Subaru wrx sti s209. 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209 finally gives fans what they want 2020-01-05

2019 Subaru STI S209

While Subaru promised forged pistons when the car made its auto show debut, it decided to stick with cast pistons, which vastly improve durability according to internal tests. The more we make, the more money we lose. A Properly Special Heart Until now, most special-edition Subies offered in the States have been largely cosmetic tributes. The only available transmission is a six-speed manual transmission and, naturally for a Subaru, is standard. Power To The People The powertrain follows the classic Subaru performance formula: a turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine driving all four wheels, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately we didn't get to test its benefits during our very brief test drive. On the road My first experience with the S209 comes on the drive from our hotel in the Berkshires to Palmer Motorsports Park.

2019 Subaru STI S209

But this old engine is not as smooth or as hard-hitting as the smaller turbo fours powering the Subie's closest peers. In the S209, they control a system that sprays water on the intercooler, giving you a little bit of push-to-pass power. The S209 also comes with a flexible front strut tower bar and flexible front and rear draw stiffeners, both of which are similar to the setup Subaru uses with its endurance racer that took victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2018. And free is good, right? It takes a neutral set on the power and never feels like it's getting away from you. The decision to keep each and every one of these models exclusive to Japanese enthusiasts was a point of contention among North American Subaru fans. I also utilize these turns to try out the different center-differential locking programs, and the - setting definitely seems to leverage the engine's substantial torque to help turn the car in, though Atkinson says he generally leaves it in its automatic setting.

The 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 is taking on America with full force

The transmission is a six-speed manual, but you'll find paddle shifters behind each side of the fat little steering wheel. Inside, front seats are Recaros with S209 on the headrests. A larger front mount unit would be much more efficient and allow engineers to find more power. It has all-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged engine, but if you want an even more hardcore ride, the dials the performance to 11. There are tradeoffs, naturally, coming in the form of additional dust and noise, but them's the breaks. An Ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel gives you confident control, lap after lap, and a Multi-Function Display shows the status of key systems at a glance. When the time eventually comes to slow down, the S209 has a set of Brembo brakes comprising cross-drilled rotors, 6-piston front calipers, two-piston rear calipers, and high-friction pads.

2020 Subaru WRX STI Review, Pricing, and Specs

Canards on the front bumper and the adjustable wing out back help push the body toward terra firma, while a nearly obscene number of vents and inlets seek to channel air more efficiently, aiding cooling. It turns in nicely on the brakes, and with its center differential in auto there's just a touch of understeer at the limit to keep it settled. It's about the same speed we achieve in the higher-revving S208 in third gear. Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. The limited-edition S209 is designed from the chassis out to balance raw turbocharged power with precise, intuitive handling.

Subaru WRX STI S209 Special Edition Debuts at 2019 Detroit Auto Show

With 341 hp and 330 lb-ft, its 2. A flexible front-strut tower bar is split in the center and joined together by a pillow-ball joint. It can produce just two cars a day. The pink bar itself doesn't do anything other than protect the actual draw stiffener behind it. It's easy to jump in and shove the car around.

2019 Subaru STI S209 First Look

Plus, with just 200 units, Subaru should have no problem selling out on the S209. It's that modification process that has typically relegated these cars to Japan alone. Stiffer Bilstein dampers are paired with springs with 18 lbs of additional rate, and solid pillow ball rear suspension bushings increase response. Many of the S209's most important parts can't be seen without digging a little deeper. After 12 seriously quick laps between me and my co-driver, the S209's brake pedal feels only marginally different than when we started the day. Production of the S209 is limited to — surprise! Salute the flagger on the way into the first turn. The intake was also upgraded, and now comes with a new high-flow design, new intake ducting, a new induction box with a conical air filter, and a silicone turbocharger inlet duct.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

Since 1988, Subaru Tecnica International has studied and applied motorsports and vehicle development engineering to upgrade and refine Subaru vehicles — both for professional racing and for thrilling performance on your favorite back road or tricky corner. All-wheel drive, complete with an electronically controlled center differential and a six-speed manual, harnesses a lag-prone turbocharged 2. The S209 uses Subaru's 2. The carbon-fiber rear wing and front underspoiler work together to create more downforce and stability. In fact, the suspension is so forgiving that even late braking, rear leg-raising momentum shifts by way of the car's six-piston Brembos do little other than momentarily upset the apple cart before all four wheels once again grip a straight line. Then there was the issue of culture.

2019 Subaru STI S209 First Look

It's a revelation in this age of lifeless electric steerers. For 2020, it adds keyless access with push-button start and dresses up the 19-inch dark-gray wheels with a machine finish. We take a cool down lap and pull onto pit road. In conjunction with the tires, it's some of the sharpest, most confident braking I've experienced in a passenger car. If you crave a hard-driving car, but also need a practical vehicle for daily commuting, the is a fantastic solution. There are some very minor tweaks to the S209's interior.