The legendary Subaru WRX STI sports sedan has made a notable reappearance, albeit with some caveats. Three years after announcing the discontinuation of new STI models globally, Subaru's performance division, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), has unveiled the WRX STI S210 at the illustrious Tokyo Auto Salon. This latest addition is not the global offering fans once hoped for but is instead limited to just 500 units exclusively for the Japanese market.
Despite its limitations, the S210 promises the power boost, chassis upgrades, and signature styling changes characteristic of true STI vehicles. While it lacks the iconic driver-controlled center differential, the model is still marketed under the hallowed STI brand. This special edition marks the ninth vehicle from the STI division, following the US-exclusive S209 launched back in 2019.
Performance enthusiasts will find the S210 intriguing, powered by Subaru's improved 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It now delivers 296 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque—configurations elevated through various upgrades like an enhanced intake system and exhaust tuning, positioning it 25 ponies above the standard WRX. Still, these figures reflect a significant downgrade compared to the S209, which flaunted a hearty 341 horsepower and was paired with the beloved six-speed manual transmission.
Subaru touts the S210 as the first S-series model featuring the ‘Subaru Performance Transmission,’ which is just a refined version of the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Following the trend of modernizing traditional performance sedans, this move has led to some disappointment among fans who were expecting the passion of driving enthusiasts represented through manual options.
Performance tweaks don’t stop there, as the S210 is fitted with 19-inch BBS forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, promising improved grip and handling. It also boasts red Brembo brake calipers with upgraded pads, new brake boosters, and retuned adaptive dampers and springs. The overall design is sporty yet subtle, with gloss black accents and distinctive STI styling elements contributing to its aggressive appearance.
Inside, the S210 features luxurious touches including Recaro front bucket seats with carbon-fiber backrests, nappa leather, and distinctive red stitching. The interior provides not only comfort but also the sporty aesthetic fans covet. Special S210 badges throughout the dash and seats serve as constant reminders of the car’s limited nature, ensuring exclusivity among those lucky enough to get their hands on one.
With all of these desirable features, the S210 will soon enter Japanese showrooms, with sales methods to be announced later this spring. Pricing remains unconfirmed, but expectations are high, hinting at figures upward of $64,000, especially considering the S209's pricing and the rarity factor involved with just five hundred examples being produced.
The anticipation, excitement, and mixed feelings surrounding the WRX STI S210 echo the sentiments of Subaru enthusiasts wondering what the future holds for the performance brand. Are manual transmissions destined to become relics, replaced by automatic alternatives? Will the market demand for potent, manual-having performance vehicles endure, or will Subaru continue on this path? Fans grapple with these questions as they await the arrival of the S210.
While inquiries about the possibility of S210 allocations for international markets remain unanswered, eager aficionados contend with the reality of possibly waiting years for this limited edition, as their dreams could hinge on the decisions of dealers and their allocation of this exclusive sports sedan.
Indeed, the Subaru WRX STI S210 marks the return of the STI nameplate, keeping hope alive for loyal enthusiasts. Time will tell if this model can live up to the legacy of its forebears and how Subaru responds to the feedback from the driving community about its choice of automatic over manual transmissions.