The EJ25 Subaru WRX STI engine is aging but Subaru Tecnica International pulled out some old tricks to produce the most powerful STI engine ever. See how they did it.
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Subaru STI enthusiasts have been asking for more power in the WRX STI and they get it in the new 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209. The only problem is, Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International are only producing 200 of them. What fans can get excited about is that Subaru has big plans for the next-generation STI set to hit the market in 2020-2021.
Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained does a great job of looking under the hood of the S209 and talking about what STI did to the EJ25 2.5-liter Boxer power plant to squeeze out 341-hp. The engine has been around since the first 2004 WRX STI hit U.S. shores, but it still has some life in it as you’ll see in the video below.
Compared to the standard 2.5-liter STI, the S209 offers up 341 horsepower, an increase of 31 horses. Subaru says torque is increased by 10 percent in the mid-range compared to the 290 pound-feet of the standard model, although the exact specs are still forthcoming with regard to torque numbers. Car and Driver estimates the peak torque will be 315 lb-ft when it arrives.
To produce the extra horsepower, STI fitted the EJ25 with an HKS turbocharger, a larger turbine and compressor (up 6 and 8 percent, respectively, compared to WRX STI) as well as maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.0 psi (16.2 psi for WRX STI). It also features forged pistons and connecting rods that are lighter and stronger. Midrange torque gets a notable bump, up 10 percent at 3,600 rpm. An exclusive close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox sends power to all four wheels.
Other Subaru Tecnica International engine upgrades include a high-flow intake system featuring a new intake duct, induction box with conical air filter, silicone turbo inlet duct and, a nod from the 2004-07 WRX STI, an intercooler water spray system that lowers intercooler temperature via manually operated steering-wheel paddles. The S209 also receives a new high-flow fuel pump, larger fuel injectors, and an STI-tuned engine control module. High-performance mufflers deliver 17-percent less airflow resistance while larger hand-polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, 101mm in diameter.
Pricing has not been announced, but the 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209 will likely be well above the $50,000 mark. With production limited to 200 examples for U.S. performance fans, it won’t be easy to get your hands on one and will likely be sold by a lottery. The S209 will be available late this year.
Watch How Subaru Made Their Most Powerful Engine Ever - STI S209
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Photo credit: Patrick Rall / Torque News at NAIAS, Engineering Explained
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