The quick (13.3:1) ratio is shared with the WRX STI's, but it seems quicker still, and sure enough, I never find myself unwinding an excess input. This is a track car that you can live with on the road, but if you're after something with exceptional levels of refinement, the S209 will likely disappoint. One of the highlights in the 2019 Detroit Auto Show is the arrival of the WRX STI S209 – the first S-series Subaru to enter into the U.S market. The basis for the new S209 is the 2018 WRX STI Type RA, which produced 310 hp and 290 lb-ft. Fuel economy figures for this model are also slightly better, so you save money in the long run too, even if it's a slight saving. The Subaru WRX STI RA-R Is the Ultimate JDM STI… The two cars certainly look similar, but a number of important differences set them apart. It should be noted that STI models, however, do not have access to all available WRX safety features. Much of this work centers on removing the "slop" or slack that exists in all suspensions and is responsible for the momentary delay between turning the steering wheel and the vehicle beginning to turn. The S209 is available in limited numbers and only in the abovementioned colors, with the darker hue getting the darker wheels and the lighter paint option getting the brighter wheels, so the choice here is rather limited, just like the car. I don't probe the claimed top speed of 162 mph, but a few blasts through the gears confirm that Subaru's acceleration estimates of 4.9 seconds to 60 mph and 13.3 seconds in the quarter are conservative by at least 3-4-tenths. www.caranddriver.com C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.4 sec 100 mph: 11.2 sec 130 mph: 21.5 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec The Subaru WRX STI range has been completely free of recalls for 2018 and 2019. The engine is strong, the manual gearbox is present and correct, and the thing sounds monstrous. Well, this year the Pleiadian stars have aligned to sell the 2019 WRX STI S209 in the U.S.A.—and not in Japan. Compare the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan, and Subaru STI S209 side by side to see differences in performance, pricing, features and more Also included are front and rear limited-slip differentials that aid in cornering ability, while Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in front offer good initial response and easy pedal modulation. In order for the S209 to be homologated outside the Japanese market, STI (the division) also had to be homologated as a manufacturer. 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 Review: Forbidden No More, But at least you don't have to wait 25 years to import one, Front-engine, AWD/4WD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan, 2.5L/341-hp/330-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 16-valve flat-4. Various braces have been added too, but Subaru attributes one of the biggest benefits in handling to the bespoke Dunlop tires. Suck it, homeboys! The STI's main focus is on performance, and as such, the vast majority of its features are dedicated to going faster. It seats five in impressive comfort, with good headroom and legroom for all but the rear middle occupant, and both front perches have power-adjustability as standard. From the intake through the turbocharged SUBARU BOXER ® engine to the drivetrain and down to the exhaust, STI engineers retuned the WRX STI into something new, with 341 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 5 seconds. To keep the experience pure, a six-speed manual gearbox is the only available transmission. They've all been tuned by STI, but these U.S.-legal models have been built in the same plant that built our mainstream Imprezas, while the S models have always featured low-volume hand assembly work conducted at a separate STI factory. Another Japanese powerhouse with a six-speed manual gearbox is the Honda Civic Type R. It's no secret that the Civic Type R is a heinous assault weapon that targets the eyes and makes them bleed, but it's highly capable and focused too. The current, US-spec STI, meanwhile, uses a 2.5-liter H4 engine. The only option available on the STI S209 is the color – 128 units will be produced in World Rally Blue with matte silver wheels, while … It stands out like a sore thumb thanks to its large carbon rear wing, 101-millimeter (four-inch) quad-exit exhaust tips, and special BBS CH 19-inch wheels. Your information will be collected and used in accordance with our  Privacy Policy. The engine itself responds very quickly to throttle inputs when in its sportiest setting, but regardless of what you do, there is a fair amount of noticeable turbo lag. The S209 is a monospec car, with the only choice being color—World Rally Blue with Matte Gray wheels (128 to be built) or Crystal White with Matte Gold wheels (81). The basis for the new S209 is the 2018 WRX STI Type RA, which produced 310 hp and 290 lb-ft. It actually starts cheaper than the regular STI, at $36,300, and produces an impressive 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. And that louder exhaust makes itself nicely known during hard acceleration, though it largely fades into the background while cruising along. The Subaru WRX STI S209 is only available in a single configuration with just the option of blue or white paint as your limit of choice. A lot. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series.It is now in its fifth generation. The first S-model to be offered in the U.S. from Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Subaru Ends EJ20 Engine with WRX STI Final Edition. What's the Price of the 2019 Subaru STI S209? The Subaru Impreza (Japanese: スバル・インプレッサ, Hepburn: Subaru Inpuressa) is a compact car that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1992. © 2021 MotorTrend | MOTOR TREND GROUP, LLC. As a fun and relatively frugal daily car that can still thrill and excite on the track, the Type R is phenomenal - just close your eyes until you get inside. If you like gold wheels with blue paint, tough luck. It's simple and focused but comfortable enough to not be offensive. Including destination charge, it arrives with a … The main advantage to the regular STI, besides its lower cost, is that it's not a rare machine that you would feel guilty for abusing on track. It's still a good all-rounder and offers plenty of performance, just with a little more compromise. Well, you may be less aware of a similar forbidden-fruit injustice Subaru has been perpetrating against its American fans since 1998: The STI S-series cars, sequentially numbered S201-S208 have been restricted to the Japanese market. But at least you don't have to wait 25 years to import one. The S209 gains numerous upgrades over the regular model but the basic engine itself is recognizable as the EJ25. Other dimensions are largely the same, with length at … It's fast, it's agile, and it corners like a train. Huzzah! If you aren't ferrying any rear passengers, the backrests fold in a 60/40 split for more space. If that doesn't concern you and you intend to drive the S209, as you should, it's faster and quicker than a regular STI, corners better, and stops in shorter distances. Top speed is limited to 162 mph. To assess the suspension's slop-reduction for myself, I strap into the nicely bolstered Recaro seats, grab the Ultrasuede steering wheel, and head out onto the winding 13-turn Palmer Motorsports Park in rural Massachusetts. Subaru STI (2.5L Turbo 305hp) vs Audi RS3 (2.5L Turbo 367hp) 0-280 Kph Acceleration Top Speed ! The gear ratios are short for sharp acceleration, and the by-product is an engaging, if slightly frantic, driving experience that is fully satisfying. They were developed specifically for the S209 using compounds and tread patterns chosen to maximize grip in both wet and dry conditions while optimizing steering response and stability. Unless you're after that ultimate edge, rather get the regular STI and put the extra money towards tires and other race-day essentials. 4 Reasons You Should Buy The New Subaru WRX STI Vs Honda Civic Type R. The four reasons are simple. It's a revelation in this age of lifeless electric steerers. I'm instantly struck by how delightfully direct and communicative the hydraulically assisted steering feels. Each new S-model has pushed the limit set by its predecessor and each could be considered a study of everything STI engineers knew about motorsports and vehicle development engineering at the time. 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