2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 debuts in Detroit – 341 hp

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 debuts in Detroit – 341 hp

While the whole world was fixated on the all-new Toyota Supra, Subaru wheeled out its own special creation for the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is the WRX STI S209, a limited production S-line performance model that Americans will finally be able to buy.

Subaru of America is making a big deal of the S209 because it is considered the first “STI-built” Subaru to be sold in the United States, with final assembly taking place in Kiryu, Japan, where it receives engine modifications and bodywork alterations that in total require it to be homologated for the target market.

Only 200 units will be offered, and like previous S-line cars that were exclusive to Japan, each one comes with a good number of modifications to improve power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement. Subaru says the S209 draws inspiration and tech from the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge racer, which recently won the SP3T class at last year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Under the bonnet, the EJ25 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine gets a through reworking, with a HKS turbocharger boosted to 18 psi (16.2 psi on a stock WRX STI), forged pistons and connecting rods, a high-flow air intake system, new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors, intercooler water spray system, high-performance exhaust system, and a specially-tuned engine control module.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 debuts in Detroit – 341 hp

The end result is 341 hp (up to 8% more than stock), with all of it being routed through a close-ration six-speed manual transmission and full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Supporting items include front/rear limited-slip differentials, a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.

Drivers will get to adjust the powertrain’s response with a recalibrated SI Drive system with three modes – Intelligent (I), Sport (S) and Sport Sharp (S#). Interestingly, STI engineers recommend Sport over Sport Sharp for circuit driving, as the less aggressive throttle map allows for greater driver control.

Beyond the power bump, the S209 also gets a set of 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels that are wrapped with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tyres, which are capable of generating a maximum lateral grip of over 1 g. Stopping power comes courtesy of Brembo brakes, with cross-drilled steel rotors and six-piston monoblock front calipers and two-piston monoblock rear calipers.

The suspension also gets its fair share of revisions, starting with stiffer coil springs, Bilstein dampers, a 20 mm rear stabiliser bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links. Elsewhere, the front crossmember and rear subframes have been reinforced; a flexible tower bar helps laterally stiffen the body of the car; and draw stiffeners optimise chassis flex.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 debuts in Detroit – 341 hp

Due to the new wheels, which measure 9 inches in width each, the S209 gets a wide-body kit to make it 43 mm wider than a regular WRX STI. Aerodynamic and non-mechanical add-ons derived from the above-mentioned race car are also present, including under spoilers, canards, a rear wing, additional vents and a carbon-fibre roof.

Inside, there’s a D-shaped steering wheel wrapped in Ultrasuede with silver stitching and an STI badge in place of the traditional Subaru star cluster. A dedicated serial number badge on the centre console points out the model’s exclusivity along with other S209 badges, including on the Recaro seats.

Pricing will be announced later in 2019, and Subaru of America offers two exterior colours to choose from. The first is World Rally Blue Pearl, which is paired to grey wheels, while the other option is Crystal White Pearl with gold wheels.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • No offense, die hard fans, do not shoot me. What an outdated design!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jan 16, 2019 at 6:28 pm

    ej25…lame…..i hope there will be a JDM version

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Add A Comment on Jan 17, 2019 at 7:11 am

    Besides XV…nothing looks nice with Subaru

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • heybadigol (Member) on Jan 17, 2019 at 10:31 am

    Wait, the interior looks like the previous generation Impreza. So is the new STI not based on the current Impreza? Anyways, I think it looks good. A bit outlandish, but it is an STI.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • rally_fan (Member) on Jan 17, 2019 at 10:38 am

    looks good to me.. and definitely one of the few 3 pedal performance cars that you can still buy new today.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Pisang on Jan 17, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Luckily subaru still maintain the STI flagship. Jdm performance cars is getting lesser nowadays.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Pisang on Jan 17, 2019 at 11:43 am

    Luckily subaru still maintain the STI flagship. Jdm performance cars is getting lesser nowadays. Til to date still none of its model beat B22 design

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • musangKing-originalz on Jan 17, 2019 at 1:29 pm

    what kind of e-diot consider subbie these days…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • a successful idiot esp in Malaysia when the price for WRX STI > MYR300K from MI.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Muhammad furqan on Jul 25, 2019 at 2:33 am

    Is this model available in Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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