Detroit 2019: 2019 Subaru WRX STi S209: Comments

[William Maley]

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Subaru has been keeping their S-series of WRX STI vehicles in Japan since the first model (the S201) was launched in 2000. But today at the Detroit Auto Show, Subaru has decided to treat us by bringing over the S209 to the U.S.

Under the hood, STI has overhauled the EJ25 2.5L turbocharged boxer-four engine with an HKS turbocharger, revised intake system, forged pistons and con rods, and less-restrictive exhaust. Output has increased 310 to 341 horsepower. Torque remains at 290 pound-feet. In a nod to the 2004 to 2007 STI, Subaru has fitted an intercooler water spray system controlled via steering wheel paddles to cool down the intercooler. A six-speed manual routes power to all four wheels.

For the chassis, Subaru has widen the track by 0.6-inches, upgraded the Bilstein dampers and bushings; added 0.8-inch rear anti-roll bar, fitted a handful of stiffening braces and bars, and a set of 265/35 Dunlop GT600A summer tires wearing 19-inch BBS wheels. Subaru claims this gives the S209 more than 1.00 g of lateral grip.

The exterior is much more aggressive with wider fenders to allow for additional cooling, rear-fender vents to reduce drag, under spoilers all around the vehicle, and a large rear wing.

No mention on price, but we're expecting it to be near or above the $48,995 for the last special edition WRX STI to grace our shores - the Type RA. There will only 200 models built for the U.S., either wearing WR Blue Pearl with gray wheels or Crystal White Pearl with gold wheels.

Gallery: 2019 Subaru WRX STi S209

Source: Subaru

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Subaru Tecnica International Unleashes Most Powerful Model Ever With Limited-Edition STI S209

• Debuts at 2019 North American International Auto Show
• First-ever STI-crafted S-line performance vehicle sold in the United States
• Limited production run of around 200 units
• Available exclusively in the U.S.
• 341-horsepower (est.) 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
• Aggressive new look with wide fenders, front canards and rear wing
• Performance-focused chassis with flexible strut tower bar and draw stiffeners
• Exclusive 19 x 9-inch forged BBS® wheels with bespoke Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT600A tires
• Brembo® brakes with new high-friction pads
• Available in two exterior colors: World Rally Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl

January 14, 2019 , Camden, N.J. - Subaru Tecnica International (STI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation, today introduced the limited-edition STI S209, the first-ever S-line STI product produced exclusively for the U.S. market. As an S-line product, the STI S209 encompasses upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement, and undergoes final assembly in Kiryu, Japan, where it receives engine modifications and bodywork alterations that in total require it to be homologated for the U.S. by STI; thus, the S209 is considered the first “STI-built” Subaru sold in the U.S. The S209 carries on a high-performance tradition that dates to STI-built models that were exclusive to the Japanese domestic market – the 2000 S201 through the 2018 S208.

Designed with a focus on high-performance driving, the S209 draws inspiration and tech transfer from STI’s most formidable track machine: the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge racecar, which won the SP3T class at the 2018 24 Hours of Nürburgring, marking the fifth time STI dominated the SP3T class at the grueling endurance race. The S209, like the Nürburgring Challenge racecar, wears an expanded wide-body exterior treatment, which extends the vehicle’s overall width to 72.4 inches, or 1.7 inches wider than a standard WRX STI. The bulging fenders accommodate wider front/rear tracks (+ 0.6 in front/rear) and 265/35 Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT600A summer-only tires wrapped around lightweight 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy wheels. The all-new tires, developed exclusively for the S209 by Dunlop, are a significant contributor to the car’s tenacious maximum lateral grip of over 1.0 g. Vents on the front fenders provide additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders rectify air turbulence to reduce drag. Brembo brakes, with cross-drilled steel rotors and 6-piston monoblock front calipers and 2-piston monoblock rear calipers, provide stout stopping force, thanks in part to upgraded high-friction pads that deliver improved fade-resistance.

Underneath the S209’s broader body are specially developed Bilstein® dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links. The S209 incorporates reinforcements to the front crossmember and rear subframes and, a la the Nürburgring racecar, a flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners. The flexible tower bar, unlike a conventional rigid bar, is split and joined with a pillow ball joint in the center to be longitudinally mobile while helping laterally stiffen the body of the car. The result is optimum tire grip during lateral moments combined with compliant ride during longitudinal moments. Meanwhile, the draw stiffeners apply tension between the body and cross member to optimize chassis flex, improving stability when cornering and delivering better ride, handling and steering response. Other Nürburgring racecar tech that trickles down to the S209: front, rear and side under spoilers; front bumper canards; and carbon-fiber roof panel and rear wing.

