But alas this isn’t a lap time challenge. We talk to an expert to find out why. The 2019 WRX STI S209 is the MOST Powerful, Rare, and Expensive Subaru Ever Made. With 341 hp and 330 lb-ft, its 2.5-liter turbo engine handily outmuscles the 2.0 liters in all its S-models predecessors, and it'll certainly be rarer—only 209 are planned, as compared with 300 to 600 of each earlier model. Those tires are wider, stickier 265/35R19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600As. The S209's infotainment system is comprised of Subaru's seven-inch touchscreen Starlink system with six speakers. Subaru announced their new STI S209, the highest-performing STI ever made. The STI's main focus is on performance, and as such, the vast majority of its features are dedicated to going faster. It's simple and focused but comfortable enough to not be offensive. If you like gold wheels with blue paint, tough luck. The S209 is available in limited numbers and only in the abovementioned colors, with the darker hue getting the darker wheels and the lighter paint option getting the brighter wheels, so the choice here is rather limited, just like the car. After having carried out extensive tests with the engine oil on our test rigs, on testing grounds and on the road, we approved Motul 300V Power for the vehicle. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series.It is now in its fifth generation. In this format, the 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four-banger utilizes a larger turbocharger with more boost to produce 341 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 31 and 40 units respectively over the plain-jane STI. Most of the S209's exterior modifications are either to cover the wider tires or contribute to reducing aerodynamic lift by 30 percent. The engine itself responds very quickly to throttle inputs when in its sportiest setting, but regardless of what you do, there is a fair amount of noticeable turbo lag. The Subaru WRX STI S209 is only available in a single configuration with just the option of blue or white paint as your limit of choice. The least-expensive 2019 Subaru STI S209 is the 2019 Subaru STI S209 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Your information will be collected and used in accordance with our  Privacy Policy. The power and torque curves are fatter, too, with torque up about 10 percent everywhere north of 3,600 rpm. The current, US-spec STI, meanwhile, uses a 2.5-liter H4 engine. A decently-sized glovebox is also in place. The S209 is the first special-edition S model available in the U.S. and the fifth STI we've run at VIR. Subaru STI (2.5L Turbo 305hp) vs Audi RS3 (2.5L Turbo 367hp) 0-280 Kph Acceleration Top Speed ! Much of this work centers on removing the "slop" or slack that exists in all suspensions and is responsible for the momentary delay between turning the steering wheel and the vehicle beginning to turn. Per the Development Division of Subaru Tecnica International (STI): We are pleased to announce that Subaru Tecnica International Inc. has approved Motul 300V Power 5W-40 for WRX STI - S209. The S209 is the 10th S-line car since the S201 of 2000 and the follow-up to the Japan-only S208. The US-only S209 is our guilty pleasure, and it's a beast of a car. Plus, you get bragging rights. This new footwear adds about 24 pounds of the S209's 90-pound weight gain over the Type RA. It actually starts cheaper than the regular STI, at $36,300, and produces an impressive 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. As a fun and relatively frugal daily car that can still thrill and excite on the track, the Type R is phenomenal - just close your eyes until you get inside. Limited to 1,000 units, this was a MotorTrend long … It's also the quickest one, but not by as … STI’s small shop in Kiryu, Japan, is building just two or three S209’s per day, and their handiwork – right down to hand-polished exhaust tips … Only 209 models are to be produced, so act fast if this is one of the cars you can't do without. The S209 keeps the standard top-mount intercooler design as the STI and base model WRX, but this time around, the chiller is made more effective thanks to a new intercooler water spray system. STI S208. So why not get a regular WRX STI? We're running the track "backward," to slow things down a bit (more decreasing-radius corners) and to convert the most precipitous drops into climbs. The 31-hp and 40-lb-ft upgrade seems modest, but the effort required to achieve it was extensive. Despite a $65,000 price tag straight from the dealer, the 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209 is selling for over list value. I also utilize these turns to try out the different center-differential locking programs, and the (-) setting definitely seems to leverage the engine's substantial torque to help turn the car in, though Atkinson says he generally leaves it in its automatic setting. From its bespoke wheels, tuned suspension, special chassis braces everywhere, and even special brake pads, all add up to quite the track assassin package even before you factor in the extra power. The S209 is 1.7 inches wider than the regular STI with a 0.6-inch increase in track width. In order for the S209 to be homologated outside the Japanese market, STI (the division) also had to be homologated as a manufacturer. One of the highlights in the 2019 Detroit Auto Show is the arrival of the WRX STI S209 – the first S-series Subaru to enter into the U.S market. But at least you don't have to wait 25 years to import one. They're SP Sport Maxx GT600A that contribute to a claimed lateral g figure of 1.08. To keep the experience pure, a six-speed manual