Some people love the latest-generation Subaru WRX while others hate it and the curious crossover-inspired design but the carmaker hasn’t let that stop it from announcing a new limited-run variant for the Japanese market. The new model, dubbed the WRX S4 STI Sport will be capped at just 500 units and available via a lottery system running from January 12-28.
A seemingly endless number of special edition Impreza, WRX, and WRX STI models have been launched over the years and like so many others, the WRX S4 STI Sport benefits from a handful of new parts but is not dramatically different than the regular version on which it is based. We doubt this fact, nor the 6,237,000 yen ($43,000) asking price, will limit the appeal of the car.
Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the fitment of 19-inch BBS forged wheels with a Super Black finish and clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires. Complementing these sleek new wheels is a revised black front grille, blacked-out badges, and a black lip spoiler on the decklid. Subaru has also painted the wing mirrors and roof antenna in Crystal Black Silica.
Joining the new wheels and tires on the performance front is a tower bar under the hood and a stiffening bar at the rear.
Read: 2024 Subaru WRX Base Price Hiked By $2,200, TR Starts At $42,775
Each of the 500 examples also has a customized interior. Key changes made include the fitment of a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching, shift boots with silver stitching, and new Recaro seats up front clad in an ultra suede material and also rocking the same contrast stitching. This same suede material extends across part of the instrument panel, armrests, and center console.
Power comes from the standard 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed turbocharged four-cylinder coupled to a continuously variable transmission. This engine produces 271 hp and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque.
