NEW EV SIGNALS RETURN OF SUBARU STI

Tokyo concept heralds anticipated comeback for revered sporty badge

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Subaru has given a glimpse into the future of its STI performance brand with a wild new sports car concept.

The Performance-E STI concept “represents the future of the performance scene, spearheading Subaru’s new generation”, the company said.

Subaru has released very few details, but it said the concept’s design has been influenced by the brand's heritage and offers a “driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior”.

It is also understood to feature two driven axles, in line with the STI brand’s association with rally-honed four-wheel-drive performance.

The concept's unveiling comes shortly after Subaru Europe boss David Dello Stritto told Autocar: “There are plans to bring back the sportiness in Subaru.”

He said the brand had a reputation for selling cars that were “safe, fun and tough - ‘SFT’”. But he added there were opportunities to consider relaunching a performance model. The previous Impreza WRX STI bowed out of Europe nearly a decade ago.