Subaru is reinforcing its commitment to performance vehicles with the creation of a dedicated Sports Vehicle Planning Office within its new Product Innovation Division. Company executives say the new organization is designed to accelerate the development of future performance models, including three upcoming STI-engineered vehicles with manual transmissions.
New Division Focuses on Performance Cars
Subaru recently established its Product Innovation Division and, within it, the Sports Vehicle Planning Office. The new office is dedicated to developing the automaker’s performance-focused vehicles.
Chief Technical Officer Tetsuo Fujinuki discussed the future of Subaru’s performance lineup in an interview with Best Car, highlighting the company’s continued focus on enthusiast-oriented models.
Three STI-Engineered Models in Development
According to Fujinuki, Subaru’s upcoming lineup includes three STI-engineered vehicles, all equipped with manual transmissions.
The models include what is expected to be a more powerful version of the WRX, though not a full STI model, a higher-performance BRZ, and a hot hatch that could carry the Impreza TX name.
Fujinuki said, “We’ve created a Product Innovation Headquarters and established a Sports Vehicle Planning Office specializing in sports models. We decided to abandon the old way of doing things. Because it’s boring. We’d have a confirmation meeting, then another meeting, and they’d bring out similar materials again.”
Digital Development Speeds Up Engineering
Fujinuki also explained that Subaru has adopted a more digital approach to vehicle development.
“We tried developing it [performance cars] entirely digitally. And it turned out we could do quite a lot. As a result, our development speed increased, and we were able to do more daring things,” he said.
According to Fujinuki, the faster development process allows Subaru to pursue more ambitious projects while improving overall efficiency.
Performance Remains Part of Subaru’s Strategy
The company does not plan to become exclusively a performance-car manufacturer and will continue selling high-volume models such as the Forester and Outback.
However, the expanded use of digital development is expected to make it easier and less costly to develop additional STI-engineered vehicles.
Electrified Performance Models Under Consideration
Subaru is also exploring electrified performance vehicles, although specific details have not been announced.
The creation of the Sports Vehicle Planning Office and the continued development of STI-engineered models underscore Subaru’s commitment to maintaining its performance heritage while the automotive industry moves toward greater electrification.
