Headline news: Subaru introduces the most powerful STi ever: the limited-edition STi S209 that will appear at Planet Subaru in late 2019.


 
 		 
 
 
 		  
    
 
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SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL UNLEASHES MOST POWERFUL MODEL EVER WITH LIMITED-EDITION STI S209  

  • 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

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.
 



More 2019 special editions and other changes:


Series.Grey special editions of the STi, left, and WRX, right




 
    
 



Planet-exclusive Subaru WRX Photo Gallery. Click to enlarge.


Planet-exclusive Subaru WRX Photo Gallery.  Click to enlarge.

The 2019 WRX and STi are on sale now at Planet Subaru!


Highlights of what's new for 2019:
  • All models with the Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) now come standard with Eyesight.
  • Engine revisions to STi, including new air intake and high-flow exhaust system and higher turbo boost (now 16.2 PSI, up from 14.7 PSI), increase output to 310 horsepower; 290 lb-ft peak torque. Revised third gear improves acceleration times.
  • WRX base model receives new SUBARU STARLINK™ 6.5" Multimedia Plus system that includes a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other tweaks include an additional USB port and off-delay power feature for the audio system.
  • WRX Premium model now comes standard with the STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia Plus system with a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Subaru will build 750 WRX Premium Series.Gray vehicles are available exclusively with the 6-speed manual transmission. The model offers a Cool Gray Khaki exterior with exclusive Crystal Black Silica badging and foldable exterior mirrors as well as 18-inch alloy wheels with black finish. The Series.Gray WRX debuts at $32,595 and is based on the WRX Premium that includes the Performance Package with Ultrasuede-trimmed Recaro seats, 8-way power driver's seat, JURID front brake pads and moonroof delete. It also adds LED Steering Responsive Headlights, LED fog lights and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start.
  • Subaru will build 250 WRX STI Series.Gray models. The model offers a Cool Gray Khaki exterior, exclusive Crystal Black Silica badging and foldable exterior mirrors as well as 19-inch alloy wheels with black finish. The Brembo® brake calipers come in silver finish with black STI logo. The interior features black Ultrasuede with Carbon Black Leather bolster and Ultrasuede steering wheel with red stitching. Handling for the WRX STI Series.Gray is upgraded with Bilstein® STI sport-tuned suspension featuring Bilstein dampers for the inverted-strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. The limited edition also includes Recaro Seats with 8-way power driver's seat and Keyless Access with Push-button start.


The Big Picture:

Subaru builds its "volume models," such as Forester and Outback, on a five year product cycle, which means they predictably introduce an all-new model every five years.  In the fourth year of that cycle, they undertake a "BMC," a humorous acronym for Big Minor Change.  This refresh usually includes cost-effective changes that keep the vehicle contemporary, such as suspension settings, bumper and taillight redesign, and infotainment upgrades. 

However, on the "boutique" vehicles, such as WRX and STi, Subaru undertakes redesigns less frequently--every six or seven years.  The first generation WRX lasted six years (2002 through 2007) and the second generation went seven years (2008 through 2014).  Subaru introduced the current generation for 2015, and refreshed the car last year, for 2018.  It's unusual to see Subaru making a lot of changes in the year right after a mid-cycle refresh, so that's why there are no major changes to the 2019 WRX and STi.  (And just to get it out of the way, we know many enthusiasts clamor for a return of the hatchback, but we don't know when or if it will return.  If it ever returns, we wouldn't expect to see it until a WRX appears on a new platform, a couple or a few years away).  It is significant that Subaru's Viziv Performance Concept, shown below, appears in sedan form and not a hatch.


This Viziv Performance Concept foreshadows the general design intent of
a future WRX, but the production model will not look exactly like this. 



Read much more about the 2019 WRX and STi, including pricing:

WRX for 2019
With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the WRX is a performance and value leader in the AWD sport-compact segment. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual mode. New for WRX this year is the SUBARU STARLINK™ 6.5" Multimedia Plus system that includes a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aha™, Pandora® and STARLINK Cloud Apps; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; AM/FM stereo; single-disc CD player; SiriusXM® All Access Radio and Travel Link® (subscription required); and rear vision camera. Standard trim 2019 WRX models begin at $27,195.

Priced from $29,495, the 2019 WRX Premium now comes standard with the STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia Plus system with a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aha, Pandora and STARLINK Cloud Apps; Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; voice activated controls for phone; Near Field Communication; AM/FM stereo; single-disc CD player; SiriusXM All Access Radio and Travel Link (subscriptions required); and rear vision camera. The WRX Premium also features 18-inch alloy wheels, all weather package that includes heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer, fog lights and power moonroof. The WRX Premium is available with CVT transmission and SI-Drive engine performance management system along with steering wheel paddle shift controls. All WRX models with CVT come standard with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology system.

An optional Performance Package for the WRX Premium features Recaro® performance design seats, 8-way power front driver seat, red-painted front and rear brake calipers with upgraded JURID® front brake pads and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. The Performance Package is competitively price at $2,050 and offered exclusively on 6-speed manual transmission WRX Premium.

