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  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    Detroit 2019: 2019 Subaru WRX STi S209

      Unlike the last special edition, this one actually has more power

    Subaru has been keeping their S-series of WRX STI vehicles in Japan since the first model (the S201) was launched in 2000. But today at the Detroit Auto Show, Subaru has decided to treat us by bringing over the S209 to the U.S.

    Under the hood, STI has overhauled the EJ25 2.5L turbocharged boxer-four engine with an HKS turbocharger, revised intake system, forged pistons and con rods, and less-restrictive exhaust. Output has increased 310 to 341 horsepower. Torque remains at 290 pound-feet. In a nod to the 2004 to 2007 STI, Subaru has fitted an intercooler water spray system controlled via steering wheel paddles to cool down the intercooler. A six-speed manual routes power to all four wheels.

    For the chassis, Subaru has widen the track by 0.6-inches, upgraded the Bilstein dampers and bushings; added 0.8-inch rear anti-roll bar, fitted a handful of stiffening braces and bars, and a set of 265/35 Dunlop GT600A summer tires wearing 19-inch BBS wheels. Subaru claims this gives the S209 more than 1.00 g of lateral grip.

    The exterior is much more aggressive with wider fenders to allow for additional cooling, rear-fender vents to reduce drag, under spoilers all around the vehicle, and a large rear wing.

    No mention on price, but we're expecting it to be near or above the $48,995 for the last special edition WRX STI to grace our shores - the Type RA. There will only 200 models built for the U.S., either wearing WR Blue Pearl with gray wheels or Crystal White Pearl with gold wheels.

    Gallery: 2019 Subaru WRX STi S209

    Source: Subaru

    Subaru Tecnica International Unleashes Most Powerful Model Ever With Limited-Edition STI S209

    • Debuts at 2019 North American International Auto Show
    • First-ever STI-crafted S-line performance vehicle sold in the United States
    • Limited production run of around 200 units
    • Available exclusively in the U.S.
    • 341-horsepower (est.) 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
    • Aggressive new look with wide fenders, front canards and rear wing
    • Performance-focused chassis with flexible strut tower bar and draw stiffeners
    • Exclusive 19 x 9-inch forged BBS® wheels with bespoke Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT600A tires
    • Brembo® brakes with new high-friction pads
    • Available in two exterior colors: World Rally Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl

    January 14, 2019 , Camden, N.J. - Subaru Tecnica International (STI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation, today introduced the limited-edition STI S209, the first-ever S-line STI product produced exclusively for the U.S. market. As an S-line product, the STI S209 encompasses upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement, and undergoes final assembly in Kiryu, Japan, where it receives engine modifications and bodywork alterations that in total require it to be homologated for the U.S. by STI; thus, the S209 is considered the first “STI-built” Subaru sold in the U.S. The S209 carries on a high-performance tradition that dates to STI-built models that were exclusive to the Japanese domestic market – the 2000 S201 through the 2018 S208.

    Designed with a focus on high-performance driving, the S209 draws inspiration and tech transfer from STI’s most formidable track machine: the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge racecar, which won the SP3T class at the 2018 24 Hours of Nürburgring, marking the fifth time STI dominated the SP3T class at the grueling endurance race. The S209, like the Nürburgring Challenge racecar, wears an expanded wide-body exterior treatment, which extends the vehicle’s overall width to 72.4 inches, or 1.7 inches wider than a standard WRX STI. The bulging fenders accommodate wider front/rear tracks (+ 0.6 in front/rear) and 265/35 Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT600A summer-only tires wrapped around lightweight 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy wheels. The all-new tires, developed exclusively for the S209 by Dunlop, are a significant contributor to the car’s tenacious maximum lateral grip of over 1.0 g. Vents on the front fenders provide additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders rectify air turbulence to reduce drag. Brembo brakes, with cross-drilled steel rotors and 6-piston monoblock front calipers and 2-piston monoblock rear calipers, provide stout stopping force, thanks in part to upgraded high-friction pads that deliver improved fade-resistance.

    Underneath the S209’s broader body are specially developed Bilstein® dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links. The S209 incorporates reinforcements to the front crossmember and rear subframes and, a la the Nürburgring racecar, a flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners. The flexible tower bar, unlike a conventional rigid bar, is split and joined with a pillow ball joint in the center to be longitudinally mobile while helping laterally stiffen the body of the car. The result is optimum tire grip during lateral moments combined with compliant ride during longitudinal moments. Meanwhile, the draw stiffeners apply tension between the body and cross member to optimize chassis flex, improving stability when cornering and delivering better ride, handling and steering response. Other Nürburgring racecar tech that trickles down to the S209: front, rear and side under spoilers; front bumper canards; and carbon-fiber roof panel and rear wing.

    A thoroughly reworked version of the legendary EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine propels the S209. Featuring an STI turbocharger manufactured by HKS®, the EJ25 serves up an estimated 341 horsepower, thanks in part to a larger turbine and compressor (up 6 and 8 percent, respectively, compared to WRX STI) as well as maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.0 psi (16.2 psi for WRX STI). Proudly displaying an S209 serial number plate, the enhanced BOXER engine utilizes forged pistons and connecting rods that are both lighter and stronger. Midrange torque, too, gets a notable bump, up 10 percent at 3,600 rpm, delivering higher corner exit speeds when driving on track.

    For ultimate driver engagement, the S209 comes exclusively with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that routes power to a full-time Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with front/rear limited-slip differentials, a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. A recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: Intelligent (I) for improved fuel economy and smoother power control; Sport (S) for optimized power balance between response and control; and Sport Sharp (S#) for achieving the best acceleration times. STI engineers recommend Sport over Sport Sharp for circuit driving, as the less aggressive throttle map allows for greater driver control.

    To feed more air to the EJ25, the S209 uses a high-flow intake system featuring a new intake duct, induction box with conical air filter, silicone turbo inlet duct and, a nod from the 2004-07 WRX STI, an intercooler water spray system that lowers intercooler temperature via manually operated steering-wheel paddles. More air demands more fuel, so the S209 receives a new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors and an STI-tuned engine control module. High-performance mufflers deliver 17-percent less airflow resistance while larger hand-polished stainless-steel exhaust tips – 101mm in diameter – deliver aggressive appearance and acoustics.

    The S209 receives multiple tweaks to elevate it from other STI sedans. An STI badge replaces the traditional Subaru star cluster on the center of the D-shape steering wheel, which is wrapped in Ultrasuede® with silver stitching, a treatment that carries over to the lid of the center console storage box. An S209 serial number badge resides on the center console, and S209 badges adorn the passenger-side dash and the headrests of the Recaro® front bucket seats, which feature new silver-hued inserts. Outside, special S209 badges are affixed to the front grille and fenders as well as the rear decklid.

    Only around 200 units of the STI S209 will be built, earmarked exclusively for the U.S. Available exterior color/BBS wheel combinations will be WR Blue Pearl/gray wheels and Crystal White Pearl/gold wheels. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2019.

    Edited by William Maley

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    oldshurst442
      On 1/24/2019 at 5:51 PM, dwightlooi said:

    The point is that you save a lot of money by avoiding the first 2~3 years of horrendous depreciation.

    Expand  

    That is more for people who change their vehicles often.

    I always buy new.  But you wouldnt be buying my new car as a used one as I tend to keep them longer than what you may deem a good used car to buy.

    I amortize my new car purchases properly. I usually keep them at least 8 years. Keep in mind that is in Montreal Quebec where deep freeze and snowy winters are a thing.

    My last car was a 2005 Impala SS and I changed it for a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD. I kept it only 7 years because I dumb driver ran into my passenger door. I never fixed the door. It was dented a little. And it pissed the phoque out of me looking at my car that way. So I decided to cut that car loose and buy the Acura. I could have fixed her, but in my eyes, she was no longer perfect and I just couldnt keep her.  That and I was about to do some major overhauling on her soon. New battery, maybe a new exhaust etc...So I prefered to put that money into a new car instead. 

    But, my Acura is 7 going on 8 years now. I am perfectly fine in owning her still. She has no major battle scars to speak of, couple of paint chips here and there on the hood, but Ive touched them up and she still looks good even with all that salt and sand and gravel they put on our snowy and icy roads.  I think I will keep her until she dies on me.  I dont think I mind repairing the things I need to repair on her in her older age now just to keep her on the road safely as she still puts a smile on my face as I drive her.  That and there is really nothing out there that interests me in owning enough for me to invest in another new car so because I still love my Acura, she gets to stay with me.. 

    So...the 2-3 years of horrendous depreciation does not really apply to me on the Acura...and if I keep her another 7-8 years, which I think the TL could last that long, then depreciation is really not a factor. 

    Edited by oldshurst442
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    dwightlooi
      On 1/24/2019 at 10:51 PM, oldshurst442 said:

    That is more for people who change their vehicles often.

    I always buy new.  But you wouldnt be buying my new car as a used one as I tend to keep them longer than what you may deem a good used car to buy.

    I amortize my new car purchases properly. I usually keep them at least 8 years. Keep in mind that is in Montreal Quebec where deep freeze and snowy winters are a thing.

    My last car was a 2005 Impala SS and I changed it for a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD. I kept it only 7 years because I dumb driver ran into my passenger door. I never fixed the door. It was dented a little. And it pissed the phoque out of me looking at my car that way. So I decided to cut that car loose and buy the Acura. I could have fixed her, but in my eyes, she was no longer perfect and I just couldnt keep her.  That and I was about to do some major overhauling on her soon. New battery, maybe a new exhaust etc...So I prefered to put that money into a new car instead. 

    But, my Acura is 7 going on 8 years now. I am perfectly fine in owning her still. She has no major battle scars to speak of, couple of paint chips here and there on the hood, but Ive touched them up and she still looks good even with all that salt and sand and gravel they put on our snowy and icy roads.  I think I will keep her until she dies on me.  I dont think I mind repairing the things I need to repair on her in her older age now just to keep her on the road safely as she still puts a smile on my face as I drive her.  That and there is really nothing out there that interests me in owning enough for me to invest in another new car so because I still love my Acura, she gets to stay with me.. 

    So...the 2-3 years of horrendous depreciation does not really apply to me on the Acura...and if I keep her another 7-8 years, which I think the TL could last that long, then depreciation is really not a factor. 

    Expand  

    Actually, yes it does! It does no tmatter how long you keep the car. It applies to you the first 3 years you had the car. Yes, you have lower annual depreciation costs from year 4 to year 10. But you will always average out worse than the guy who only foot year 4 to year 10 depreciation. Let's do the math...

    Buy a $70K car new, keep for 10 years and sell it for $10K. You lose $60K total, burning a average of $6K a year.

    Buy a $70k car used at $40K, keep it for 7 years and sell it for $10K. You lose $30K at an average rate of $4.3K a year.

    You are spending 39.5% more money on an annual basis. And, these numbers are about right for an Acura which retains 57% of value over 3 years. It gets worse if you buy a car that depreciates more.

     

    Edited by dwightlooi
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    G. David Felt

    @dwightlooi Totally agree with you on the new versus CPO purchase and depreciation. Only time that does not play out is how I bought my 2006 Escalade ESV Platinum. Cadillac went to their new generation of Escalade and wanted all the last generation sold. I liked the last generation better than the new, but was not ready to buy yet and as such stayed with my CTS I had at the time that the Wife drove.

