Subaru has unveiled the STI S209, its most powerful model yet made, according to the brand.
The S209, a US-only halo model for its WRX STI hot hatch, has upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement, said Subaru.
It is the first time an STI S model has been available in the US market. The S designation first showed up in 2000 on a special-edition Impreza model, the S201, while an S208 model was unveiled last year. However, they were only available in Japan.
The S209 is developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the car maker’s wholly owned performance arm. Subaru said it is inspired by the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge race car, which won the SP3T class at the 2018 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
The Audi RS3 rival uses a heavily reworked version of Subaru’s well-known 2.5-litre boxer engine with a large turbo, delivering 336bhp. No more figures have been released.
Power is driven through the six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.
There are also new front and rear limited-slip differentials along with a driver-controlled centre differential, plus a new torque vectoring system.
Improved aerodynamics allow for higher cornering speeds and an additional 1g of lateral grip, according to Subaru.
The limited-run model of 200 units will go on sale in late 2019.
There are two paint colours: white and blue, a bespoke wheel design and a carbonfibre roof.
Subaru STI president Yoshio Hirakawa said: “What makes STI unique is its philosophy. What’s behind the wheel is as important as what’s under the hood. STI vehicles provide speed with performance and enjoyment.”
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Boris9119
Nostalgia, Nostalgia
Great Swansong for the WRX that is such an icon and important car from its generation. But that was then, and this is now, Car & Driver reckon an MSRP of about $65k, but with dealers in the US free to mark new cars up, this will likely be touted for sale at about $75-$80 all day long. Just like Porsche and many others are doing with their 'performance' or 'enthusiast' editions, by limiting the numbers so much you pretty much ensure that the people who might buy them and actually use them, either don't get the option to buy one or are priced out the market by the speculators. Sad that all the love and engineering that goes into these 'special' versions ends up sitting in a lock up waiting to appreciate in value. That said, I understand the logic from a business model perspective, even if it is a little shortsighted.
Peter Cavellini
What’s the point?
It’s a US model only, great to see it survive there,but, we’re not getting it.
Peter Cavellini.
Sundym
How times change
xxxx
Don't get it, literally
How can they sell this in the US with all it's restictive speed limits yet not bring it to the UK who have a love affair with these cars. Afterall we've the RS3, M2 etc
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
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