The Subaru WRX STI S209, for the US market only.

The new Subaru WRX STI S209 is the most powerful WRX STI ever built. Do you need more incentives? Because there are plenty

This Subaru WRX STI S209 is one of the most notable new cars we will see at the Detroit Auto Show. An event where, despite the absence of several major brands, there are spectacular debuts, such as the new Toyota Supra or the Ford Mustang GT500.

The most powerful street Subaru WRX STI

As you have just read, this new car is a limited edition of 200 units, available in principle only for the American market, although a right-hand-drive version for Japan cannot be ruled out.

The Subaru WRX STI S209 is special for several reasons beyond being a collector’s piece. Among others, this sports saloon delivers almost 350 CV (340 HP, equivalent to 346 CV), sent, as always, to all four wheels through the brand’s own AWD traction system of Subaru.

This increase of more than 40 CV over the standard Subaru WRX STI comes directly from using the same 2.5-litre block. The popular EJ25 boxer engine now houses a set of exclusive forged pistons and a new turbo developed by HKR with higher boost pressure.

In addition, to improve gas flow, both intake and exhaust, it features a dedicated intake kit and a different exhaust system. The fuel pump is also different and includes a water cooling system for the intercooler that the driver can activate through a control behind the steering wheel. This Subaru also remains faithful to the six-speed manual gearbox.

Nor should we forget the aerodynamic kit which, besides giving it a much more extreme look, improves its efficiency in its particular battle against the air. Weight reduction is another goal of the STI department for the Subaru, and, as with other extreme variants, it uses parts made from lighter materials than the standard ones, such as the roof, made of carbon fibre.

STI and the specialists involved in the S209

The same applies to the wheels, which are larger in diameter and fitted with wider-section tyres, a setup developed by BBS and Dunlop to ensure the greatest possible grip and stability, thanks to the suspension support that, as on other occasions, comes from the specialist Bilstein, and a different anti-roll bar.

And when it comes to prestigious brands involved in the structure of this Subaru WRX STI 209, we cannot overlook the braking system. Brembo supplies the front calipers, now with six pistons, which ensure an effective bite, as one would expect from a car like this.

Trim levels and price of the Subaru WRX STI S209

Although the price of the Subaru WRX STI S209 has not been announced, it is expected to exceed the step below this exclusive model, the Subaru WRX STI Type RA, whose price was set at 50,000 dollars.

The trim options, which are limited to the production of this variant alone, offer only the choice of body colours. It is available only in the legendary WR Blue with grey wheels or the elegant Crystal White with gold wheels.