Subaru has unveiled two electric concept cars at the Tokyo Auto Show, dubbed the STI E-RA Concept and Solterra STI Concept respectively. Of the two, it is the STI E-RA Concept that commands the most attention. It has been created as a motorsport study project with Subaru aiming to gain experience from it to develop new motorsport technologies while combating climate change.

The Japanese automaker’s main aim with the STI E-RA Concept is to complete a sub-6 minute and 40-second lap of the Nurburgring in 2023 after testing the car extensively throughout Japan this year.

 

Powering the STI E-RA Concept are four electric motors and an integrated inverter sourced from Yamaha. These motors combine to produce 1,073 hp and are powered by a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery. Subaru has also equipped the concept with complex torque vectoring technology that receives signals from sensors determining wheel speed, vehicle speed, steering angle, G-force, yaw rate, brake pressure, and wheel load to determine the best drive and braking pressure for each wheel.

The concept’s name, E-RA, refers to (Electric Record Attempt) and the vehicle has a striking exterior design not dissimilar to prototype race cars. Found up front are a set of eye-catching headlights with LED daytime running lights. There is also a pronounced front splitter, openings on the front wheel arches to aid in aerodynamics, and a large roof scoop. The concept also rocks a massive rear wing and a large diffuser.

 The second concept celebrating its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon is the Solterra STI Concept. It is based around the current production model and sports a new roof spoiler as well red accents across the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser.

A number of other cars are being displayed by Subaru at the show. These include the Levorg STI Performance Concept, WRX S4 STI Performance Concept, BRZ STI Performance, and the BRZ GT300 racer.