Subaru has revealed its all-electric STI E-RA at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon. A ‘near-future’ concept designed to meet FIA E-GT racing class regulations.
The concept speaks volumes about the brand’s ambitions in motorsport, specifically, the FIA’s new E-GT racing class that will kick off with a debutant season in 2023.
Alongside FIA’s early regulations, the E-RA concept has also been set a lap time target around the Nurburgring Nordschleife of 6 minutes, 40seconds, which would beat the Chinese Nio EP9’s time by almost six seconds. It will attempt a time attack at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit from 2023; in preparation for that, the vehicle will undergo several trials on Japanese tracks this year.
Subaru Tecnica International set the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon ablaze by introducing two EV concepts: the STI E-RA and Soltera STI. The carbon-neutral cars mark the start of a new era for the Japanese marque’s motorsports division as it moves towards battery power.
Powering the STI E-RA Concept are four high-torque motors, one motor positioned near each of the four wheels, enabling four-wheel torque vectoring technology. Yamaha developed and supplied these motors with a total power output of 1,073 horsepower.
The torque vectoring system is developed and supplied by Yamaha.
‘The unique torque vectoring system is a technology that equalises the balance to the grip limit of each of the four wheels with a driver-focused control system whose highest priority is the pleasure of driving. Raising the grip level to the maximum and stabilises car body position.’
Subaru says this configuration enables a high level of responsiveness and direct control of the yaw of the car body. Subaru will also use the lessons learned from this project in ‘an initiative for a future electrified society.’