Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Sport Mobility concept to preview retro-inspired EV coupe

Tokyo’s 2023 Mobility Show to feature Subaru’s high performance electric concept

Subaru Sport Mobility concept

The stars are coming out for Japan’s 2023 Tokyo Mobility Show, and now it’s Subaru’s turn to preview what it has in store for the reformed motor show. Centre stage will be the Subaru Sport Mobility concept, a sporty electric coupe that could preview a future design direction, by referencing its past. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are no official technical details about the model as yet, but the single dark image does reveal the concept’s unmistakable three-box body, flat bonnet and slim headlights. Like many Japanese manufacturers, Subaru might not appear to have much in the way of design heritage in Europe, but this concept very clearly channels the eccentric XT coupe it sold globally between 1985 and 1991. 

Look closer into some of the concept’s details and you’ll find more corresponding elements with the XT, such as the blacked-out a-pillars and square-shaped indentations on the bonnet’s leading edge, referencing its pop-up headlights.  

The original XT was actually very progressive mechanically as well, pairing either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged flat-four (or a flat-six) petrol engine with an optional all-wheel drive system. Some models were even sold with a low-range transfer case, height-adjustable pneumatic suspension and a digital instrument cluster. 

It’s this innovation and out-of-the-box thinking that Subaru’s hoping to channel with its new concept, something we might see applied more directly to its future road cars. Subaru’s presence in the UK and Europe isn’t nearly as prominent as it was during the WRC rally era in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, but Subaru’s international success has roared on since, driven largely by the American and Australian markets. 

But as the brand expands its EV range so is it becoming more relevant to the UK and Europe, with Subaru keen to capitalise on additional markets to help drive its switch to battery power. For now, we’ll have to wait a few more weeks to see what this future vision of a sporty Subaru could look like, but we can be sure that it won’t be boring. 

Now check out the latest Subaru news and reviews...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue
Best kei cars - header image

The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue

Car weight has become a big issue with the rise of EVs, but Japanese kei cars have had the problem solved for years. These are the best…
Best cars & vans
30 Jan 2025
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 header image

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars

TAS 2025 highlighted the latest in tuning, off-road accessories, and new cars...
News
14 Jan 2025
Return of the Mazda RX-7 draws close as Iconic SP is marked for production
Mazda ICONIC SP concept – front (doors closed)

Return of the Mazda RX-7 draws close as Iconic SP is marked for production

Mazda’s designer has said we can expect a production model “in the not-so-distant future”
News
7 Nov 2024
Mazda, Toyota and Subaru join forces to develop new engines for hybrid cars
Toyota, Subaru and Mazda partnership

Mazda, Toyota and Subaru join forces to develop new engines for hybrid cars

The new engines will be compatible with fossil fuel alternatives like liquid hydrogen and synthetic fuel
News
30 May 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025
BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?
BMW X3 and Lexus NX - front tracking

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?

BMW’s much-lauded new X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market – but is it good enough to topple the cheaper hybrid-powered Lexus NX 35…
Car group tests
8 Feb 2025
New Kia EV2 baby electric car due in late-2025 with a low, low price
Kia EV2 - spyshot front

New Kia EV2 baby electric car due in late-2025 with a low, low price

Kia’s EV electric car range will grow again with the arrival of the EV2
News
10 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts