Subaru has unveiled its more powerful model ever – the 2019 WRX STI S209. The limited-edition S209 debuted today at the Detroit Auto Show, which marks the first time that an S-line STI model has been offered in the US.
The 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 may mark the first time that an S-line model has been offered here, but in Japan it’s been offered since the debut of the 2000 S201 and most recently the 2018 S208. The 2019 WRX STI S209 draws its inspiration from the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge racecar with its wide-body exterior that is 1.7 inches wider than a standard WRX STI.
The wider fenders house wider front and rear tracks (+ 0.6 in front/rear) and 265/35 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A summer-only tires with 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy wheels. Special vents on the front fenders provide additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders are designed to reduce drag. Brembo brakes with cross-drilled steel rotors and 6-piston monoblock front calipers and 2-piston monoblock rear calipers have also been added.
Under the hood the 2019 WRX STI S209 is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine that generates 341 horsepower. To squeeze out the extra horsepower, the 2.5L engine a larger turbine and compressor were added and the maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.0 psi. All that power is sent to the four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
Subaru hasn’t announced the pricing for the 2019 WRX STI S209, but only 200 units will be produced. There are also only two color combinations available, WR Blue Pearl with gray wheels and Crystal White Pearl with gold wheels.
