This is the WRX STI You Didn't Want But Also Can't Have

Subaru unveiled its new limited edition WRX at the Tokyo Motor Show alongside the tepid STI Sport BRZ, and yet another Viziv Concept. The car itself is an improvement on the current S207 WRX STI which debuted in 2015 as the range-topping JDM Impreza, Subaru plans to offer just 450 cars.

The most important change to come from Subaru Tecnica International is an exchange of the donor car’s stock 2.5-liter boxer, for a high-strung 2.0-liter twin-scroll ball bearing turbocharged flat-four engine as a homage to the company’s time spent romping around the World Rally Championship. Despite dropping 500cc of capacity, the motor kicks out 324 hp–24 more than standard– thanks to a switch controlled intercooler water spray, performance exhaust, STI silicon intake duct, and new ECU tuning. Power continues to reach the road through a six-speed manual gearbox hooked to Subaru’s full-time four-wheel-drive system with front-to-back Active Torque Vectoring.

SEE ALSO: This is Almost the Subaru BRZ STI You Wanted, But Definitely Can’t Have

STI went to work on the suspension as well, giving the S208 a new flexible strut tower brace, flexible draw stiffeners, adjustable Bilstein dampers and coil springs, plus 6-pot Brembo brakes in the front, a 2-pot calipers also from Brembo out back. The package rides on STI-designed 19-inch forged aluminum wheels from BBS which wear 255/35R19 rubber.

Exterior changes are dominated by a dry carbon-fiber lip spoiler, a gloss black front splitter, and a gloss black roof. An NBR Challenge Package is also available, featuring a dry carbon-fiber roof and a dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler with S208 logo. 77 percent of S208 models (350 cars) will be available with the NBR Challenge Package which features a gargantuan carbon wing, a dry carbon roof, and upgraded Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires.

The S208 will be available in only two body colors, WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl, along with an even more limited-run of 100 Cool Grey Khaki Edition cars available on NBR Challenge Package S208 WRXs.

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