--- title: "STI-Badged EV? Subaru Still ‘Considering’ It Despite Pendulum Swing Toward Gas" date: "2025-10-29" modified: "2025-10-29" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/subaru-is-considering-an-electric-sti-badged-vehicle" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Subaru News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "sports car" --- # STI-Badged EV? Subaru Still ‘Considering’ It Despite Pendulum Swing Toward Gas ![Subaru STI EV concept]() *\Joel Feder\* Buckle up, because the STI badge doesn't seem to be dead; it's just sleeping. And when the badge returns, it might be on an electric car. On Tuesday at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, the Subaru Performance-E STI concept debuted. Subaru's design director, Shin Imai, told *The Drive,* "I'm considering, yes," when asked if the electric concept is an indication that the Japanese automaker is considering an electric car with an STI badge. Imai said the Performance-E STI concept isn't a thinly veiled look at a production car. But noted the team tried to "capture some of the elements from our historical STI vehicles, such as the 22B, as a program." Among the 22B's hallmarks are the huge, round driving lights on the front, which are typically covered and have STI logos. Imai said the concept represents that element with the huge STI logos on the front lower air dam flaps. ![Subaru Performance-E STI concept]() ![Subaru Performance-E STI concept]() ![Subaru Performance-E STI concept]() ![Subaru Performance-E STI concept]() Imai quickly said that with EVs, it's all about aero and cutting through the wind, but the team wanted to pay homage to the 22B with the gold wheels. The concept's large alloy wheels feature a gold aero disc as a reference to the historic Subaru. The rear hatch lacks a wing due to drag, but Imai said the little aero winglets are a nod to the 22B's wing while also providing functional downforce. "We try to balance between range and performance driving at the same time," Imai said. As for range, Imai wouldn't comment, but said the silhouette is a teardrop shape to make it slippery. The proportions of the Performance-E STI concept were driven by maximizing interior space, because, as Imai put it, "obviously, it's a Subaru." The design executive said the team didn't want to make it just another sports car. No timeline was given as to when we might see an electric car from Subaru with an STI badge, but the topic is officially on the table. *Got a tip about a future product? We want to hear from you at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()