Subaru’s 2020 STI S209 Is The Special Scooby You’ve Always Wanted In The U.S.

The new limited-edition Subaru S209 is not only the most powerful STI model ever offered in the US market, but also the first S-Line model to reach the country.

Subaru is detailing its latest special model, which will be available in a very limited production run of just 209 examples, just ahead of its launch this November.

Let’s get the numbers out first; power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 341 HP (345 PS) and 330lb-ft (447 Nm) of torque, partly thanks to a larger STI turbocharger made by HKS and a maximum boost pressure of 18.9 psi, compared to the WRX STI’s 16.2 psi.

Also Read: 2019 Subaru STI S209 Debuts As STI’s Most Powerful Production Car Ever

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only option as you’d expect, while the full-time Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system features front and rear limited-slip differentials, Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.

The SI-Drive system has been recalibrated for the 2020 Subaru STI S209, still offering three modes to choose from: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. STI engineers reckon that the Sport mode is the best for track driving while the Sport Sharp helps in achieving the best acceleration times.

The upgraded boxer engine also features a high-flow intake and a intercooler water spray system that operates manually via steering-wheel paddles. A new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors and an STI control module are also present.

The exterior of the new STI S209 comes with a wide-body kit that adds 1.7 inches of width compared to the standard WRX STI. That’s because both the front and rear tracks are wider by 0.6 inches while the wheels are lightweight 19-inch forged BBS alloys dressed with sticky Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires. The bodywork also features a model-specific aero kit that includes new front spoiler and bumper canards, as well as a rear wing. The roof panel is made out of carbon fiber.

The brakes are from Brembo, with six-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers on the rear, as well as cross-drilled steel rotors. The suspension utilizes specially developed Bilstein dampers, stiffer springs, a 20mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the lateral links front and rear.

The chassis of the STI S209 is also reinforced to the front crossmember and rear subframe, including a flexible front-strut tower and flexible front and rear draw stiffeners.

The new 2020 Subaru STI S209 will be available in just two color/wheel combinations: 128 cars in WR Blue on gray BBS wheels and 81 cars in Crystal White Pearl on gold BBS wheels. Prices have not yet been announced but we expect a pretty steep number that’s north of the $50,000 the 2018 STI Type RA was asking.