Subaru is quite late to the electric party, but the Japanese automaker is making extra efforts to recuperate the lost ground by teaming up with Toyota for the 2023 Solterra crossover. At the same time, it has kicked off the development of a high-performance EV set to be previewed in January at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan by the STI E-RA concept.
Details are scarce for the time being, with Subie only saying the concept signals a “new project launched with an aim of gaining experience and practice in new technologies in the world of motorsport which is making its way toward a carbon-neutral era.” The statement tells us a production model is unlikely to arrive in the foreseeable future.
The sole teaser image provides an early look at the STI E-RA concept with a significantly changed design compared to the new gasoline-fueled WRX sports sedan. The “C” shape of the daytime running lights lends the EV a more imposing look, further accentuated by what seem to be hood vents to cool down the electric bits.
A closer look reveals the STI light up in red and it seems the faux front grille also has a red backlight. The body appears to be finished in the same shade, but it’s unclear whether we are dealing with a sedan akin to the WRX or a different body style. If it’s not a sedan, our money would be on a coupe, perhaps linked to the 2022 BRZ given the similar C-themed daytime running lights.
Since WRX and Subaru in general are known for the symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system, we can’t help but wonder whether the upcoming concept car will have two electric motors – one for the front axle and the other at the back. That should give it a generous amount of near-instant torque, likely considerably more than what you get in the WRX or the BRZ.
All will be revealed on January 14 when Subaru will take the wraps off the STI E-RA concept at the 2022 TAS.
Source: Subaru
