Subaru revives the legendary STI name with a new hot‑hatch concept
Subaru has just unloaded the wraps on its newest creation at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, and the hint of a battle‑ready hot‑hatch is hard to ignore. The Performance‑B STI concept looks almost identical to the racing‐fueled WRX STI that the company stopped making in 2021, sparking chatter that the iconic nameplate could be back on the road – this time powered by a piston engine instead of a turbo‑charged hybrid.
A look that brings the past to life
The concept is a sleek, low‑profile hatchback with aggressive styling cues that match Subaru’s performance‑centric heritage. The front fascia boasts a sharp, angular grille; large air‑intake vents; and a distinctive, chrome‑tipped spoiler that hints at the car’s aerodynamic focus. The rear is equally muscular, with a prominent threaded rear wing that gives the hot‑hatch a sporty, almost race‑car vibe.
Inside, the concept showcases a driver‑centric cockpit with a back‑lit steering wheel and minimalist digital instrument panel. The design team has gone to great lengths to evoke the feel of the classic STI while keeping the platform modern and lightweight.
Why the STI might see a return
Since the discontinuation of the WRX STI in 2021, Subaru has kept quiet about what, if anything, might revive the line. The Performance‑B STI concept is the firm’s first real hint that the STI brand could be re‑injected into its lineup, now as a dedicated hot hatch. With the industry pivoting hard toward electric and hybrid powertrains, the idea of an internal‑combustion STI may seem audacious. Yet the concept’s sleek lines and raw power theme hint that Subaru could be planning to rely on a high‑revving, naturally aspirated engine – or a clever hybrid combo that still captures the STI spirit.
What this means for fans
If the concept makes it to production, the STI name would return not as a turbocharged station wagon but a compact, storm‑ready hatchback that could compete in the same segment as the Renault‑Vauxhall Mégane RS or the Volkswagen Golf R. That would give traditional Subaru fans a fresh injection of speed and swagger while satisfying a new generation of performance‑hungry buyers.
The concept’s reveal at the Japan Mobility Show is just a first glimpse, but it keeps the conversation alive: Will Subaru bring back the STI moniker? Only time and a few more concept unveilings will tell. For now, automotive enthusiasts can keep their eyes peeled and their hopes high.
