In what appears to be a change of heart, Subaru has chosen this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon to unveil a new WRX STI. This isn’t just any WRX STI but the latest member of the fabled S-series called the S210, which is being previewed in prototype form ahead of the production version that will go on sale in Japan in the spring.
Like past S-series cars, sales of the S210 will be limited, with just 500 units set to be offered. However, unlike its predecessors, the S210 will not come with a manual transmission, with only a CVT (dubbed the Subaru Performance Transmission) being offered – paired with the brand’s all-wheel drive system.
Subaru says the S210 is based on the existing WRX S4 STI Sport R EX sold in Japan and is powered by a FA24F 2.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine that gets a number of upgrades. These include improved intake and exhaust parts as well as a specially tuned ECU that sees outputs increase to 300 PS (296 hp or 221 kW) at 5,700 rpm and 375 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm.
By comparison, the standard car serves up 275 PS (271 hp or 202 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 375 Nm from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. While there is more grunt, the VB-generation S210 is still down on power when compared to previous VA-generation S209 that had 345 PS (341 hp or 254 kW) and 450 Nm.
Other changes for the S210 include extra bracing and specific adaptive dampers and springs which are paired with a set of forged BBS wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres in a 255/35 size. The brakes are by Brembo and feature upgraded pads and red-painted calipers with six-piston units at the front.
On the exterior, you’ll find a black-painted grille with red accents, black side mirror covers, a dry carbon rear wing, S210 badging as well as a full body kit (front and side under spoilers, rear diffuser, side garnish). Inside, the S210 gets carbon-fibre-backed Recaro seats at the front that come with power adjustment, an S210 serial number plate, microsuede-wrapped surfaces and piano black trim, while the rest of the cabin looks pretty much like a regular WRX.
Pricing for the S210 hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to cost well over 5.302 million yen (about RM152k), which is the amount of the most expensive variant of the WRX currently on sale in Japan, the STI Sport R-Black Limited. Is this a true WRX STI? Debate down below.
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I have been into Subaru’s since the 90’s. I am glad I still have my 99 coupe. It just went up in value with this heap being announced.
I think Subaru heard it’s customers complaints loud and clear. They have given us the middle finger.
Subaru wants to sell sub par compacts and are intentionally offing the STi Impreza so they can just do away with the performance division all together.
One thing Subaru has forgotten, the turbocharged performance car is what got them where they are. Without it, they are Mazda and Mitsubishi. They should take a look at how they are doing and decide if they want to continue shooting themselves in the foot
One more thing consumer has forgotten is that a car manufacturer is running a business. A business that needs to comply with various regulations around the globe and makes money while doing that. Selling to a small loyal group of customer wont keep the business affloat for a very long time.
They can easily come out with a high performance car but where can they sell it and how many they must sell in order to make the accountant happy?
Still, i wont argue on their Boxer and AWD system. One of the best driving feeling one can experienced.
Please lah, the cars Mazda now makes (especially the ones built in Japan) are a thousand times nicer than the ugly and cheap feeling crap that Subaru is making these days.