Every time there’s a new Impreza, Subaru’s tuning arm Subaru Tecnica International (STI) raids its parts bin and builds a limited-edition model for the world to drool over. But sadly, they’re always ‘Japan only’ as is the case for the new WRX STI S207.
Based on a standard-issue WRX STI, the S207 gets the full STI treatment that involves exterior, interior, engine, and suspension upgrades.
The most obvious changes are the mesh-type front grille, front splitter, unique rear bumper, and most important of all, the S207 badge at the back. It’s also fitted with unique STI-spec front bucket seats from Recaro, a red instrument panel, and STI push-button start and leather shift knob. But we’ve only scratched the surface. The real beauty of the WRX STI S207 is what hides under the sheet metal.
They’ve toyed with the Japan-spec EJ20 2.0L 4-cylinder boxer engine, changing the ECU, twin scroll ball bearing turbo, and performance muffler and exhaust pipe. This bumps up the output by 20 hp to 328 hp and torque by 9 Nm to 431 Nm.
It also rides on STI-tuned Bilstein dampers and springs, STI suspension links, and chassis stiffeners also from STI. The 18-inch drilled disk rotors and brake calipers, on the other hand, are sourced from Brembo. Fitted on all four corners are 19 x 8.5J BBS aluminum wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires that were specifically developed for the WRX STI S207.
Obsessing on the smallest details, STI even went as far as re-tuning the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring to better suit the long list of upgrades.
Now here’s the catch. Subaru will only ever build 400 examples of the WRX STI S207, divided in to 3 special versions. 100 will be available in the standard S207 guise, while 200 units will be offered with the ‘NBR Challenge Package’. This ultra exclusive version comes fitted with a dry carbon rear spoiler, black 19-inch BBS wheels, red seatbelts, and a badge to commemorate Subaru’s SP3T class win in the 2015 Nurburgring 24 Hour Race. But the most desirable of all is the ‘NBR Challenge Package Yellow Edition’ painted in vivid Sunrise Yellow with a limited run of 100 units.
Compared to a standard Subaru WRX STI that’s listed at ¥3,790,800 (or P1.472-million), the WRX STI S207 will set you back a hefty ¥5,550,000 (or P2.156-million). Meanwhile, the NBR Challenge Package is listed at ¥5,850,000 (or P2.272-million) and the NBR Challenge Package Yellow Edition at ¥5,900,000 (or P2.292-million).