A thoroughly reworked version of the legendary EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine propels the S209. Featuring an STI turbocharger manufactured by HKS®, the EJ25 serves up an estimated 341 horsepower, thanks in part to a larger turbine and compressor (up 6 and 8 percent, respectively, compared to WRX STI) as well as maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.0 psi (16.2 psi for WRX STI). Proudly displaying an S209 serial number plate, the enhanced BOXER engine utilizes forged pistons and connecting rods that are both lighter and stronger. Midrange torque, too, gets a notable bump, up 10 percent at 3,600 rpm, delivering higher corner exit speeds when driving on track.

For ultimate driver engagement, the S209 comes exclusively with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that routes power to a full-time Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with front/rear limited-slip differentials, a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. A recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: Intelligent (I) for improved fuel economy and smoother power control; Sport (S) for optimized power balance between response and control; and Sport Sharp (S#) for achieving the best acceleration times. STI engineers recommend Sport over Sport Sharp for circuit driving, as the less aggressive throttle map allows for greater driver control.

To feed more air to the EJ25, the S209 uses a high-flow intake system featuring a new intake duct, induction box with conical air filter, silicone turbo inlet duct and, a nod from the 2004-07 WRX STI, an intercooler water spray system that lowers intercooler temperature via manually operated steering-wheel paddles. More air demands more fuel, so the S209 receives a new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors and an STI-tuned engine control module. High-performance mufflers deliver 17-percent less airflow resistance while larger hand-polished stainless-steel exhaust tips – 101mm in diameter – deliver aggressive appearance and acoustics.

The S209 receives multiple tweaks to elevate it from other STI sedans. An STI badge replaces the traditional Subaru star cluster on the center of the D-shape steering wheel, which is wrapped in Ultrasuede® with silver stitching, a treatment that carries over to the lid of the center console storage box. An S209 serial number badge resides on the center console, and S209 badges adorn the passenger-side dash and the headrests of the Recaro® front bucket seats, which feature new silver-hued inserts. Outside, special S209 badges are affixed to the front grille and fenders as well as the rear decklid.

Only around 200 units of the STI S209 will be built, earmarked exclusively for the U.S. Available exterior color/BBS wheel combinations will be WR Blue Pearl/gray wheels and Crystal White Pearl/gold wheels. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2019.

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[David]

It reminds me of the Mercedes-Benz CLA but with a huge hood scoop and Ricer Wing.

Faithfull I am sure are excited and already thinking of how they can buy it.

[dwightlooi]

The WRX STi is growing stale. What qualified as exhilarating turbocharged AWD compact when the Camrys, Passats and Malibus had less than 200hp, is now... yawn... with a Silverado pickup having a 310hp / 348 lb-ft turbo four and most V6 family sedans and SUVs topping 300 horses. The WRX is stale bread... two decades old 1990s stale bread... particularly with much better appointed offerings like the Golf R ponying up 300 horses and AWD.

Edited January 19, 2019 by dwightlooi

[A Horse With No Name]

15 hours ago, dwightlooi said:

The WRX STi is growing stale. What qualified as exhilarating turbocharged AWD compact when the Camrys, Passats and Malibus had less than 200hp, is now... yawn... with a Silverado pickup having a 310hp / 348 lb-ft turbo four and most V6 family sedans and SUVs topping 300 horses. The WRX is stale bread... two decades old 1990s stale bread... particularly with much better appointed offerings like the Golf R ponying up 300 horses and AWD.

Golf R also has much nicer interior.

[dwightlooi]

On 1/19/2019 at 8:41 AM, A Horse With No Name said:

Golf R also has much nicer interior.

Which is excusable if the STi is a cheaper product with a better price-performance quotient. But, BOTH cars are basically priced at $40K.

[A Horse With No Name]

32 minutes ago, dwightlooi said:

Which is excusable if the STi is a cheaper product with a better price-performance quotient. But, BOTH cars are basically priced at $40K.

The one that has grown on me the most is actually the Focus RS, which sadly is no longer produced.

The next gen Focus like Europe got in an RS trim would be killer IMHO.

[David]

On 1/18/2019 at 5:05 PM, dwightlooi said:

The WRX STi is growing stale. What qualified as exhilarating turbocharged AWD compact when the Camrys, Passats and Malibus had less than 200hp, is now... yawn... with a Silverado pickup having a 310hp / 348 lb-ft turbo four and most V6 family sedans and SUVs topping 300 horses. The WRX is stale bread... two decades old 1990s stale bread... particularly with much better appointed offerings like the Golf R ponying up 300 horses and AWD.

So true and for an auto that requires Premium fuel and only has the HP / Torque is sad in todays Turbo 300 crowd on regular fuel.

