The good news for those wanting to burn some cash on a hot set of wheels is that Subaru has unwrapped a new special edition version of its Impreza STI sports sedan called the S206. The bad news isn’t that only 300 will be built, but that all cars will be only available in Japan.

Billed by Subaru as the “crown of STI tuned cars”, the new Impreza WRX STI S206 follows on from previous “S” versions, such as the S203, S204 and S205.

So what’s special about the new STI model? Well, for starters, the S206 employs exclusive Bilstein dampers, STi coil springs, a flexible front tower bar and draw stiffener, which promise to further improve the car’s precise and quick cornering response.

The S206 rides on a new set of 19-inch BBS aluminum wheels, which have been designed exclusively for this model, and are shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Under the hood, STi’s engineers have further honed the flat-four turbocharged engine by optimizing the weight balance between pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft in order to enhance the rev feel.

And that’s not all as the 2.0-liter unit also gains a retuned ECU, an enhanced twin-scroll turbocharger and a reduced-back pressure exhaust system, all of which help increase output to 320HP and 431 Nm ( 318 lb-ft).

Subaru also claims that the S206 has quicker throttle response and delivers more torque in low- and mid-range revs, offering better drivability.

A lower front spoiler and new grille, different side sills and a rear spoiler designed exclusively for the S206 help improve its aerodynamics as well as distinguish it from the regular STIs, while the exclusive leather steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats with red seatbelts and the STI designed push engine start switch round out the changes.

Subaru also developed a special NBR Challenge Package for the S206, commemorating the Japanese firm’s class win at the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.

It features a carbon-fibre roof and rear spoiler, plus Nürburgring Challenge sticker and red door sills, and will be available in 100 units – or rather it would have been available if all 100 cars hadn’t already been spoken for in Japan…

[From Subaru Press Release]

Major equipment of Subaru Impreza S206

-Mechanism-STI tuned Bilstein upside down strut and STI coil springs for front suspensionSTI tuned Bilstein damper and STI coil springs for rear suspensionS206 BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J forged aluminum wheels (silver)Michelin Pilot Super Sports 245/35ZR19(93Y) tiresBrembo 6-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch 2piece type drilled disk rotors for front brakeBrembo 4-pot silver colored brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch drilled disk rotors for rear brakeSTI designed flexible front strut tower braceSTI designed flexible draw stiffener, frontSTI designed flexible support, rearSTI designed support, front kitSTI designed lateral rink with pillow ball bush (front inside, rear inside)S206 engine balanced with STISTI designed S206 ECU (Engine Control Unit)S206 twin scroll ball bearing turbochargerSTI designed S206 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaustLarge intercooler with S206 logoSTI designed strengthened silicon intake ductSTI designed air cleaner elementS206 multi mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)

-Interior-S206 RECARO designed front bucket seatS206 seat fabric, ALCANTARA® with black punching / red base, leather seat support (dark gray) with silver stitchS206 door trim & centered arm rest (black ALCANTARA® with silver stitch)S206 dark red colored seat beltS206 silver side sill plate with S206 logo (front)S206 leather lapped steering wheel with STI logo and silver stitchSTI designed leather shift knob with STI logo and leather shift bootS206 leather side brake bootSTI designed push engine start switch (red with STI logo)S206 serial number plate (console, engine compartment)

-Exterior-S206 large front under spoilerS206 front fender outlet grilleAluminum front hoodSTI designed trunk lip spoilerS206 badges on front grille and rear gateSTI designed side garnish with STI logo (black metallic)

-Exclusive for NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGECarbonroofS206 dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable with S206 logo)BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J cast aluminum wheels (black)S206 Nürburgring Challenge sticker (rear)S206 red side sill plate with S206 logo (front)

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