2018 Subaru WRX STI S208 Preview; It’s Coming October 27

STI is bringing the new Japan-Only Subaru WRX STI S208 30th anniversary model to the Tokyo Motor Show. Here’s a quick preview.

The new Japan-Only Subaru WRX STI S208 30th anniversary model is coming next month and the official reveal will be on October 27, 2017. Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) will bring it to the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 running from October 27, 2017 - November 5, 2017. They will announce the new S208, based on the newly-refreshed 2018 Subaru WRX STI at the Subaru Press conference.

There are no fundamental changes from the equipment fitted on the 2017 WRX STI S207, but the hand-built STI EJ20 2.0-liter turbo boxer is getting a small bump in power over the S207. STI increased the maximum power output to 330PS (325hp) which is 2hp more than last years S207.

STI will also likely upgrade the S208 with special suspension tuning as well as distinctive interior and exterior design upgrades. The 2018 WRX STI received an upgraded Electronically Controlled Multi-Mode DCCD" that improves the handling and cornering performance of the performance sedan. So this limited edition Japan-spec STI should be even more impressive than the S207.

Limited to 300 examples

The new 2018 Subaru WRX STI S208 30th anniversary model will be limited to just 300 examples and won’t be sold anywhere else around the globe. STI is developing the S208 as a “super version” of the Subaru 22B STi which was also a Japan-only model and sold in commemoration of Subaru’s WRC title in 1998.

STI who regularly releases specially tuned Japan-only versions of the WRX STI, says the 2018 Subaru WRX STI S208 will be the “culmination of technology and the ultimate car” to commemorate their 30th anniversary. It’s coming October 27, 2017 and can be seen at the Subaru booth. Subaru has not announced any other special cars they will be bringing to the Tokyo Motor Show, but they usually pull out a few surprises. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru Tecnica International