Target Tesla Model Y Performance and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N! Wildly hot 2025 Subaru Solterra STi set to unleash WRC-honed handling and performance

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 John Mahoney 10132 Views BZ4X, GR Sport, solterra, STI, Subaru, Toyota

Subaru will reinvent its famous STi nameplate next year when the Japanese performance division launches its hot Subaru Solterra STi featuring more power, better handling and wild aerodynamics.

Created to humble other hot mid-size EVs like the Tesla Model Y Performance and genre-redefining Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Japan’s Best Car magazine says the hot EV will be unleashed as part of the mid-life revisions of the current Solterra electric SUV in 2025.

Sadly details are still thin on the ground but considering the competition includes the 478kW/770Nm Ioniq 5 N, expect the Solterra’s anaemic 160kW and 337Nm dual-motor powertrain to get a seismic makeover.

Best Car says engineers will also focus on improving the way the Solterra drives, suggesting the STi will be far more engaging.

If it is to be an STi it will need to be, as Subaru’s wildest perfomance vehicles bear that badge. It stands for Subari Tecnica International and its last vehicle was the WRX STi killed off in 2022 because of difficulties meeting emissions.

Clearly, the Solterra wont face that challenge, but it will need to be a fair bit more exciting than it is now.

So expect both a drift mode and an advanced torque-vectoring ability designed to ensure the battery-electric SUV slides like an old Impreza WRC when provoked.

When it comes to its looks, the Solterra should look similar to a well-received 2022 concept that packaged plenty of wind-bending aids to boost downforce while reducing drag.

What isn’t mentioned by the Japanese mag is if the hot Solterra is being developed side-by-side with a Toyota Gazoo Racing version of its non-identical twin, the bZ4X.

If so, expect plenty of heavy lifting from Toyota Gazoo Racing and for the fast GR bZ4X to also be offered in Australia.

Reports suggest Toyota Gazoo Racing are already considering a hot bZ4X but unlike the original Solterra STi concept it might be more interested in something more suited to the Dakar rally.

In previous reports chief engineer, Masaya Uchiyama, said that a such a car could be badged the bZ4X GR Sport.

If produced, the hotter Toyota would already have a rival on sale elsewhere in the shape of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally that was introduced in some markets earlier this year.

The Mustang Mach-E Rally boasted not only rally car-inspired styling but a high-lift suspension kit and specific RallyCross driving mode to maximise fun (and slip angles) in the dirt.

Despite never tackling a hot EV before, Subaru has already introduced an STe badged Solterra for the German market (pictured top), although the updates are less than convincing for enthusiasts.

Instead of more power the STe treatment introduces different 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured panels and lots of badges

But it misses out on any handling tweaks or a full body kit.