gearbox is the only available transmission. www.caranddriver.com C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.4 sec 100 mph: 11.2 sec 130 mph: 21.5 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec As with all its S cars, the STI mods are laser-focused on optimizing driving dynamics. Many of these modifications would have required costly crash testing certification to be sold here. The additions to the S209's body have made it considerably wider than the regular STI, at 72.4 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches. The latter car's Brembo brake hardware carries over, but with higher-performing pads. The first S-model to be offered in the U.S. from Subaru Tecnica International (STI). The additions to the S209's body have made it considerably wider than the regular STI, at 72.4 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches. It is capable of receiving SiriusXM satellite radio and has functionality for voice control, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and smartphone control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NFC. Its official EPA estimates are 15/21/17 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, which is worse than many SUVs and trucks will return. Perhaps I just need more practice or I'm hurrying it. Compare the Audi RS3, BMW M3 Sedan, and Subaru STI S209 side by side to see differences in performance, pricing, features and more 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 Review: Forbidden No More, But at least you don't have to wait 25 years to import one, Front-engine, AWD/4WD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan, 2.5L/341-hp/330-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 16-valve flat-4. See All 2019 Subaru STI S209 Exterior Photos, See All 2019 Subaru STI S209 Interior Photos, See All 2019 Subaru STI S209 Trims and Specs. The Subaru Impreza (Japanese: スバル・インプレッサ, Hepburn: Subaru Inpuressa) is a compact car that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1992. For the hardcore enthusiast, these things won't matter and we're just happy to finally have an S-line car here, but fast, all-wheel-drive hot hatches handle duality of purpose better. Later during a ride-along with former Subaru rally racer Chris Atkinson, I notice he's not correcting his steering inputs, either. If you're looking for an investment opportunity, these are expected to hold their value well and become future classics, and they'll be awesome fun to drive too, but for an all-round performance sedan, there are certainly more polished alternatives out there - even if they're less engaging. Top speed is limited to 162 mph. (The “RA” stands for “Record Attempt,” which was actually what the first STI carwas built for, though it is a slight departure from the brand’s better-known all-… On the rural-road drive home from the track, the ride quality is firm and a bit busy (I'd counsel the STI team to develop magnetorheological shocks for the S210), but it's never harsh. If you aren't ferrying any rear passengers, the backrests fold in a 60/40 split for more space. You know Subaru Tecnica International (Subaru's motorsport subsidiary since 1988) from the scores of Impreza WRX STI models we've gotten over the years. These noisier, dustier versions are credited with reducing fade by 30 percent. If that doesn't concern you and you intend to drive the S209, as you should, it's faster and quicker than a regular STI, corners better, and stops in shorter distances. 2020 Subaru WRX and WRX STI come out to play in the snow. Other dimensions are largely the same, with length at … The S209 is not difficult to spot. Height measures at 58.1 inches while the curb weight is 3,485 pounds. It's a revelation in this age of lifeless electric steerers. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the 2019 Subaru STI S209 can seem unlikely rivals. In the cabin, a center console storage tray offers space for beverages, while large door pockets and a spot ahead of the gear lever can handle overflow items. Various braces have been added too, but Subaru attributes one of the biggest benefits in handling to the bespoke Dunlop tires. The 2019 Subaru STI S209 is very similar to the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA, which was based on a regular 2018 STI but featured weight reduction, suspension tuning, and tweaked calibration across the car for improved track performance. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to the  Terms of Use. Visibility all-round is good too, with the exception of out the rear window, where all you'll see is the carbon fiber wing. This is a car that is built to enjoy and the only way to do that is to drive it hard. Subaru Ends EJ20 Engine with WRX STI Final Edition. Other features include adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and cruise control. The same sort of familiarity doesn't exist for the Subaru WRX STI S209. It's still a good all-rounder and offers plenty of performance, just with a little more compromise. The only option available on the STI S209 is the color – 128 units will be produced in World Rally Blue with matte silver wheels, while … What's the Price of the 2019 Subaru STI S209? It starts at a base price of $36,595, a difference of $27,400. Well, you may be less aware of a similar forbidden-fruit injustice Subaru has been perpetrating against its American fans since 1998: The STI S-series cars, sequentially numbered S201-S208 have been restricted to the Japanese market. It's fast, it's agile, and it corners like a train. The STI has the kind of interior that you would expect from a hardcore Japanese performance car that you can live with