Subaru unveils the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept: A glimpse into the future of electric sports cars

Subaru showcases its commitment to electric vehicle innovation with the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

The 2023 Japan Mobility Show is seeing a resurgence of Japanese sports cars, and Subaru is at the forefront of this automotive revival. The Japanese automaker has unveiled the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept, providing a sneak peek into the potential future of electric sports cars. With this concept, Subaru emphasizes the idea that electric cars can still deliver an exhilarating driving experience, aligning with the prevailing theme at the event.

The Subaru Sport Mobility Concept embodies the joy of being able to drive freely, emphasizing the transition to electrification without compromising the thrill of driving. While specific technical details are scarce, Subaru has confirmed that the concept serves as a preview of the evolution of Subaru Sport, hinting at the introduction of electric vehicles. Subaru has plans to launch up to eight electric vehicles by 2028, and the Sport Mobility Concept may well be one of them.

As a battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept positions the driver with a low seating position, implying the use of a skateboard-type chassis that houses the battery beneath the cabin. This setup elevates the driver’s position and creates an intriguing perspective for a sports car.

The driver-centric cabin offers control over all four wheels, suggesting the potential presence of a four-wheel drivetrain, although precise drivetrain details remain undisclosed. The interior design appears fairly production-ready, featuring a squared-off steering wheel with various controls for adaptive cruise control, voice commands, and more. Notably, the interior’s resemblance to the Subaru Solterra hints at a possible connection to the Toyota e-TNGA platform.

Should the concept share this platform with the Solterra, it opens the door to a dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain, a setup capable of generating up to 308 horsepower. However, the platform’s versatility could allow for different drivetrain configurations, from single-motor rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, although the sports car’s performance aspirations make these options less likely.

Visually, the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept exhibits an intriguing blend of sportiness and Subaru’s rugged identity. The two-door coupe features rugged, squared-off bumpers and wheel arches, accompanied by a fighter jet-inspired cockpit appearance created by the blacked-out roof and A-pillars, with tinted glass adding to the effect. The design emphasizes straight lines and minimizes faces and character lines to impart a sense of protection.

The concept’s use of blue highlights in the front bumper, hood, wheel arches, and wheels adds a touch of contrast to the design. Forged carbon fiber elements, such as the front bumper, wheel covers, and side panels, suggest a commitment to reducing weight, enhancing the sports car’s performance.

While the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept may not be headed for immediate production, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Subaru’s sports cars. It’s a vision of electric sports cars that could maintain Subaru’s iconic performance and adventure spirit. This concept might also indicate a new direction for Subaru’s STI performance brand or a potential performance variant under a new “STe” badge, as suggested by recent trademark filings.

The Subaru Sport Mobility Concept exemplifies Subaru’s dedication to electric vehicle innovation and its commitment to offering thrilling driving experiences in an electrified future.