Subaru Tecnica International (STI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation has just introduced the limited-edition STI S209.

Designed with a focus on high-performance driving, the S209 draws inspiration and tech transfer from STI’s most formidable track machine: the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge race car, which won the SP3T class at the 2018 24 Hours of Nürburgring, marking the fifth time STI dominated the SP3T class at the gruelling endurance race.

The S209, like the Nürburgring Challenge race car, wears an expanded wide-body exterior treatment, which extends the vehicle’s overall width to 72.4 inches, or 1.7 inches wider than a standard WRX STI.

The bulging fenders accommodate wider front/rear tracks (+ 0.6 in front/rear) and 265/35 Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT600A summer-only tires wrapped around lightweight 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy wheels.

The all-new tires, developed exclusively for the S209 by Dunlop, are a significant contributor to the car’s tenacious maximum lateral grip of over 1.0 g.

Vents on the front fenders provide additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders rectify air turbulence to reduce drag.

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 is specially developed Bilstein® dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20mm rear stabiliser bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links.

The S209 incorporates reinforcements to the front crossmember and rear subframes and, a la the Nürburgring race car, a flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners.

The flexible tower bar, unlike a conventional rigid bar, is split and joined with a pillow ball joint in the centre to be longitudinally mobile while helping laterally stiffen the body of the car.

The result is optimum tire grip during lateral moments combined with a compliant ride during longitudinal moments. Meanwhile, the draw stiffeners apply tension between the body and cross member to optimise chassis flex, improving stability when cornering and delivering a better ride, handling and steering response.

Other Nürburgring race car technologies that trickles down to the S209: front, rear and side under spoilers; front bumper canards; and carbon-fibre roof panel and rear wing.

A thoroughly reworked version of the legendary EJ25 2.5-litre turbocharged BOXER engine propels the S209.

Featuring an STI turbocharger manufactured by HKS®, the EJ25 serves up an estimated 341 horsepower, thanks in part to a larger turbine and compressor (up 6% and 8%, respectively, compared to WRX STI) as well as maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.0 psi (16.2 psi for WRX STI).

Proudly displaying an S209 serial number plate, the enhanced BOXER engine utilises forged pistons and connecting rods that are both lighter and stronger.

Midrange torque, too, gets a notable bump, up 10% at 3,600 rpm, delivering higher corner exit speeds when driving on track.

For ultimate driver engagement, 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 (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.

A recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: Intelligent (I) for improved fuel economy and smoother power control; Sport (S) for optimised power balance between response and control; and Sport Sharp (S#) 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.

To feed more air to the EJ25, the S209 uses a high-flow intake system featuring a new intake duct, induction box with conical air filter, silicone turbo inlet duct and, a nod from the 2004-07 WRX STI, and an intercooler water spray system that lowers intercooler temperature via manually operated steering-wheel paddles.

More air demands more fuel, so the S209 receives a new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors and an STI-tuned engine control module.

High-performance mufflers deliver 17% less airflow resistance while larger hand-polished stainless-steel exhaust tips – 101 mm in diameter – deliver aggressive appearance and acoustics.

The S209 receives multiple tweaks to elevate it from other STI sedans. An STI badge replaces the traditional Subaru star cluster on the centre of the D-shape steering wheel, which is wrapped in Ultrasuede® with silver stitching, a treatment that carries over to the lid of the centre console storage box.

An S209 serial number badge resides on the centre console, and S209 badges adorn the passenger-side dash and headrests of the Recaro® front bucket seats, which feature new silver-hued inserts.

Outside, special S209 badges are affixed to the front grille and fenders as well as the rear decklid.

Only around 200 units of the STI S209 will be built. Available exterior colour/BBS wheel combinations will be WR Blue Pearl/grey wheels and Crystal White Pearl/gold wheels.

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2019.

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