Will the classic WRX STI hatchback be reborn in the modern era? Subaru shows the potential of a new sports model
What is the Performance-B STI concept? The meaning behind the “B”
Performance-B STI concept
The “B” in Performance-B STI concept stands for Subaru’s iconic “Boxer engine.” As a companion model to the electric vehicle “Performance-E STI concept” (“E” stands for Electric Vehicle) announced at the same time, it clearly indicates its existence as a pure gasoline sports car equipped with a horizontally opposed internal combustion engine.
The new sports model that CTO (Chief Technology Officer) Tetsuro Fujinuki announced at the Super Taikyu Series 2025 Fuji 24 Hours Race on June 1, 2025, has finally appeared as a real car.
Nostalgic yet new! A design reminiscent of the third-generation Impreza WRX STI (GRB)
The first thing that strikes you about the Performance-B STI concept is its styling. It has the same proportions as the WRX STI (GRB type) based on the third-generation Impreza, but with a modern interpretation.
Body size and design features
Main specifications:
- Total length: 4,545mm
- Overall width: 1,886mm
- Overall height: 1,495mm (surprisingly low)
- Wheelbase: 2,665mm
In fact, this body is based on the current Crosstrek or Impreza, and by attaching large blister fenders and widening the body with powerful overfenders, it achieves a powerful styling that surpasses that of the classic WRX STI.
The secret of the front design
Performance-B STI concept
Looking at the front face, you’ll notice that it incorporates many elements that are different from the current Crosstrek and Impreza. In fact, the front end uses the same unit as the Levorg.
- Air scoop on the hood (presumably for the Levorg)
- Front bumper air duct
- Design between headlights connected by a honeycomb grille
- Subaru emblem in the center, black band highlighting the hexagon
- Cherry red accent lines are a symbol of the STI model
Rather than being grille-less, the design also takes into consideration compatibility between BEV (electric vehicle) and ICE (internal combustion engine) models, suggesting a realistic approach to mass production.
Side view and wheels
Performance-B STI concept
When viewed from the side, the large blister fenders attached to the front and rear give off an overwhelming presence. Both the front and rear blister fenders have air outlets at the rear, creating a design that pursues functional beauty.
The side skirts are also specially designed to emphasize the low center of gravity and wide impression. The gold-colored wheels, reminiscent of the old WRC (World Rally Championship) machines, are sure to appeal to Subaru fans.
Tire and wheel specifications:
- Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS 255/40R18
- Wheels: BBS forged 18-inch (same as other STI models)
- Brakes: Drilled discs + Brembo silver 6-pot calipers
- Suspension: Inverted shock absorber
It is also noteworthy that the 18-inch size has been chosen, which is considered a realistic choice to achieve “affordability.”
Rear design
A huge wing is attached to the rear, reminiscent of the Impreza and Lancer Evolution from the WRC era. Looking at the rear lamp area, it is clear that the base is a Crosstrek/Impreza, but the special diffuser and central dual exhaust (with STI logo) complete it as a fully sporty model.
Powertrain Mysteries and Expectations – 6-speed MT Confirmed!
Subaru hasn’t revealed detailed specifications, but some key information has been released.
Confirmed elements
- Horizontally opposed turbo engine (number of cylinders and displacement not disclosed)
- Symmetrical AWD (Subaru’s four-wheel drive system)
- 6-speed manual transmission (visible from inside the vehicle)
- Hand operated side brake
- DCCD (Driver’s Control Center Differential) switch (check on center console)
Looking inside the car, you can see the 6-speed manual transmission shift knob and the DC/DC …
What engine will it have?
There are currently two likely candidates:
1. Current FA24 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo
- Installed in the current WRX S4 (275PS/350Nm)
- Immediate mass production possible
2. New horizontally opposed engine under development
- Subaru has announced that it is currently developing
- Details are unclear, but it could be more efficient and powerful.
The interior is also in serious mode – Recaro seats
The interior is fitted with Recaro carbon-back seats, which were also used in the S210 . These are not just for display purposes, but are equipment that shows the car’s seriousness in terms of driving.
The simple and functional interior provides a space where you can concentrate on driving. The “analog feel” of the manual shift and hand-operated handbrake can also be seen as the result of pursuing the joy of driving.
SUBARU WRX S4 S210
The concept of “combining existing assets”
The biggest feature of the Performance-B STI concept is its approach of “flexibly arranging Subaru’s current technological assets.”
The origin of the parts used
- Body base : Crosstrek/Impreza
- Front : Levorg
- Wheels : STI Complete Car “S Series”
- Brakes : Brembo (common parts for STI systems)
- Seat : Recaro carbon back seat (S210)
By making maximum use of existing parts, the company aims to keep development costs down and bring the car to market at a realistic price. This is not simply a cost-cutting measure, but a strategic decision to provide an “affordable sports car.”
Separating the current WRX from the new entry-level sports car
So how does it differentiate from the existing WRX?
Features of the current WRX S4/STI Sport R
- A high-end model separate from the Impreza
- Comfort and luxury as a Gran Turismo
- Price range: From 6 million yen (STI Sport R is in the late 5 million yen range)
- A sophisticated sports sedan for adults
The direction the Performance-B STI concept is aiming for
- More compact and lightweight body (Crosstrek base)
- Simple and affordable pricing
- High degree of customization freedom
- Specializing in pure “driving pleasure”
Masaaki Kobayashi, PGM of Subaru’s Product Business Division, stated that “using a compact, lightweight body makes driving more enjoyable,” making it clear that the intention is to achieve agile handling by reducing size and weight.