    GM did an audit and found my dealership to be missing a Escalade. It was no where on the lot. At the end of 2005, December, the owner of the dealership found my Escalade in his private storage where he had a few other cars stuck there to due to space on the dealership lot.

    GM wanted this $100,000 fully loaded Escalade sold. I had just come in for service on the CTS and ran into my sales rep who had sold me my Demo 2yr old CTS and asked if I was interested in an Escalade if the price was right.

    We walked into the showroom where the District manager from GM was talking to the sales manager and owner of Doug's Cadillac and said GM was willing to discount it up to 50% off the MSRP price if they could sell it before the end of December so it was off the books.

    I stepped up and told him if I liked the Escalade, I would take it for 50% off. It was all I wanted, fully loaded Platinum edition in White Diamond. I got it, priced in half and went away with the Escalade rather than taking home my CTS. 

    Now I had been saving to buy what I figured would be a CPO, but instead with getting such a price discount, bought this new with less than 20 miles on it and paid cash. Best auto purchase ever and I still own it.

    I think the rare exception is when the OEM does heavy discounts to move out the last year model auto's. That can make up for going the CPO route.

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    dwightlooi
      On 1/25/2019 at 3:43 AM, dfelt said:

    @dwightlooi Totally agree with you on the new versus CPO purchase and depreciation. Only time that does not play out is how I bought my 2006 Escalade ESV Platinum. Cadillac went to their new generation of Escalade and wanted all the last generation sold. I liked the last generation better than the new, but was not ready to buy yet and as such stayed with my CTS I had at the time that the Wife drove.

    GM did an audit and found my dealership to be missing a Escalade. It was no where on the lot. At the end of 2005, December, the owner of the dealership found my Escalade in his private storage where he had a few other cars stuck there to due to space on the dealership lot.

    GM wanted this $100,000 fully loaded Escalade sold. I had just come in for service on the CTS and ran into my sales rep who had sold me my Demo 2yr old CTS and asked if I was interested in an Escalade if the price was right.

    We walked into the showroom where the District manager from GM was talking to the sales manager and owner of Doug's Cadillac and said GM was willing to discount it up to 50% off the MSRP price if they could sell it before the end of December so it was off the books.

    I stepped up and told him if I liked the Escalade, I would take it for 50% off. It was all I wanted, fully loaded Platinum edition in White Diamond. I got it, priced in half and went away with the Escalade rather than taking home my CTS. 

    Now I had been saving to buy what I figured would be a CPO, but instead with getting such a price discount, bought this new with less than 20 miles on it and paid cash. Best auto purchase ever and I still own it.

    I think the rare exception is when the OEM does heavy discounts to move out the last year model auto's. That can make up for going the CPO route.

    Expand  

    Well, good for you. But, that is like saying none of the math on car values matter if you hit the jackpot on the Powerball Lottery. Well... yeah.... of course not!

    The GMT900 Escalade has more "gimmicks" like the fake side vent and the Suburbanite interior though. The K2 cars are nicer inside and out. But the K2 is a big missed opportunity for The General in that they could have gone Aluminum like Ford did, but they didn't. Consequently the K2 is not any lighter than the GMT900. The Escalade is also at a price point where it can easily absorb the LT4 V8, but they didn't do that either. This resulted in an Escalade that is neither fast nor miserly on fuel. Being AVERAGE is how you get beat up on when you are the flagship bling car.

    Edited by dwightlooi
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    G. David Felt
      On 1/25/2019 at 6:06 PM, dwightlooi said:

    Well, good for you. But, that is like saying none of the math on car values matter if you hit the jackpot on the Powerball Lottery. Well... yeah.... of course not!

    The GMT900 Escalade has more "gimmicks" like the fake side vent and the Suburbanite interior though. The K2 cars are nicer inside and out. But the K2 is a big missed opportunity for The General in that they could have gone Aluminum like Ford did, but they didn't. Consequently the K2 is not any lighter than the GMT900. The Escalade is also at a price point where it can easily absorb the LT4 V8, but they didn't do that either. This resulted in an Escalade that is neither fast nor miserly on fuel. Being AVERAGE is how you get beat up on when you are the flagship bling car.

