Japan’s automotive sector seems unsure whether the future lies in electric or gasoline power. Toyota, for instance, isn’t too keen on focusing solely on electric vehicles; instead, it prefers a broader canvas to play on. This approach makes sense, given the company’s heavy investment in gasoline engines. However, this indecision about the future direction of automotive powertrains is most clearly reflected by Subaru.

At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Subaru unveiled two intriguing concepts — one appearing to be based on a production-ready Levorg, and the other a purely electric concept with no clear beginning or end. Leading the lineup were two world premieres from STI: the Performance-E and Performance-B concepts.

The Performance-E is a fully electric model described as “spearheading Subaru’s new generation,” suggesting it could evolve into a future production car — possibly an electric successor to the Levorg. The Performance B STI Concept is aimed at Generation Gasoline.

Subaru Performance-B STI Concept

Details on the powertrain are limited, but the Performance-B STI Concept is expected to be powered by a gasoline engine — likely a reworked 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four. The last time Subaru used that engine was in the outgoing WRX STI, where it produced 310 hp.

However, technology and performance standards have advanced since then, so if this concept reaches production, we can expect output to be boosted to around 400 hp. It will likely feature AWD and retain that iconic, wild rear wing. Clearly, this concept pays homage to Subaru’s rally heritage — and it genuinely looks production-ready, with its aggressively styled bodywork.

Subaru Performance-E STI Concept

Like many of its Japanese peers, Subaru isn’t yet ready to commit fully to an electric future. Yet, much like the 3i Atlas, it offers some anomalous readings.

The Performance-E STI Concept is a pure-electric, four-door GT sports car, though little is known about its powertrain.

Given Subaru’s partnership with Toyota, it’s reasonable to expect that any future production version of the Performance-E STI Concept could share Toyota’s next-generation EV technology — reportedly powered by solid-state battery systems.