If Subaru STI Returns, It Could Lose One of Its Most Defining Features

Subaru execs swear STI isn’t dead, but you still need to speak up if you want the boxer engine to stick around.

Rear side of a blue Subaru Performance-E STI concept car with illuminated red taillights and a large rear spoiler.

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Published March 4, 2026

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Subaru’s performance division isn’t dead. Rather, it’s on a bit of a sabbatical, and the Fuji Heavy Industries-owned automaker is not only deciding whether to revive the brand with a full-range lineup but also if it should incorporate its iconic gas-powered boxer engine.

The company recently entered the limelight after teasing two potential performance cars under the return of its STI performance brand. First, it started with some rumors.

But Subaru confirmed STI’s revival after it revealed two concepts at the 2025 Tokyo Mobility Show. Now, the automaker is trying to determine if it should offer its potential new STI models in gas, electric or even hybrid guise.

To go electric, or not to go electric, that is the question

Blue Subaru hatchback with black roof, hood scoop, wide fenders, and large rear spoiler in a studio. — Subaru teased the Performance-B STI Concept at the Tokyo Mobility Show in 2025.

Subaru caught the world’s attention when it delivered two new concepts and an underwhelming production model. At the Tokyo Mobility Show in December 2025, STI dropped the Performance-E and Performance-B Concepts, hinting at the return of some full-fledged STI models.

However, as they were only concepts, Subaru also debuted the WRX tS Spec B, which was nothing more than a slightly fancier Japanese Domestic Market-spec Subaru WRX tS. Both the former and latter left STI fans yearning for more.

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That’s what Subaru seems interested in providing. However, the big dilemma, as presented by the two concepts, is the powertrain.

But if you were worried this was all a publicity stunt, some Subaru execs recently promised it isn’t.

Blue Subaru WRX STI sedan with black and red trim, black wheels, and hood scoop on a white background. — Subaru STI’s most recent production model, the WRX tS Spec B, left fans underwhelmed.

“There has been a significant volume of feedback,” said Subaru Australia’s chief, Scott Lawrence, to Drive. “The tempo of news and activity out of STI publicly is picking up. It has the most vocal followers of the Subaru camp, put it that way. As those concepts proved, lots of work in that space – STI isn’t dead.”

But while STI isn’t dead, there’s still uncertainty on whether or not the brand will go electric. And if STI goes electric, that could ultimately lead to the end of the high-performance turbocharged boxer engine.

Speak up or forever hold your peace

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After the debut of the Performance-B and -E STI Concepts, Subaru’s general product manager, Masaaki Kobayashi, confirmed that a full-fledged STI model revival is on the table. But in the same interview later at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, he openly called upon fans to help the company determine the direction of that model.

The Performance-E STI Concept pitched the idea of an all-electric STI model. While the Performance-B STI Concept kept things traditional by suggesting a potential gas-powered STI car.

Blue Subaru WRX STI sedan with black and red trim, quad exhaust pipes, and dark alloy wheels. — The Subaru WRX tS is currently the sportiest, most potent Subaru available.

If fans want STI go to electric, they should let the brand know. And vice-versa, if enthusiasts want STI to keep the iconic boxer engine around.

So, which shall it be, Subaru fans? My vote goes to keeping this legend old-school.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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