At the Detroit Auto Show, Subaru unveiled the WRX STI in a limited edition S209. The main difference from the regular version of the sports sedan is the 341 hp boxer turbo engine.
A total of 200 S209s will be produced and will only be available in the US. Previously, from 2000 to 2018, Subaru S-line series (S201-S208) were produced and sold only in Japan.
The redesigned EJ25 turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine received a larger turbine and compressor (up 6 and 8%, respectively, compared to the WRX STI). In addition to an additional 41 hp. it produces 10% more torque (450 Nm) at 3600 rpm. For maximum driver engagement, the S209 comes exclusively with a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Subaru all-wheel drive with front/rear limited slip differentials and a locking center differential (DCCD). The recalibrated SI-Drive system, in addition to the usual two modes (“economy” and “sports”), offers a third - Sport Sharp to achieve the best acceleration times.
The Subaru WRX STI S209 received an aerodynamic body kit that increased the overall width of the car to 1839 mm (43 mm wider than the standard WRX STI). The bulged fenders accommodate wider S209-specific wheels: 265/35 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A on 19x9-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Brembo brakes with cross-drilled steel rotors, six-piston monobloc front calipers and two-piston monobloc rear calipers are responsible for slowing down speed. The S209 has a redesigned suspension architecture that brings the car closer to the racing version of the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge, which won the SP3T class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2018.
Subaru showed the most powerful WRX STI in history
