Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the renowned performance division of Subaru, has unleashed its most potent creation yet for the American market: the limited-edition STI S209. This marks a historic moment as the S209 is the first-ever S-line STI model meticulously engineered and built exclusively for the United States. Representing the pinnacle of STI’s engineering prowess, the S209 elevates every aspect of the driving experience, encompassing significant enhancements in power, handling, aerodynamics, and driver engagement. This exceptional vehicle undergoes final assembly in Kiryu, Japan, where it receives specialized engine modifications and bespoke bodywork alterations. These extensive changes necessitate a unique homologation for the U.S. by STI, solidifying the S209’s status as the first true “STI-built” Subaru to be sold stateside.
The STI S209 proudly carries the torch of high-performance lineage, tracing back to the coveted STI-built S-model series previously exclusive to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). From the inaugural 2000 S201 to the 2018 S208, these models have become legendary among Subaru enthusiasts worldwide. The S209 is designed with an unwavering focus on delivering exhilarating performance on both road and track, drawing direct inspiration and technological advancements from STI’s formidable Nürburgring Challenge racecar. This race-bred DNA is undeniable, as the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge car triumphed in the SP3T class at the grueling 2019 24 Hours of Nürburgring, marking STI’s sixth victory in this demanding endurance race.
Aggressive Wide-Body Design and Enhanced Aerodynamics
Mirroring its Nürburgring racing counterpart, the STI S209 boasts a striking wide-body exterior treatment. This aggressive stance broadens the vehicle’s overall width to an imposing 72.4 inches, a substantial 1.7 inches wider than a standard WRX STI. These dramatically flared fenders are not merely for visual impact; they functionally accommodate wider front and rear tracks, increased by 0.6 inches both front and rear. This wider track provides a more planted and stable feel, crucial for high-speed cornering and enhanced handling. The S209 rides on bespoke 265/35 Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT600A summer-only tires, specifically engineered for this model. These high-performance tires are wrapped around lightweight 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy wheels, further reducing unsprung weight and enhancing responsiveness. The combination of the wide track and specialized tires contributes significantly to the car’s exceptional lateral grip, exceeding 1.0 g, allowing for phenomenal cornering capabilities.
Functional vents are integrated into the front fenders to optimize engine cooling, channeling heat away from critical components. Similarly, vents on the rear fenders are strategically placed to manage air turbulence, effectively reducing drag and generating increased downforce. These aerodynamic enhancements, inspired by racing technology, contribute to the S209’s stability at high speeds and its overall track performance. To ensure formidable stopping power to match its enhanced performance, the S209 is equipped with Brembo brakes. These high-performance brakes feature cross-drilled steel rotors paired with robust 6-piston monoblock front calipers and 2-piston monoblock rear calipers. Upgraded high-friction brake pads further enhance braking performance, providing improved fade resistance even under demanding driving conditions.
Chassis and Handling Refinements
Beneath the S209’s widened bodywork lies a meticulously engineered chassis and suspension system, specifically developed to maximize handling prowess. The car features specially tuned Bilstein® dampers, paired with stiffened coil springs, and a 20mm rear stabilizer bar. Pillow-type bushings for the front and rear lateral links further enhance suspension precision and responsiveness. Reinforcements to the front crossmember and rear subframes contribute to increased chassis rigidity, providing a more solid and predictable platform. Echoing the Nürburgring racecar, the S209 incorporates a flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners. Unlike conventional rigid strut bars, the flexible tower bar is split and joined with a pillow ball joint at its center. This innovative design allows for longitudinal movement while maintaining lateral stiffness, optimizing tire grip during cornering without compromising ride comfort during straight-line driving. The draw stiffeners work by applying tension between the body and cross member, precisely controlling chassis flex. This optimization improves stability during cornering and enhances overall ride quality, handling, and steering response.
Further race-derived technology trickles down to the S209 in the form of front, rear, and side under spoilers, front bumper canards, and a lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel and rear wing. These aerodynamic elements, proven on the track, contribute to the S209’s exceptional handling balance and downforce generation.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the S209
At the heart of the STI S209 beats a significantly reworked version of the legendary EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. This iconic engine, synonymous with Subaru performance, is further enhanced with an STI turbocharger manufactured by HKS®. The result is a formidable 341 horsepower at 6,400 rpm. This power increase is achieved through several key enhancements, including a larger turbine and compressor (increased by 6 and 8 percent respectively compared to the standard WRX STI) and a boosted maximum boost pressure of 18.9 psi (up from 16.2 psi in the WRX STI). Each S209 engine proudly displays a unique serial number plate, signifying its bespoke nature. Beyond peak horsepower, the enhanced BOXER engine also delivers a substantial increase in midrange torque, producing 330 lb.-ft. at 3,600 rpm. This surge in torque translates to quicker corner exits and more responsive acceleration, particularly beneficial on track.
Driver-Focused Transmission and All-Wheel Drive System
Exclusively designed for ultimate driver engagement, the S209 is equipped with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. This transmission channels power to Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, featuring front and rear limited-slip differentials, a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring, and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. This sophisticated AWD system ensures optimal power distribution and traction in all conditions. The S209 also features a recalibrated SI-Drive system, offering three distinct driving modes: Intelligent (I) for optimized fuel economy and smoother power delivery, Sport (S) for a balanced blend of response and control, and Sport Sharp (S#) for maximum acceleration performance. STI engineers specifically recommend the Sport mode for circuit driving, as its less aggressive throttle mapping allows for finer driver control and precision.
To feed the EJ25 engine with ample air, the S209 utilizes a high-flow intake system. This system incorporates a new intake duct, an induction box with a conical air filter, a silicone turbo inlet duct, and a nostalgic nod to the 2004-07 WRX STI – an intercooler water spray system. This system, manually operated via steering-wheel paddles, effectively lowers intercooler temperatures, improving engine performance and responsiveness. To match the increased airflow, the S209 is equipped with a new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors, and an STI-tuned engine control module. High-performance mufflers reduce airflow resistance by 17 percent, while larger, hand-polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, measuring 101mm in diameter, contribute to both an aggressive aesthetic and a powerful acoustic signature.
Exclusive Interior and Exterior Details
The S209 distinguishes itself from other STI models with a range of exclusive interior and exterior enhancements. An STI badge replaces the traditional Subaru star cluster on the center of the D-shaped steering wheel, which is wrapped in Ultrasuede® with elegant silver stitching. This premium Ultrasuede® treatment extends to the lid of the center console storage box. An S209 serial number badge is prominently displayed on the center console, while S209 badges also adorn the passenger-side dash and the headrests of the Recaro® front bucket seats, which feature unique silver-hued inserts. Externally, special S209 badges are affixed to the front grille, fenders, and rear decklid, further signifying its exclusivity.
Production of the STI S209 is strictly limited to just 209 units, all destined exclusively for the U.S. market. Available exterior color and BBS wheel combinations will include WR Blue Pearl with gray wheels and Crystal White Pearl with gold wheels, offering discerning buyers a choice of striking aesthetics. Pricing details will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2019, but given its exclusivity and performance pedigree, the STI S209 is poised to be a highly sought-after collector’s item and the ultimate expression of Subaru STI performance for the US market.