[A Horse With No Name]

And hate to say this, but at $40K I can buy a gently used CTS-V also....yes...different caliber of car but...for the money...

Also...once you goa bove 30K you are starting to talk Mustang  GT and Camaro SS/V8 Challenger money. LOTS of options in the thirty plus range.

Which is why i doubt we will ever see a Turbocharged BRZ....and why Nissan has dropped the price on the badly badly dated 370Z.

Ford and GM are the best buy for performance over 30K....unless you want to spend a LOT of coin and wind up with something AMG-ish from Benz.

Just now, dfelt said:

So true and for an auto that requires Premium fuel and only has the HP / Torque is sad in todays Turbo 300 crowd on regular fuel.

They are fun to hoon around an autocross or Rallycross course at an SCCA event.

The thing is....Subaru is able to play this one smart because they only build a limited number of these cars which keeps the resale high. Domestics are learning not to be everything to everybody...

Which is why I am not so sad about so many cars being cancelled. I like the idea of Ford going one hundred percent in on the new Bronco like they did the aviator...and of Cadillac being 100 percent in on the next gen of  V cars.

[David]

1 minute ago, A Horse With No Name said:

And hate to say this, but at $40K I can buy a gently used CTS-V also....yes...different caliber of car but...for the money...

Also...once you goa bove 30K you are starting to talk Mustang  GT and Camaro SS/V8 Challenger money. LOTS of options in the thirty plus range.

Which is why i doubt we will ever see a Turbocharged BRZ....and why Nissan has dropped the price on the badly badly dated 370Z.

Ford and GM are the best buy for performance over 30K....unless you want to spend a LOT of coin and wind up with something AMG-ish from Benz.

+1000 I would take a CPO V over the STI any day of the week for that amount of money.

[A Horse With No Name]

Ford and GM are learning to get out of the game where they have six months of inventory of a particular car line sitting and needs to be discounted and sold a minimal profit or a loss.

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

+1000 I would take a CPO V over the STI any day of the week for that amount of money.

For a street car it is a thousand times better.

[ykX]

Here we go again comparing new vs used and apples vs oranges ...

[dwightlooi]

36 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

The one that has grown on me the most is actually the Focus RS, which sadly is no longer produced.

The next gen Focus like Europe got in an RS trim would be killer IMHO.

The Focus ST is a hooligan's car. It is an overpowered front drive, nose heavy, hatch. Which means it naturally wants to understeer, torque steer or otherwise tug and push. Ford's answer is put a sh!t load of roll stiffness in the back for the explicit purpose of breaking it lose in a turn. You end up with a car that breaks both ends loose and slide around like a hooligan's ride. When it finally grew up into the RS, Ford decided it was done with cars in general.

Edited January 22, 2019 by dwightlooi

[ykX]

3 minutes ago, dwightlooi said:

The Focus RS is a hooligan's car. It is an overpowered front drive, nose heavy, hatch. Which means it naturally wants to understeer, torque steer or otherwise tug and push. Ford's answer is put a sh!t load of roll stiffness in the back for the explicit purpose of breaking it lose in a turn. You end up with a car that breaks both ends loose and slide around like a hooligan's ride.

Focus RS is AWD

[dwightlooi]

1 minute ago, ykX said:

Focus RS is AWD

Typo... see updated post.

[A Horse With No Name]

7 minutes ago, dwightlooi said:

The Focus ST is a hooligan's car. It is an overpowered front drive, nose heavy, hatch. Which means it naturally wants to understeer, torque steer or otherwise tug and push. Ford's answer is put a sh!t load of roll stiffness in the back for the explicit purpose of breaking it lose in a turn. You end up with a car that breaks both ends loose and slide around like a hooligan's ride. When it finally grew up into the RS, Ford decided it was done with cars in general.

From a purely subjective viewpoint I really like the feel of a GTI on an autocross course over the feel of a the Focus ST.

That being said...I am very sorry that sport compacts seem to be going away...and from a personal stand point...I am really thinking about a Cherokee as my next vehicle. AWD goodness for Ohio Snow, and I love the idea of finding one CPO with the Trailhawk package.

And the Focus ST...in the end I will miss it. One of my sons friends had a black Focus ST that he totaled while being stupid...I miss that car.

23 minutes ago, ykX said:

Here we go again comparing new vs used and apples vs oranges ...

Yes...but as enthusiasts we have choices. I love living in a country that gives me so many choices...

[ykX]

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

 

Yes...but as enthusiasts we have choices. I love living in a country that gives me so many choices...

At least you can compare what you can get for this STi money new.  When you bring used into equation all bets are off.

Besides, this is limited edition track oriented STi.  It is a last one before the new one comes, supposedly in a hybrid form.

