Subaru Tecnica International is entering a new era with the Solterra STI Concept.
Subaru Tecnica International lights up the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon with two EV concepts, the STI E–RA and Soltera STI. As the Japanese marque moves toward battery power, the carbon-neutral cars are a sign of a new era in its motorsports division.
The Subaru STI E-RA Concept is the main attraction at the booth. It is part of the company’s STI E-RA Challenge Project. This is a near-future STI motorsport study. It is designed to provide “experience and training in new technologies in motorsports in this carbon neutral era.”
Four high-torque motors power the STI E-RA Concept. One motor is located near each wheel. This allows Subaru to use a four-wheel torque vectoring system. Yamaha supplied the motors with a power output of 1,073 horsepower (800 Kilowatts). The motors draw their juice from a 60-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack. Subaru believes this is the best direction to go, as the all-wheel drive system is part the future regulations for motorsport (FIA E–GT).
We’ll also see the STI E-RA at Nurburgring starting in 2023, with a goal of setting a lap time between 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
Subaru Solterra STI Concept
The Solterra STI Concept is a companion to the STI E-RA Concept. It is based on the all-electric Solterra SUV, which made its debut both in Japan as well as in the US in November 2021.
The Solterra STI Concept does not have any additional performance components. They are simply cosmetic enhancements. Upgrades include a roof spoiler and cherry-red under spoilers. There are also special parts that can be found on the exterior.
Two motors power the Solterra EV. One motor is on each axle. Each motor generates 107 horsepower (80 kW). The total output is 215 HP (160 kW). The Solterra’s 71.4 kWh lithium battery pack gives it a range of 285 miles (460 km) according to Japan’s WLTC standard. The US version has an approximate range of more than 220 miles (354 km).