Subaru has introduced the limited edition
WRX S4 STI Sport# in Japan. Pronounced Sport Sharp, the model is based on the
WRX S4 STI Sport EyeSight and features a host of new STI components. Exterior
changes are fairly limited, but the model has a black front spoiler and a dark
gray grille. They’re joined by 18-inch aluminum wheels with a black finish.
Bigger changes occur inside the cabin as
the model has been equipped with Recaro front seats that feature leather and
suede upholstery as well as contrast stitching and STI embroidery. Elsewhere,
there is a suede-wrapped steering wheel and a unique shifter with gloss black
accents.
While the car is geared for performance,
engineers also wanted to increase comfort so they added additional sound
deadening material. Thanks to this change, 200Hz “road noise” is reduced by 0.6
decibels in the front seats and -0.5 decibel in the rear seats compared to the
standard STI Sport.
Power is provided by a turbocharged
2.0-liter engine that produces 296 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission which is
paired to a standard all-wheel drive system.
While the powertrain is familiar, the
model has been equipped with a number of STI components including a strut tower
brace, front and rear draw stiffeners, and a sports exhaust system with a
low-back pressure muffler. The car also has a high flow air filter and a
transmission oil cooler.
Production will be limited to 500 units
and post-tax pricing starts at ¥ 4,741,000 (US$ 44,094).
However, the company is no longer accepting applications as they’ve already
received at least 500 reservations.
