Subaru releases special Japanese WRX

SUBARU’S performance arm, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), has announced a limited edition version of its WRX STI firecracker with enhanced mechanicals and visual flourishes, however Australian customers can forget about getting their hands on one as it will only go on sale in Subaru’s native Japan.

Called the WRX S4 tS, the special model borrows some technology from the STI S207, another Japan-only special edition STI that sat at the top of the WRX range when it was released in a limited run of 400 units in October last year.

Instead of the Australian-spec 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, the S4 tS uses the Japanese 2.0-litre turbo unit, which makes 221kW/400Nm, is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has 10 per cent increase in torque during acceleration due to upgrades to the air intake and exhaust parts.

Other mechanical upgrades include added oil cooler, a performance muffler with an exclusive exhaust pipe, STI components such as a flexible tower bar, front suspension with active dampening and coil springs, rear dampers and coil springs, front-rear active torque vectoring, Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres and Brembo opposed-piston four-pot brakes at the front.

Exterior enhancements include 19-inch BBS aluminium wheels, a mesh front grille with cherry-red STI stripe, large front under-spoiler, black shark fin roof antenna and a rear bumper with a cherry-red stripe.

On the inside, the S4 tS gets an exclusive leather steering wheel and luminescent instrument cluster, STI-themed shift knob and engine switch, Recaro front bucket seats and side sill plates.

To celebrate Subaru’s victory at the 2015 and 2016 Nurburgring 24-Hour race SP3T class, the S4 tS will come with an optional NBR Challenge Package, which adds 19-inch black aluminium wheels, an ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel, an exclusive emblem and a large black carbon rear spoiler with STI logo.

It will be offered in four body colours – Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.

It will go on sale in Japan priced at 4.6 million yen ($A58,582), and will be offered for a limited period from October 4 to March 12 next year.

The NBR package adds 300,000 yen ($A3819) to the asking price.