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Over in Japan, Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has introduced the WRX S4 tS, a limited-edition model based on the WRX S4. The car – which the automaker says inherits expertise gleaned from the S207 – goes on sale for a five-month period, being available until March 12 next year.

No changes to the output from the regular S4, the FA20 horizontally-opposed 2.0 litre direct injection turbo four-pot continuing on with 300 PS at 5,600 rpm and 400 Nm at 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. Engine torque during acceleration has been enhanced by 10% by employing modified air intake/exhaust parts, while an added CVT oil cooler improves cooling performance of the Sport Lineartronic transmission. As before, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Vectoring is present.

Like the S207, the S4 tS’s handling is enhanced by the addition of original STI components, which include a flexible front tower bar, flexible draw front stiffener, a flexible support rear subframe and STI-tuned Bilstein suspension with Dampmatic II adjustable front units. Also to be found are Brembo front 17-inch opposed-piston four-pot ventilated brake calipers.

Externally, unique bits for the variant include a large front under-spoiler, STI-designed BBS 19-inch forged aluminium wheels, a black shark fin-style roof antenna and cherry red pinstripes adorning the mesh-type front grille and rear bumper.

Inside, there are STI-spec Recaro front bucket leather seats done in a black semi-aniline finish, and variant dedicated items include a special intrument panel with a tS limited edition logo and side sill plates. Four exterior shades are available for the S4 tS, and these are WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.

There’s also a special NBR Challenge Package version, which commemorates the automaker’s 2015 and 2016 victories in the SP3T Class at the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race. This one gets its BBS 19-inchers finished in black, and other dedicated bits include a dry carbon rear spoiler and an ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel (with silver centre marking).