    Expand  

    Very true, I agree that GM missed really taking the Escalade to the next level. With that said, they are still one of the comfiest road trip auto's to have for large people like me.

    Biggest problem that they did not correct till the next generation of Escalade was that from 2006 to 2007, the 2007 lost the ability for large people to put the seat on the floor and it cost head room and space. That cheapness of the power seat system to save a few dollars was just pathetic. Another reason I love the 2006 over the platform change in 2007.

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    dwightlooi
      On 1/25/2019 at 6:40 PM, dfelt said:

    Very true, I agree that GM missed really taking the Escalade to the next level. With that said, they are still one of the comfiest road trip auto's to have for large people like me.

    Biggest problem that they did not correct till the next generation of Escalade was that from 2006 to 2007, the 2007 lost the ability for large people to put the seat on the floor and it cost head room and space. That cheapness of the power seat system to save a few dollars was just pathetic. Another reason I love the 2006 over the platform change in 2007.

    Expand  

    My biggest complaint on the MDX is that the seat cushion DOES NOT go down low enough. I have no desire for a high hip point, to seat higher or to look over other cars (or the steering wheel) more. I do very much prefer to seat closer to the floor board for two reasons -- I like head room and I like feet in front of me not at 90 degrees. Hey, I like couches I don;t like bar stools! This is why I don't buy SUVs (the MDX is Wifey's car) and why I always lower the seat as much as I can when riding in an SUV (or any car for that matter).

    Edited by dwightlooi
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    G. David Felt
      On 1/25/2019 at 7:08 PM, dwightlooi said:

    My biggest complaint on the MDX is that the seat cushion DOES NOT go down low enough. I have no desire for a high hip point, to seat higher or to look over other cars (or the steering wheel) more. I do very much prefer to seat closer to the floor board for two reasons -- I like head room and I like feet in front of me not at 90 degrees. Hey, I like couches I don;t like bar stools! This is why I don't buy SUVs (the MDX is Wifey's car) and why I always lower the seat as much as I can when riding in an SUV (or any car for that matter).

    Expand  

    I can respect that about your seating position. For me, I have to put it flat on the floor due to my size. Yet the wife love to have the seat at the top, looking over the steering wheel and a bit down. Interesting how people like their seat position. Also amazing how many auto's have very limited electric seating position when they have the room for it. Perfect example is the Mazda CX9 I rented for a family vacation 2 years ago. Worst electric seats ever and I was totally cramped in that auto. Worst ride, comfort, etc. would never recommend a CX9 to anyone and yet so many people even here on this forum love them.

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    dwightlooi
      On 1/25/2019 at 9:18 PM, dfelt said:

    I can respect that about your seating position. For me, I have to put it flat on the floor due to my size. Yet the wife love to have the seat at the top, looking over the steering wheel and a bit down. Interesting how people like their seat position. Also amazing how many auto's have very limited electric seating position when they have the room for it. Perfect example is the Mazda CX9 I rented for a family vacation 2 years ago. Worst electric seats ever and I was totally cramped in that auto. Worst ride, comfort, etc. would never recommend a CX9 to anyone and yet so many people even here on this forum love them.

    Expand  

    LOL... I think you'll "like" the Lexus RX350L Hybrid 3rd Row. The top of the seat cushion is about 4 inches from the floor (which is higher than the regular RX350L due to the battery). You seat with your legs up like an "A".

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    Robert Hall

    Depends on the vehicle..in a low roofed car, I have to sit low so my head isn't touching the headliner.  In an SUV, I like to sit up moderately high.  In pretty much any vehicle, I like to be high enough to look through the top 1/3rd of the windshield.  I generally like the seat bottom fairly flat (not tilted) and the backrest slightly tilted.  

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