The 750 WRX Premium Series.Gray vehicles are available exclusively with the 6-speed manual transmission. The model offers a Cool Gray Khaki exterior with exclusive Crystal Black Silica badging and foldable exterior mirrors as well as 18-inch alloy wheels with black finish. The Series.Gray WRX debuts at $32,595 and is based on the WRX Premium that includes the Performance Package with Ultrasuede-trimmed Recaro seats, 8-way power driver's seat, JURID front brake pads and moonroof delete. It also adds LED Steering Responsive Headlights, LED fog lights and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start.

Priced from $31,795, the WRX Limited comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and available Sport Lineartronic CVT. WRX Limited models feature 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment. The WRX Limited has LED Steering Responsive Headlights as well as LED fog lights to help improve nighttime visibility. An option package that includes the STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia Navigation system with a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and STARLINK cloud applications; Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; SiriusXM All Access Radio, Traffic and Travel Link (subscriptions required); Near Field Communication; single-disc CD player; voice activated controls for phone and text; and voiced activated navigation powered by TomTom along with Harman/Kardon® audio and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Cross Traffic Alert is available on WRX Limited 6MT models for $2,100. The CVT model adds Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist to this package, at an MSRP of $2,400.

Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on WRX Premium and Limited with CVT. Included with EyeSight are Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH), EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM) and an electronic parking brake. The EAM uses dual LED indicators to display EyeSight status and alerts on the windshield, allowing the driver to see them without diverting eyes from the road. The AVH feature replaces the Hill Holder and Hill Start Assist functions and offers greater functionality, holding the vehicle on all road grades, not only inclines.

In addition to Keyless Access with Push Button Start, the Limited offers automatic LED headlight low and high beam height adjustment control as well as auto-on/off headlights linked with windshield wiper operation.

WRX STI for 2019
Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the WRX STI increases horsepower to 310 with the help of a new air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The 6-speed manual transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio which helps contribute to faster acceleration.

The WRX STI brings rally-bred performance technology to the road with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Standard handling technologies include Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. The 2019 WRX STI pricing begins at $36,595.

The WRX STI standard trim is equipped with the STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia Plus system and the Limited trim is upgraded to the 7.0" Multimedia Navigation system. Additional highlights to the WRX STI include an STI Sport Design instrument cluster with LCD, Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH), auto-on/off headlights linked with wiper operation and Welcome Lighting. WRX STI also has auto LED low and high beam height adjustment control.

New for 2019 is the limited production of 250 WRX STI Series.Gray models. The model offers a Cool Gray Khaki exterior, exclusive Crystal Black Silica badging and foldable exterior mirrors as well as 19-inch alloy wheels with black finish. The Brembo® brake calipers come in silver finish with black STI logo. The interior features black Ultrasuede with Carbon Black Leather bolster and Ultrasuede steering wheel with red stitching. Handling for the WRX STI Series.Gray is upgraded with Bilstein® STI sport-tuned suspension featuring Bilstein dampers for the inverted-strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. The limited edition also includes Recaro Seats with 8-way power driver's seat and Keyless Access with Push-button start. The WRX STI Series.Gray is priced at $39,695.

All models feature heated exterior mirrors, dual USB ports in the center console, rear seat armrest with cup holders and off-delay for the audio system. The WRX STI also offers Recaro seats (standard on STI Limited, optional for standard trim). For greater versatility, all WRX and WRX STI models feature roof rack mounting brackets.

2019 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI
2019 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI
Model/Trim Transmission Applicable Option Code MSRP MSRP + destination and delivery
WRX MODELS        
Standard WRX 6MT '01 $27,195 $28,080
WRX Premium 6MT 11, 12, 14 $29,495 $30,380
WRX Premium CVT 13 $31,395 $32,280
WRX Limited 6MT 21, 22 $31,795 $32,680
WRX Limited CVT 23,24 $33,695 $34,580
WRX STI MODELS        
Standard WRX STI 6MT '02 '03 '04 $36,595 $37,480
WRX STI Limited- Wing 6MT 21 $41,395 $42,280
WRX STI- Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 6MT 21 $41,395 $42,280

2019 SUBARU WRX AND STI OPTION PACKAGE MSRP
2019 SUBARU WRX AND STI OPTION PACKAGE MSRP
WRX MODELS  
CODE 01 Standard Model WRX 6MT N/A
CODE 11 Standard Model WRX Premium N/A
CODE 12 Performance Package: RECARO® Front Seats, Red-Painted Brake Calipers, Moonroof Delete $2,050
CODE 13 Standard Model WRX Premium CVT N/A
CODE 14 Series.Gray WRX $3,100
CODE 21 Standard Model WRX Limited 6MT N/A
CODE 22 Navigation System + Audio w/ Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert $2,100
CODE 23 Standard Model WRX CVT Limited N/A
CODE 24 Navigation System + Audio w /Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Reverse Auto Brake + High Beam Assist $2,400
STI MODELS  
CODE 02 Standard Model N/A
CODE 03 RECARO® Front Seats + Keyless Access with Push Button Start $2,500
CODE 04 Series.Gray STI $3,100
CODE 21 Standard Model STI Limited  








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