Subaru Solterra STI concept shows EV future for STI

Subaru has used the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon to show off the next chapter of its illustrious performance heritage in the form of the Subaru Solterra STI concept.

Destined to (eventually) go toe-to-toe with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, Subaru has wasted no time in enhancing, tickly and upgrading its inaugural electric vehicle which only debuted globally on November 17.

Given it’s still a concept – as per the name – vehicle specifics are virtually non-existent at the moment, however, a series STI cosmetic enhancements have been made to up the visual menace.

Finished in a fetching pale blue body colour, the Solterra STI concept’s darkened cladding is contrasted against by a multitude of aggressive crimson trim bits comprising the more aggressive front splitter, side skirts and rear winglets with the black and red theme even continued on the alloy wheels.

Save for the integrated roof spoiler, little else has changed compared to the regular Solterra, which shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the Toyota bZ4X – a GR Sport concept version of which also broke cover in Japan today.

Given the current electrification wave surging across the industry, the chances of the Solterra STI concept making it to production are actually quite healthy and would position the Subaru as a genuine rival to the previously mentioned electrified Hyundai N-car, as well as the new wave of Ralliart-enhanced SUVs teased recently by Mitsubishi.

For reference, the standard car is powered by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery and will be offered in both single (150kW) and dual-motor (160kW) configurations – both down on the 2021 carsales Car of the Year, the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

A full-fat production STI version would undoubtedly up the power and performance figures quite considerably, especially if some of the technology featured within the Subaru STI E-RA concept trickles down to a consumer level.

Developed as part of an “STI near-future motorsport study project, with the aim of gaining experience and training of new technologies” and debuted alongside the Subaru Solterra STI concept, the STI E-RA is an all-electric racing prototype designed to pioneer Subaru’s EV hardware.

Powered by a 60kWh lithium-ion battery, the STI E-RA’s quad-motor (one on each wheel) powertrain develops a combined 800kW – enough in Subaru’s eye at least to hopefully see it lap the Nurburgring in ‘800 seconds’ (6:40 minutes).

“STI will continue to strive in motorsports to refine our technology to keep creating cars that allow our customers to enjoy driving endlessly while feeling safe and comfortable,” Subaru’s performance division said in a statement.

“We will also utilise the insight gained from this project as an initiative for a future electrified society.

“STI will continue to create new values so that cars will remain enjoyable, and which enrich the lives of our customers in an increasingly decarbonised world, for all Subarus.”