So, Subaru's Bringing Back the STI... But Only If We Ask Nicely?

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For decades, Subaru’s STI badge has stood as a symbol of rally‑bred performance, turbocharged thrills, and a cult‑like following among enthusiasts. Yet in recent years, the STI nameplate has been conspicuously absent from showrooms, leaving fans to wonder whether the automaker had quietly retired its most iconic performance brand. Now, Subaru is signaling that the STI could return—but only if customers demand it.

At the Japan Mobility Show earlier this year, Subaru unveiled two concept vehicles that reignited speculation about the STI’s future. The Performance‑E STI showcased an electrified vision of the brand’s performance heritage, while the Performance‑B STI leaned into tradition with a turbocharged boxer engine and manual gearbox. Apparently, the dual reveal was a litmus test. Subaru executives made clear that the company is listening closely to enthusiasts before committing to production.

Masaaki Kobayashi, Subaru Corporation’s product general manager, told Australian outlet Drive that the automaker has not yet decided which powertrain direction best suits a revived STI. “This is the first time we have shown it to the public, so maybe we want to know what the customers think, maybe we get the feedback from the customers, then we will think,” Kobayashi explained. His comments underscore a rare moment of openness: Subaru is effectively crowdsourcing the future of its halo car.

The stakes are high. Subaru’s WRX, once inseparable from the STI badge, transitioned to the Subaru Global Platform in its latest VB generation without a high‑performance STI variant. For many loyalists, the absence has left a void. The WRX remains competent, but critics bemoan the lacking raw edge that defined previous STI models. Enthusiasts have long clamored for a range‑topper, and the Performance‑B concept, with its familiar boxer rumble, appears to answer that call.

Yet the Performance‑E concept represents a different kind of ambition. As automakers worldwide pivot toward electrification, Subaru faces pressure to align its performance offerings with broader sustainability goals. An electrified STI could shock EV cynics by rather broadening the brand’s appeal, attracting new customers and signaling Subaru’s intentions to compete in the EV performance space. The challenge lies in balancing heritage with innovation: can an STI without a turbocharged boxer still capture the spirit of rally dominance?

Subaru’s strategy of inviting fan input is as pragmatic as it is risky. On one hand, it builds goodwill by acknowledging the passion of its community. On the other, it exposes the company to conflicting demands. Traditionalists may push for the visceral, gasoline‑powered Performance‑B, while forward‑looking buyers may favor the electrified Performance‑E. Choosing one path risks alienating the other. Still, Subaru seems intent on maximizing the STI’s reach by gauging which vision resonates most strongly.

The timing of this deliberation carries tremendous weight. Competitors such as Toyota and Hyundai have doubled down on performance divisions, with models like the GR Corolla and i30 N capturing enthusiast attention. Can Subaru risk ceding ground by dragging its feet for too long? Conversely, rushing into production without clear demand could dilute the STI brand. By soliciting feedback, Subaru is attempting to strike a balance between urgency and caution.

For American fans, the stakes feel particularly personal. The U.S. market has not seen a new STI since the WRX’s platform shift. This left a gap in Subaru’s lineup that rivals have exploited. Enthusiasts on forums and social media have already begun rallying around the Performance‑B concept, urging Subaru to honor its rally‑bred heritage. Whether those voices carry enough weight to sway corporate decision‑making remains to be seen.

Ultimately, Subaru’s STI revival is less about horsepower figures or lap times than it is about identity. The STI badge embodies a culture of performance, community, and passion. By asking fans to help decide its future, Subaru is acknowledging that the STI is a shared legacy. The coming months will reveal whether that legacy continues with the familiar roar of a turbocharged boxer or the silent surge of electrified power. Either way, the decision will mark a defining moment for Subaru and its most loyal followers.