[A Horse With No Name]

Just now, ykX said:

At least you can compare what you can get for this STi money new.  When you bring used into equation all bets are off.

Besides, this is limited edition track oriented STi.  It is a last one before the new one comes, supposedly in a hybrid form.

I am not sure how a hybrid sTI will go over with traditional STI buyers.

What I can get for STI money now....a Mustang GT and a Civic Type R would be more desirable. And I still love the STI.

[David]

@A Horse With No Name Not knowing which Zip you live of the 45 listed for Columbus Ohio this is what I find for CPO Cherokees in your woods.

43 Available CPO Trailhawk Cherokees in your area.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Certified+Cars/Jeep/Cherokee/Columbus+OH-43085?zip=43085&marketExtension=true&startYear=1981&endYear=2019&makeCodeList=JEEP&searchRadius=200&modelCodeList=CHER&listingTypes=CERTIFIED&trimCodeList=CHER|Trailhawk&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&numRecords=100&firstRecord=0

Nice 2014 with 43K miles for $20K

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=500180225&zip=43085&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D43085%26startYear%3D1981%26numRecords%3D100%26incremental%3Dall%26endYear%3D2019%26modelCodeList%3DCHER%26makeCodeList%3DJEEP%26listingTypes%3DCERTIFIED%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceASC%26firstRecord%3D0%26marketExtension%3Don%26searchRadius%3D200%26trimCodeList%3DCHER%7CTrailhawk&listingTypes=CERTIFIED&startYear=1981&numRecords=100&firstRecord=0&endYear=2019&modelCodeList=CHER&makeCodeList=JEEP&searchRadius=200&makeCode1=JEEP&modelCode1=CHER&clickType=listing

Nice 2016 with 40K miles for $25K.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=504416777&zip=43085&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D43085%26startYear%3D1981%26numRecords%3D100%26incremental%3Dall%26endYear%3D2019%26modelCodeList%3DCHER%26makeCodeList%3DJEEP%26listingTypes%3DCERTIFIED%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceASC%26firstRecord%3D0%26marketExtension%3Don%26searchRadius%3D200%26trimCodeList%3DCHER%7CTrailhawk&listingTypes=CERTIFIED&startYear=1981&numRecords=100&firstRecord=0&endYear=2019&modelCodeList=CHER&makeCodeList=JEEP&searchRadius=200&clickType=spotlight

[A Horse With No Name]

Ohhhhhh lots out there in my price range. Time will tell.

[A Horse With No Name]

Nice thing about the Trailhawk Cherokee is it comes with a real rear locker.

If prices on used WRX were not stupid I would consider that route.

[dwightlooi]

Three things gays...

1. You can bring used cars into the discussion, but a USED STi is a $25K buy and should not be compared to a $40K used CTS-V or whatever. But for that money, a used Lancer Evo -- with its active differentials and less nose heavy attitude -- is a better buy.
2. The 9-speed Auto in the Cherokee is garbage.
3. I really don't like the tall hip point and upright seating position of SUVs. This is particularly true of the unibody Cute Utilities which has no credible off-road value. If I need 3 rows, I'll rather pull a Jeff Bezos and drive a Minivan.

[ocnblu]

48 minutes ago, dwightlooi said:

Three things gays...

Beg your pardon?

[dwightlooi]

33 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

Beg your pardon?

GUYS

[riviera74]

Is Subaru planning to radically upgrade this model, or are they standing pat?

[A Horse With No Name]

2 hours ago, dwightlooi said:

Three things gays...

1. You can bring used cars into the discussion, but a USED STi is a $25K buy and should not be compared to a $40K used CTS-V or whatever. But for that money, a used Lancer Evo -- with its active differentials and less nose heavy attitude -- is a better buy.
2. The 9-speed Auto in the Cherokee is garbage.
3. I really don't like the tall hip point and upright seating position of SUVs. This is particularly true of the unibody Cute Utilities which has no credible off-road value. If I need 3 rows, I'll rather pull a Jeff Bezos and drive a Minivan.

Lancer evo has an utter garbage interior and really is hideously ugly.

The CTS thing is fair because the special edition in question is about 48 grand which is assinine for any Imprezza that can't attain Lunar orbit.

9 speed isn't terrible behind the V6. 

I am trying to throw something domestic into the mix because I am thinking about buying another car.

CTS and Cherokee are the only two domestic cars I like enough to drop coin on...maybe Grand Cherokee.

WRX STI and base WRX are probably the only two Asian vehicles I like enough to drop coin on...outside of perhaps the Stinger.

GTI...Golf R...and maybe a CPO A4 are the only things from Europe.

Nothing else built is in budget and interesting personally.

Bit of an existential crisis as an enthusiast as I have never had this few cars I like in terms of ownership.