daily. It gets a larger HKS turbocharger, an intercooler water sprayer, forged BBS wheels wrapped in bespoke Dunlop rubber, Bilstein suspension dampers, standard Recaro seats, and a widebody kit that also includes a carbon fiber wing and roof panel. Suspension nerds are encouraged to geek out with us in the suspension sidebar. But is the North America-certified 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 a "real" S model, or will the fanboys still be grumpy? The gear ratios are short for sharp acceleration, and the by-product is an engaging, if slightly frantic, driving experience that is fully satisfying. It's not cheap and costs over $20,000 more than a regular STI, but its 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine has been extensively improved along with the rest of the car. Naturally the springs and dampers are uniquely tuned for STI, with the springs lowering the body by roughly the same 10mm the oversized tires raise it. Subaru has offered 4-door sedan and 5-door body … 2015 Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition. As standard, the S209 is fitted with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, stability and traction control systems, and numerous airbags: frontal, side-impact, curtain rollover, and driver's knee. The Most Powerful S-model Ever Well, as we've touched on, there will only be 209 of these cars made, and despite their price, they are likely to be highly sought after. They were developed specifically for the S209 using compounds and tread patterns chosen to maximize grip in both wet and dry conditions while optimizing steering response and stability. LED headlights feature up front along with LED brake lights at the rear, and as with other STI models, a large hood scoop dominates the aggressive face. © 2021 MotorTrend | MOTOR TREND GROUP, LLC. Thanks to the aforementioned short gear ratios, fuel economy is far from the STI S209's strongest suit. Each new S-model has pushed the limit set by its predecessor and each could be considered a study of everything STI engineers knew about motorsports and vehicle development engineering at the time. These include the front splitter and canards, side spoilers, functional air outlets in the front fenders, and that big adjustable carbon-fiber wing in back (which carries over from the S208). The STI doesn't have a particularly large trunk, with just 11.8 cubic feet of volume, but it is enough for three medium-sized suitcases. These include the various suspension and braking upgrades, but also a paddle behind the steering wheel for spraying water onto the intercooler, helping cool the charged air in the system. Subaru's performance vehicles are always equipped with the company's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and that's a big part of how good the S209 is in the corners, but for this special model, unique upgrades enhance its ability and its grip even further. The basis for the new S209 is the 2018 WRX STI Type RA, which produced 310 hp and 290 lb-ft. Also included are front and rear limited-slip differentials that aid in cornering ability, while Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in front offer good initial response and easy pedal modulation. Subaru STI S209 Is Wound Up and Ready for Action. However, this car is front-wheel-drive and is, therefore, less grippy in inclement weather, but those who have driven it will be aware that it is exceptionally agile and responsive. More importantly, the S209 manages another 40 lb-ft of torque than the WRX STI, and it does so at a slightly more accessible 3,600 rpm (vs 4,000). Well, do you like Pearl Blue or do you like Pearl White? 2019 Subaru STI S209 Is Wound Up and Ready for Action The quickest, most powerful, and highly exclusive STI may not be dog friendly, but it has it where it counts. Including destination charge, it arrives with a … Power output is rated at 341 horsepower with 330 lb-ft of torque, all of which can only be exploited through the use of a six-speed manual transmission. The two cars certainly look similar, but a number of important differences set them apart. Check out some informative Subaru STI S209 video reviews below. Subaru hasn't established an order bank yet, partly because it's still trying to work out how it will allocate the 209 units among its 600-plus dealers. Now, it's finally our turn. Fuel economy figures for this model are also slightly better, so you save money in the long run too, even if it's a slight saving. Do you like gray wheels or gold wheels? The engineers at STI didn't stop at the engine, though. Subaru Has Exciting Plans For Next-Gen WRX STI, Subaru Could Have A BIG Next-Gen WRX Surprise, Ford Compares Ram TRX To The Nissan Pathfinder, 2021 Audi RS3 LMS Boasts 340 HP And Lots Of New Tech, Here's How Much The Mercedes EQA Will Cost, Watch The Mercedes G-Class 4x4 Squared On The Move, 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing First Look Review: The V8 Lives, First Look At The Electric Genesis GV70e SUV, © 2010-2021 CarBuzz Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Subaru WRX STI range has been completely free of recalls for 2018 and 2019. STI bolted two under the front of the S209 [see above], connecting a crossmember to the unibody structure near the front suspension on each side, and one in the rear, connecting the rear shock towers. While we have no serious gripes with the system itself, as it is intuitive and easy to use, the graphics aren't as crystal clear as in some competitors' cars. The STI S209 is the latest incarnation of the S-Series, which goes back almost two decades to the S201. 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