After nearly 20 years of waiting, Subaru is finally bringing over one of its top-of-the-line S-Line STI models. The special edition will actually be built exclusively for the US market, and churn 341 hp out of the 2.5-liter H4. Along with more power, the S209 STI adds extra track prowess from a wider body, track-focused suspension and specially formulated Dunlop rubber.
Subaru is squeezing more power from its EJ25 2.5-liter H4 with more boost — raising the boost pressure from 16.2 psi to 18.0 psi. Subaru also upped the turbine and compressor inside the turbocharger to help make that extra boost a reality. To brace for the extra boost, Subaru added forged pistons and connecting rods. A high-flow intake system, with new ducting and conical air filter, helps supply the engine with outside air. Surprisingly, Subaru added paddle-controlled manual intercooler sprayers to help you control your intake air temps. To take advantage of all the extra air, Subaru added larger injectors, a high-flow fuel pump and a special engine controller. From there, the power travels through the close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and into Subaru’s Driver Controlled Center Differential all-wheel-drive system.
Taking advantage of the extra power, Subaru added stiffer coil springs, special Bilstein dampers and a new strut tower bar. The rear stabilizer bar has grown to 20mm to help keep the suspension in check out back. Subaru’s new strut tower brace is flexible, instead of the traditional rigid brace, and uses a pillow ball joint in the center. This helps the tower brace move longitudinally, while draw stiffeners keep the tension between the body and the cross member.
All of that suspension work is to help keep the Dunlop GT600A summer tires wrapping 19×9-inch BBS wheels touching the pavement. Six-piston Brembo brakes clamp cross-drilled rotors up front with two-piston monoblock rear calipers taking care of the back wheels.
On the inside, Subaru added an S209 serial number badge to the center console. The STI badge replaces the Subaru star in the steering wheel, with S209 badges fixed to the headrests of the Recaro front seats and passenger-side dashboard. On the outside, you’ll tell the S209 apart from the Type RA and regular STI by way of special badging front and rear, as well as nearly four-inch exhaust tips, wider fenders and front canards. The wing looks similar to what you’ll find on the Type RA.
There will only be 200 of these special Subies headed to the production line, so you’ll want to get a jump start on trying to get one if you need it to complete your collection. Considering how pricy the Type RA models were, expect to break out your pocketbook later this year when it goes on sale.
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