Subaru WRX STI S210: 296 Hp, 500 Units, One Persisting Problem
Subaru’s not bringing back the WRX STI, but it’s definitely having fun with the regular WRX. We’ve shown you the 670-horsepower race car conversion a.k.a. Project Midnight, as well as the highly futuristic Sport Mobility design study that hinted at Subaru sports cars in the next decade.
This week at Tokyo Auto Salon, the company unveiled yet another special edition of the WRX called STI S210 Prototype—essentially the successor to the rare WRX STI S209. There sure is something to get excited about this car… if you live in Japan.
- Also: Wicked, 670-Hp Subaru WRX Spits Flames, Goes for Speed Records
- Also: 2024 Subaru WRX RS: Not an STI, But Plenty Good
Similar to the WRX S4 STI Sport that was introduced at the same event last year, only 500 units will be built and it looks like none of them will land in North America. The big difference here, and the reason we’ve decided to write about it, is that the car benefits from various engine upgrades resulting in increased output.
The turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer gets a boost from 271 to 296 hp thanks to a new intake system, revised turbocharger, exhaust with a low-back pressure muffler and optimized electronic control module. Torque is also up, from 258 to 276 lb-ft. In case you've forgotten, the late WRX STI (discontinued in 2021) produced 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.
Too bad for future owners, power is sent to all four wheels exclusively via that trick CVT called Subaru Performance Transmission. No manual gearbox is available. There’s no limited-slip differential, either. However, engineers have re-tuned the electronically controlled ZF dampers and coil springs while beefing up the braking system with drilled and ventilated discs on all four wheels, special brake pads as well as six-piston Brembo brake calipers at the front. New 19-inch BBS wheels and higher-rated Michelin tires are also part of the package.
We’re pleased to see the return of a large, raised wing in the rear, which adds character to the WRX along with the lower body kit and red accent lines. Inside, the Nappa leather-trimmed Recaro seats are the main highlight, and a serialized plaque is naturally thrown in.
There’s a silver lining for WRX enthusiasts in Canada, remember—the new WRX tS model replacing the RS in the 2025 lineup. The most significant upgrades can be found in the suspension. Pricing has yet to be announced as we write these lines, though.
