In the tradition of the Japan-only 2017 Subaru WRX STI S207, Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has launched a new Japan-only Limited-Edition WRX S4 tS. Performance enthusiasts in the U.S., Australia and Europe get left out again.
The new WRX S4 tS gets more upgrades from STI than the standard WRX S4 including additional torque. A new NBR Challenge Package will also be available commemorating Subaru’s victory in the SP3T class in the 2015 and 2016 Nurburgring 24-hour race.
STI upgrades over the standard WRX S4
Like the STI-enhanced WRX STI S207, both WRX S4 tS and the NBR Challenge Package Limited-Edition models come with added power and performance upgrades from STI. Subaru says engine torque during acceleration has been enhanced by 10 percent using modified air intake/exhaust parts. An added oil cooler will improve cooling performance of the WRX’s Sport Lineartronic. The FA20 2.0-liter direct injection turbo “DIT” engine produces 221 kW (296 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb. ft of torque).
Subaru Tecnica International enhanced handling using original equipment STI components including a flexible tower bar, DampMatic II front suspension with adjustable damping, and front-rear Active Torque Vectoring. STI says the new upgrades improve the ride and handling in the corners. Braking performance has also been improved with Brembo opposed-piston 4-pot brakes up front.
Other exterior and interior upgrades
The new 2017 Subaru WRX S4 tS comes with other distinctive specs inside and out. They include STI-designed BBS 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, cherry red pinstripe on the mesh-type front grille and rear bumper, large front under-spoiler, black roof antenna. On the inside, WRX S4 tS gets STI-spec Recaro front bucket seats and an exclusively-made luminescent speedometer. The Limited-Edition models also gets advanced safety features such as the EyeSight driver assist technology.
NBR Challenge Package
The NBR Challenge Package gets exclusive equipment features that includes STI-designed Black BBS 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, a dry carbon rear spoiler with STI logo, STI rear emblem and ultra suede-wrapped steering wheel with silver center marking.
The new Japan-only Limited-Edition 2017 Subaru WRX S4 tS and NBR Challenge Package S4 tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Silica exterior colors. Both will be on sale for a limited period starting today (October 4, 2016) through March 12, 2017. Performance enthusiasts in the U.S., Australia and Europe can only look and not touch.
Source: Subaru, STI
Photo: Subaru