Subaru Ventures into Electrified Future with "STe" Trademark

Subaru, renowned for its performance heritage, is making exciting moves towards an electrified future. In a recent development, the Japanese automaker has filed a trademark application for the intriguing "STe" nomenclature with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). Speculations abound that this new name could signal the arrival of a performance badge for Subaru's upcoming electric cars.

Car enthusiasts and Subaru aficionados first caught wind of the STe trademark, which seems to be a potential successor to the iconic STI badge. Subaru had previously announced the shelving of the WRX STI, emphasizing their commitment to reducing emissions and embracing electrification. The 2022 model year introduced the latest WRX iteration, and the automaker clarified that it would mark the pinnacle of that particular platform.

For decades, STI, or Subaru Tecnica International, has stood as a symbol of Subaru's motorsports division, responsible for crafting their most exhilarating performance vehicles, often based on the beloved WRX platform. Originally spelled with a lowercase "i" before transitioning to all caps in 2006, STI has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Now, with the introduction of STe, Subaru harks back to its STI roots, this time with a lowercase "e" likely representing the electrified nature of their future offerings.

Subaru expressed their eagerness to integrate the essence of STI into their next generation of vehicles when they announced the discontinuation of the WRX STI. This suggests that the renowned rally-inspired STI lineup may extend its influence to other vehicles, potentially including electric vehicles.

Subaru has already made waves with their collaboration with Toyota on the Solterra, an all-electric crossover. Sharing similarities with Toyota's bZ4X, the Solterra represents Subaru's current foray into the realm of electric mobility. At the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru teased enthusiasts with the Solterra STI concept, featuring a sleek roof spoiler, an eye-catching body kit, and custom wheels. However, performance enhancements were noticeably absent.

In a demonstration of their enthusiasm for electric performance, Subaru also showcased the STI E-RA Challenge Project concept at the 2022 Tokyo Salon—an awe-inspiring electric racer boasting a staggering 1,072 horsepower. This display of power further reinforces Subaru's interest in pushing the boundaries of performance EVs. Could "STe" be the emblem that graces their upcoming electrified masterpieces? Only time will tell.

As Subaru ventures into a new era of automotive excellence, the trademark filing for "STe" serves as an intriguing glimpse into their electrified future. Enthusiasts and fans of the brand eagerly await the dawn of a new performance legend, one that combines Subaru's storied past with the innovative technologies of tomorrow.