Subaru is still new to electric vehicles, but that doesn’t stop it from unveiling more ambitious projects. electr reports the automaker has introduced two concept electric vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon, including his first all-electric race car. The STI E-RA Concept hints at Subaru’s upcoming track car with 1,073 horsepower combined from its four Yamaha engines, extensive downforce and all-wheel drive, coupled with a ‘unique’ torque vectoring system that maximizes grip and stability.
While the 60kWh battery is relatively small, Subaru is confident the E-RA can thrive on the track. It hopes to set a Nürburgring lap time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds sometime in 2023. That’s not as fast as VW’s ID.R (6 minutes 5 seconds) but it’s comfortably ahead of road cars like Tesla’s Model S plaid (7 minutes 35 seconds). The company plans to test the E-RA at Japanese circuits later in 2022.
Subaru
The brand also unveiled a Solterra STI Concept (centre), which, as the name suggests, is a sportier version of the upcoming crossover. Subaru hasn’t discussed underbody changes, but the upgraded Solterra has a roof spoiler, skirt spoiler, and other adjustments to signal its performance ambitions.
As much as the E-RA represents Subaru’s motorsport plans, it also serves as a statement of intent. Like VW’s hit, it shows that the company is serious about electric vehicles and can produce high-performance cars alongside everyday people carriers. The challenge is to transfer the lessons learned from concepts like this to regular vehicles. Subaru is late with electric vehicles even compared to incumbents like VW, Mercedes, and GM, and it may need to act quickly if it wants to counter the electrification efforts of its rivals.
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