Fast 2025 Subaru Solterra STI on the way
Hot Subaru EV could trigger a Toyota GR sister car; expect both to give enthusiasts more power and better handlingNext year will see the arrival of the 2025 Subaru Solterra STI, a faster and better-handling take on the car-maker's all-electric mid-size SUV that will square up to other fast EVs like the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Set to be heavily inspired by the 2022 Subaru Solterra STI concept, according to Japan's Best Car magazine, the hot EV will land as part of the mid-life Solterra facelift.
Official details have yet to be revealed, with Subaru not commenting on the story, but it's thought in a bid to rival hot EVs like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N the Solterra might receive a significant powertrain upgrade.
In Australia the dual-motor Solterra currently only churns out 160kW and 337Nm – a long way off the IONIQ 5 N’s mighty 478kW/770Nm.
Best Car says engineers are also focusing on improving the way the Solterra drives, suggesting the STI will be far more engaging than the base model and possibly on the receiving end of a drift mode and advanced torque-vectoring ability.
We expect the Solterra will also boast a similar styling kit to the concept that will boost downforce while reducing drag.
What isn't mentioned by the Japanese mag is if the hot Solterra is being developed side-by-side with a similar offering based on the bZ4X.
If it is, expect heavy involvement from Toyota Gazoo Racing and for the GR bZ4X to also be offered Down Under.
Earlier this year the bZ4X chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama said that a high-performance version of the Toyota SUV was under consideration, but the car would potentially carry a GR Sport badge and, instead of having a road-bias, would be developed for going fast off-road.
Such an EV already exists following the introduction of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally that was introduced in some markets earlier this year.
That car boasted rally-car-inspired styling, a high-lift suspension kit, and a specific RallyCross driving mode.
In Germany Subaru already offers a sportier take on its all-electric SUV called the Solterra STe.
Instead of more power, the STe treatment only adds 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and lots of 'STe' badging, but misses out on any handling tweaks.
Related: Subaru Solterra 2024 Review
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