2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 unveiled

The limited-edition Subaru WRX STI S209 has made its debut at the 2019 Detroit motor show.

Under the bonnet is a revised version of the company's EJ25 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine. With its HKS turbo, the engine now has an estimated 254kW of power.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, as is all-wheel drive, front and rear limited-slip differentials, active torque vectoring, and a driver-controlled centre differential.

The S209 is about 43 millimetres wider than the standard WRX STI, and features wheel arch extensions at both ends. Other external changes include a carbon-fibre roof and rear wing, under-car spoilers, front bumper canards, and a rash of extra vents.

The car rides on 265/35 19-inch forged BBS wheels with specially-developed Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tyres, Bilstein dampers, stiffer coil springs, a 20mm rear stabiliser bar, and pillow-type bushings for the lateral links.

Said to be inspired by the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge race car, the S209 has a flexible bar fitted between the front strut towers to improve lateral stiffness, but also maintain ride quality.

There are also flexible draw stiffeners, while the rear subframe and front crossmembers have been reinforced too.

Stopping ability comes courtesy of Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs and six-piston monoblock calipers at the front, and two-piston units at the rear.

Sadly, the S209 has been developed exclusively for the USA. Only 200 will be made, with the car going on sale in late 2019.

Just two colour combinations will be available: blue pearl paint with grey wheels, and white paint with gold wheels.

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