Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has introduced a limited-edition STI S209 and it’s the first-ever S-line STI product produced exclusively for the US market. As an S-line product, the STI S209 encompasses upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement, and undergoes final assembly in Japan, where it receives engine modifications and bodywork alterations. These changes, in total, have required the variant to be specially homologated for the US market by STI; thus, the S209 is considered the first ‘STI-built’ Subaru sold in the U.S.
The S209 carries on a high-performance tradition that dates to STI-built models that were exclusive to the Japanese domestic market – the 2000 S201 through the 2018 S208. Only 209 units of the STI S209 will be built.
Tech from Nurburgring Challenge racing car
The S209 draws inspiration and tech transfer from STI’s most formidable track machine – the WRX STI Nurburgring Challenge racing car. Like the Nurburgring Challenge car, the S209 has expanded wide-body exterior treatment which extends the vehicle’s overall width compared to a standard WRX STI.
The bulging fenders accommodate wider front/rear tracks and 265/35 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tyres wrapped around lightweight 19×9 forged BBS alloy wheels. The all-new tyres, developed exclusively for the S209 by Dunlop, are said to be a significant contributor to the car’s tenacious maximum lateral grip of over 1.0g.
Vents on the front fenders provide additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders rectify air turbulence to reduce drag and increase downforce. Brembo brakes, with cross-drilled steel rotors and 6-piston monoblock front calipers and 2-piston monoblock rear calipers, provide stout stopping force, thanks in part to upgraded high-friction pads that deliver improved fade-resistance.
Underneath the S209’s broader body are specially developed Bilstein dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20 mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links. The S209 incorporates reinforcements to the front cross-member and rear sub-frames and, like the Nürburgring car, a flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners. Other Nurburgring tech that has been passed to the S209 include front, rear and side under-spoilers; front bumper canards; and carbonfibre roof panel and rear wing.
More powerful EJ25 Boxer engine
A reworked version of the legendary EJ25 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine uses an STI turbocharger manufactured by HKS. This boosts output to 341 bhp at 64,00 rpm, thanks in part to a larger turbine and compressor as well as maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.9 psi (16.2 psi for WRX STI). There’s also a notable bump in midrange torque to 447 Nm at 3,600 rpm, delivering higher corner exit speeds when driving on track.
The S209 comes exclusively with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that routes power to a full-time Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with front/rear limited-slip differentials, a Driver Controlled Centre Differential, Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. A recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: ‘Intelligent’ for better fuel economy and smoother power control; ‘Sport’ for optimized power balance between response and control; and ‘Sport Sharp’ for achieving the best acceleration times. STI engineers recommend ‘Sport’ over ‘Sport Sharp’ for circuit driving, as the less aggressive throttle map allows for greater driver control.
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