The car was also designed to align with the Subaru BRZ (FR sports car). For those who feel that the naturally aspirated engine of the BRZ is “not exciting enough,” the combination of a turbo engine, AWD, and manual transmission offers a completely different driving experience.
The model Subaru fans have been waiting for – the return of the 5-door WRX
The Performance-B STI concept is exactly the model that Subaru fans have been waiting for for many years.
Why is there a demand for a five-door hatchback?
- Combining practicality and sportiness
- Luggage space that is easy to use on a daily basis
- Easy to choose even for families
- Nostalgia for past models
- The first to third generation Impreza WRX STI are hatchbacks
- Aspirations for the GDB and GRB models that were active in the WRC (World Rally Championship)
- Options not currently available in the lineup
- WRX is only available as a four-door sedan
- The Levorg is more of a practical wagon
- BRZ is a FR coupe
Many at the event were heard saying, “This is the Subaru we’ve been waiting for.” Inheriting the DNA of the classic Impreza WRX STI hatchback, the car combines modern technology and safety features, making it a revival of the “true Subaru sports car.”
Freedom of customization – expectations for the aftermarket parts market
Another appealing feature of the Performance-B STI concept is the new way of enjoying it: “developing the car” together with a third-party aftermarket parts manufacturer.
Possible customization examples
Aero parts:
- Overfenders (can be enlarged to exhibition car level)
- Rear wing (variable, fixed, etc.)
- Front/rear bumper
- side skirt
Driving performance:
- Brake kit (Brembo large capacity, etc.)
- Suspension kit (coilovers, dampers)
- Exhaust system
- ECU tuning and software updates
Interior:
- Sports seats (Recaro, Bride, etc.)
- Steering wheel
- meter panel
You can buy a base model and then gradually upgrade it to suit your budget and preferences. This can be seen as a revival of the tuning car culture of the past.
What will the price be? – Realistic expectations
The exact price has not been announced, but we can guess it from the emphasis on “affordable.”
Price comparison with competing models
- Current WRX S4 : From approximately 4.7 million yen
- WRX STI Sport R : From approximately 5.8 million yen
- Levorg STI Sport : from approximately 4.5 million yen
- Subaru BRZ : Approximately 3.3 million to 4.8 million yen
Estimated price of the Performance-B STI concept
A realistic price range for a simple base grade would be in the 4 million to early 5 million yen range.
A fully equipped version like the one on display could potentially reach the 6-7 million yen range, but that is only after customization. The most logical strategy would be to offer an entry-level model at an affordable price and provide options for customers to customize freely.
CTO Fujinuki also stated, “Recent sports models are very expensive, so we want to make it as affordable as possible,” showing a strong awareness of pricing.
Demonstration in Super Taikyu – Technical Background
Another strength of the Performance-B STI concept is that it is designed to be used in actual races in the Super Taikyu Series.
When CTO Fujinuki announced this at the Fuji 24 Hours race on June 1, 2025, it was hinted that development was already underway with a view to racing. Actual race data will be fed back and used to improve the performance of production cars. This can be seen as a revival of the traditional development method that Subaru has cultivated over many years in the WRC, of ”honing the car through racing and applying it to production cars.”
The Significance of Internal Combustion Sports in the Electrification Era
It is also significant that it was announced alongside the Performance-E STI concept (electric vehicle).
Subaru has clearly announced a “multi-pathway strategy” that will see it continue to offer internal combustion engine sports models while promoting electrification. This is the stance of a mature automaker, offering choices to users with diverse values. As regulations for pure internal combustion engine sports cars become stricter, Subaru has shown its determination not to give up on the traditional “boxer engine + AWD + MT” package. This is surely a reassuring message for Subaru fans around the world.
Response at Japan Mobility Show 2025
The Performance-B STI concept was one of the most popular models at the venue, and it has been met with enthusiastic responses on social media, such as “I’ve been waiting for this!”, “I’ll definitely buy it!”, and “This is Subaru!”, indicating a high level of potential purchasing interest.
Future schedule and outlook
No timeline for commercialization has been stated, but several scenarios are possible.
Optimistic scenario
- Within 2026: Official announcement of commercial release
- 2027: Commercial model launch
- From 2028 onwards: Grade expansion and special edition vehicles
Prudent Scenario
- 2026-2027: Further refinement and demonstration in Super Taikyu
- 2028: Commercial release decided
- 2029: Launch
In any case, customer reaction will be key. The reaction at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the status of pre-orders, and Subaru’s business decisions will determine whether this dream car will become a reality.
Summary – The dawn of a new era for Subaru sports
The Performance-B STI concept is more than just a concept car. It is an important message that clearly shows the direction of what kind of sports models Subaru will develop in the future.
This model shows the future:
- An affordable sports car – A simple base model keeps the price down
- Freedom of customization – The fun of developing it to your liking
- Continuation of the internal combustion engine – Preserving the tradition of boxer engine + AWD + MT
- Practicality combined with the convenience of a five-door in a compact body
- Race Field Back – Utilizing actual race data from Super Taikyu
This concept car strongly suggests the possibility of a WRX STI-like five-door hatchback, something Subaru fans have been waiting for for many years, being revived with modern technology and ideas.
Visiting the Japan Mobility Show 2025 and seeing the actual car is the first step towards making this dream car a reality. Spreading the word on social media, providing direct feedback to Subaru, and above all, continuing to hear people say “I want it!” will be the biggest boost to bringing it to market.
The Performance-B STI concept has been introduced as a “highly anticipated model that is full of Subaru-ness.” We’ll be keeping a close eye on how it turns out.
