TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Subaru Impreza WRX STi S206
Latest low-volume Impreza appears a tasty proposition – shame it's destined solely for the Japanese market...Subaru has revealed the latest in its series of Japan-specific go-faster Imprezas – namely the WRX STi S206, which follows in the wheeltracks of S202, S203, S204 and R205 models that have preceded it over the years.
Due to be publicly unveiled at this week's Tokyo motor show, just 300 examples of the S206 will be offered for sale, more or less guaranteeing it collectible status. The limited run high performance car won't be coming to Australia due to the costs involved in attaining compliance to Australian Design Rules however.
"Subaru generally makes a lot of low volume models for the domestic market that we don't see [in Australia] due to homologation," explained Subaru Australia's PR Executive, Alicia Cannon. "Simply put it's too expensive to homologate these vehicles for the local market - the business case doesn't add up."
Touted as the "crown of STI tuned cars", the latest Impreza flagship gains a pumped-up 2.0-litre boxer four that kicks out 235kW and 431Nm, courtesy of a retuned ECU, an enhanced twin-scroll turbocharger and a reduced-back pressure exhaust system.
It's not just about extra top-end urge, as Subaru claims the S206 serves up faster throttle response and more low- and mid-range torque for better driveability.
The low-volume Subie's added grunt is offset by unique Bilstein dampers, STi coil springs, a flexible front tower bar and draw stiffener, promising added tautness and allegedly allowing for "precise and quick corrections in mid-corner".
Other goodies unique to the S206 include 19-inch BBS aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
The visual/aero tweaks include a new front spoiler, grille and lower bumper, while the rump is distinguished by a fixed spoiler developed specifically for the S206. Inside, there's a leather sports steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats with red seatbelts and an STI-designed start/stop button.
Subaru has also developed a special NBR Challenge Package for the S206 to commemorate its first class win at the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.
Just 100 examples will be offered for sale in the Japanese market (they're already sold out), which each NBR Challenge Package-equipped car sporting a carbonfibre roof and rear spoiler, black rims, a Nürburgring Challenge sticker and red door sills.
SUBARU IMPREZA S206 FEATURES
MECHANICAL
STI tuned Bilstein upside down strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned Bilstein damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
S206 BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J forged aluminium wheels (silver)
Michelin Pilot Super Sports 245/35ZR19(93Y) tires
Brembo 6-pot silver coloured brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch 2piece type drilled disk rotors for front brake
Brembo 4-pot silver coloured brake caliper with STI logo and 18-inch drilled disk rotors for rear brake
STI designed flexible front strut tower brace
STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front
STI designed flexible support, rear
STI designed support, front kit
STI designed lateral rink with pillow ball bush (front inside, rear inside)
S206 engine balanced with STI
STI designed S206 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
S206 twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger
STI designed S206 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
Large intercooler with S206 logo
STI designed strengthened silicon intake duct
STI designed air cleaner element
S206 multi mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
INTERIOR
S206 RECARO designed front bucket seat
S206 seat fabric, ALCANTARA with black punching / red base, leather seat support (dark gray) with silver stitch
S206 door trim & centered arm rest (black ALCANTARA with silver stitch)
S206 dark red coloured seat belt
S206 silver side sill plate with S206 logo (front)
S206 leather lapped steering wheel with STI logo and silver stitch
STI designed leather shift knob with STI logo and leather shift boot
S206 leather side brake boot
STI designed push engine start switch (red with STI logo)
S206 serial number plate (console, engine compartment)
EXTERIOR
S206 large front under spoiler
S206 front fender outlet grille
Aluminium front hood
STI designed trunk lip spoiler
S206 badges on front grille and rear gate
STI designed side garnish with STI logo (black metallic)
EXCLUSIVE FOR NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE
Carbon roof
S206 dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable with S206 logo)
BBS designed 19-inch x 8 1/2J cast aluminium wheels (black)
S206 Nürburgring Challenge sticker (rear)
S206 red side sill plate with S206 logo (front)
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