Subaru unveils WRX STI S209 at 2019 Detroit Auto Show

MANILA: Subaru WRX STI S209 has been unveiled at the ongoing Detroit Auto Show. It is the first ever S-series model in the United States. However, the company has announced that it will have a limited production run of 200 units, that too, for the US market only.

Subaru has claimed that the WRX STI S209 is the most powerful car ever from the company’s shed. It is equipped with a 2.5-litre EJ25 turbocharged Boxer engine that is capable of churning out a maximum power of 341 hp.

The maximum boost pressure is bumped up by 1.8 psi over the standard WRX STI. Also, the connecting rods and forged pistons are lighter and stronger than before. The engine comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The all-new S209 comes with aggressive styling. The fenders are now larger than the base car and it rolls on 19-inch BBS alloy wheels. The wheels get a gold paint job and are wrapped in Dunlop GT600A summer-only tyres.

The addition of the vents add a fresh look and also helps in engine cooling. The braking duties are done by the Brembo brakes having cross-drilled steel rotors. The front brakes consist of 6-piston callipers while the rear has two-piston units with high-friction pads.

The Subaru WRX STI S209 provides better acoustics and less airflow resistance as the hand-polished exhaust tips are made of stainless steel and performance mufflers. The carbon-fibre roof panel, wing and under-spoilers are similar to the Nürburgring Challenge race car.

Inside the cabin, a few minor changes have been made. The flat-bottom steering wheel is covered in Ultrasuede upholstery. The vehicle gets Recaro seats with silver centre inserts.

The Subaru WRX STI S209 will be head to the US market by late 2019, and the price will be confirmed a few weeks before its launch. However, there is no chance for this vehicle to come to the Philippines market as the production is limited to 200 units only.