Subara STI E-RA Concept, 1100 horsepower sports car concept under the hood

Subaru is unveiling its STI E-RA concept, an electric vehicle with nearly 1,100 horsepower, as well as the Solterra STI concept.

Subaru is still very young in the EV market, but that can’t stop the brand from working on some very ambitious projects. Electrek reports that the automaker has just unveiled two new electric vehicle concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show, including its first all-electric racing car. The STI E-RA concept hints at the brand’s next car for the track, with around 1,087 horsepower thanks to four Yamaha engines and all-wheel drive combined with a “unique”torque distribution system for maximum grip and stability.

Subaru unveils its STI E-RA concept, an electric car with nearly 1,100 horsepower.

Although its 60kWh battery is relatively weak, Subaru is confident its E-RA car can impress on the track. The brand hopes to achieve a time of 6 minutes 40 seconds at the famous Nürburgring during 2023. It’s not as fast as the VW ID.R (6 minutes 5 seconds), but much faster than the Tesla Model S Plaid’s time (7 minutes 35 seconds). The manufacturer plans to test its E-RA car on Japanese racetracks later this year.

As well as Solterra STI Concept

Subaru has also unveiled the Solterra STI concept, which, as the name suggests, is a sportier version of the upcoming crossover. Subaru hasn’t revealed any changes made under the hood, but this improved Solterra notably features a roof spoiler and other tweaks that clearly highlight its improved performance.

That being said, if the E-RA represents Subaru’s racing car plans, the concept also serves as a true statement of intent. As with Volkswagen, this shows that the company takes electric vehicles quite seriously and can produce high-performance vehicles in addition to conventional vehicles.

The challenge will be to translate the lessons learned from these concepts into production vehicles. Subaru is late to the EV market compared to longtime players like VW, Mercedes and GM. She will have to act very quickly if she wants to be able to compete with her competitors.