U.S. Subaru buyers
have suffered enough for the lack of track-bred WRX STI models such as the S207
and S208. While those two performance versions were exclusive to Japan, the
latest of the STI “S-line” models is now available exclusively to U.S. buyers.
It’s called the STI S209 and it’s based on the WRX STI sedan.
Subaru Tecnica International has tuned various components of the stock
WRX STI including engine and chassis, spicing everything up with exclusive
exterior and interior parts. For starters, the WRX STI’s EJ25 2.5-liter turbo
engine now delivers 341 horsepower courtesy of many modifications headlined by
an HKS turbocharger with a larger turbine and compressor, as well as an
increased maximum boost pressure of 18.0 psi (16.2 psi for the WRX STI).
The four-cylinder
flat-four engine also features forged pistons and connecting rods that are both
lighter and stronger. The list of extensive upgrades also includes a high-flow
intake system with an intercooler water spray system (a nod to the 2004-07 WRX
STI), larger fuel injectors, and an STI-tuned engine control module.
High-performance mufflers and larger hand-polished stainless-steel exhaust tips
(101 mm in diameter) round off the powertrain modifications.
As a result of all
these changes, the power plant delivers 341 horsepower and 10 percent higher
mid-range torque at 3,600 rpm. Subaru says that makes it the most powerful
STI-badged production car ever. However, you might recall that Subaru released
a 400 hp Impreza WRX STI CS400 in 2010 in the UK. Well, that one doesn’t count
because it was a collaboration with Cosworth, not an STI-exclusive product like
this one.
The STI S209 comes
exclusively with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that directs power
to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The full-time AWD works with a
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode
Vehicle Dynamics Control. STI also recalibrated the SI-Drive system which
offers three modes: Intelligent (I), Sport (S), and Sport Sharp (S#). STI
engineers recommend Sport for circuit driving and Sport Sharp for drag racing.
To safely manage
the added power, the STI S209 wears 265/35 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A
summer-only tires wrapped around lightweight 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy
wheels. Developed exclusively for the S209 by Dunlop, the tires contribute to
the car’s maximum lateral grip of over 1.0 g.
The wheels are
housed by the bulging fenders that accommodate wider front/rear tracks (+0.6
in/15 mm front/rear). Stopping power is ensured by Brembo brakes featuring
cross-drilled steel rotors and 6-piston mono-block front calipers and 2-piston
mono-block rear calipers.
For improved track
performance, the suspension features specially developed Bilstein dampers,
stiffened coil springs, a 20 mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type
bushings for the front/rear lateral links, among other solutions adopted from
the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge race car.
Styling-wise, the
S209 brings distinctive elements such as the wide-body kit, front bumper
canards, carbon-fiber roof panel and rear wing, as well as special S209 badges.
Inside, the limited edition model features a D-shape, STI-badged steering wheel
wrapped in Ultrasuede with silver stitching, Recaro front bucket seats with
silver inserts, an S209 serial number badge on the center console, and S209
badges on the passenger-side dash and seat headrests.
STI will only build
around 200 units of the S209, in two color combinations: WR Blue Pearl with
gray wheels and Chrystal White Pearl with gold wheels. The car will debut in
late 2019 with pricing to be announced closer to that moment.
