The latest generation of Subaru WRX was the first to go without one STD performance flagship, but now it’s back… but don’t get too excited.
Subaru will only produce 500 units S210 special edition, which calls it “the pinnacle of complete STI cars,” based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX for the Japanese market.
However, it is not expected to be sold outside Japan.
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“The latest model unveiled by Subaru Tecnica International (STI) is incredibly exciting and is a clear indication of Subaru’s commitment to the continued evolution of the STI brand and its rich heritage of performance vehicle engineering,” said a Subaru Australia spokesperson.
“We are very interested in the potential of another S edition model for the Australian market.”
More bad news: the S210 is only offered with the Subaru Performance Transmission, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), unlike the STIs of old that came exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
STI may not have called this vehicle an STI, but that’s rifts because it wears STI badges and the tuning arm calls it an “S-series vehicle.” This is the first of this series to be equipped with a CVT, although it has been retuned.
Power and torque in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine have been increased from 202 kW and 350 Nm in the regular WRX 221 kW And 375Nm. This means it matches the old STI in terms of power, although the torque is 32 Nm short.
To extract this extra power and torque, STI retuned the ECU and installed a new air filter, intake ducts and pre-turbo ducts for the induction system.
There’s also a new exhaust system with a low back-pressure muffler, while the STI team has also fitted a high-performance transmission fluid cooler.
It rides on black 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 255/35R19 tires.
Behind the wheels are 18-inch drilled and ventilated Brembo brake discs with six-pot calipers, while in the rear there are 17-inch ventilated brake discs.
STI has fitted a unique rear stabilizer bushing, while there is also a unique adaptive damper and coil spring adjustment.
Visually it is distinguished by new aerodynamic parts, including an STI Dry Carbon rear spoiler and unique side decorations.
Parts such as the exterior mirrors, grille, diffuser and side panels are finished in Crystal Black Silica.
Inside, there are new eight-way electrically adjustable Recaro front seats, finished in nappa leather and fitted with carbon backrests.
The interior is finished in black, although red accents can be found on parts such as the leather-wrapped steering wheel, switch box and armrests.
As expected from a special edition like this, it also includes a serial number plate.
When asked why Subaru’s latest S-series model has a CVT, the answer is simple: the WRX is offered exclusively with the Subaru Performance Transmission in Japan, unlike markets like Australia where it can be equipped with a six-speed manual .
MORE: Everything Subaru WRX
