Subaru Performance-B STI concept headed to production  

Subaru has confirmed the headline-grabbing Performance-B STI concept for production as one of three new manual enthusiast models alongside a WRX fitted with the ‘TY85’ STI six-speed manual transmission and a new lightweight flagship BRZ. The big unknown, however, is if any of these models will come to Australia. 

The announcement was made via a dedicated pop-out on the WRX’s Japanese landing page where executives were quick to cut to the chase: “We are currently developing a production version of the ‘Performance-B STI concept’ that was exhibited at Japan Mobility Show 2025.  

“We plan to create a model with a new personality that is different from the WRX and BRZ.” 

The only confirmed details of the Performance-B STI concept are the five-door body (obviously), and the inclusion of all-wheel-drive and a horizontally opposed engine – though the bonnet scoop certainly hints at the presence of a turbocharger. 

carsales predicted this announcement in April when we discovered official design renders of the production car had been submitted for trademarking with IP Australia, with the leaked images accompanied by speculative renders of the finished product. 

The production vehicle has since been teased under a thick sheet alongside the TY85-equipped WRX sedan – which is being pitched as a new model for the Japanese market – and a new BRZ based on the lightweight 2025 STI Sport TYPE RA. 

Of the BRZ, Subaru said it’s “developing a model that will make the highly acclaimed driving experience even lighter and more enjoyable to drive at will”. 

But are any of these models a chance for Australia? Asked that exact question last week at the local Trailseeker media launch, Inchcape Australasia managing director Blair Read said he couldn’t share anything more than what had been published (in Japan) but reiterated there was more to come from STI.

“Subaru is synonymous with performance, and it is what the Subaru community are passionate about … so that performance DNA runs through the veins of everyone that’s involved with Subaru,” he said. 

“So expect to see more of it.” 

Pushed for a timeline as to when the “pause” on STI product might end, Read reiterated Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence’s previous message of sit tight for now. 

“We can’t comment on that (timeline) today … just keep watching this space – you would’ve seen a lot of global activity in the last few weeks: that’s all we can share at this point in time.” 

While no local outfit wants to be in the crosshairs of head office, Read’s and previously Lawrence’s caginess, combined with recent trademark activity, suggests there’s at some least some semblance of a plan for Australia regarding at least one of these new models. 

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