Like any other automaker, Subaru isn’t averse to making special edition models if the right situation calls for it. In recent memory alone, the Japanese brand has gifted us with beauties like the Subaru WRX STI 207 Limited Edition and the Subaru Series.Hyperblue BRZ. Sure, the WRX STI 207 LE never made it to the U.S., but that’s not the point here. The point is that Subaru has once again launched a special edition model – the Subaru STI WRX S4 ts – and just like the 207 LE, it’s only available in Japan. Ouch.

Hurt feelings notwithstanding, the STI WRX S4 ts is a thing of beauty. Like the 207 LE before it, the S4 ts was built to commemorate Subaru’s successful victories in the SP3T class at the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race in the past two years. And as special edition models go, it comes with a bevy of enhancements of the cosmetic and functional varieties. There are upgrades on the exterior, interior, and suspension. On top of all that, it also features an NBR Challenge Package for interested customers who need an extra spray of “special” to this already limited edition sports sedan.

Everything about the STI WRX S4 ts looks great. Sadly, there is that sobering reminder that the limited edition car won’t be available in the U.S. It’s a Japan exclusive with models available in a “limited basis” from October 4, 2016 to March 12, 2017.

Continue after the jump to read the full review.

What makes the Subaru WRX S4 tS special

Where to even begin? Let’s start with the exterior where the sports sedan received a large front under-spoiler, an exclusive mesh-type front grille, a shark-fin roof antenna, and plenty of STI badging. The front grille and rear bumper, in particular also received cherry-red stripes, giving both components an additional cosmetic flair. A new set of 19-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels that STI designed specifically for the special edition model is also included in the exterior package. The special wheels are then wrapped in 255/35R19 92Y Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires.

Move inside and the upgrades continue with a combination of premium leather additions on the gear knob, steering wheel, and rear seats. The standard front seats have also been removed in favor of STI-spec Recaro bucket seats with seat heating. Even the instrument panel is new and features the tS Limited Edition logo. Side sill plates and and luminescent instruments round out the modifications to the cabin of the WRX S4 tS.

No upgrades appear to have been given to the STI’s 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine, so expect the output to remain at 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. That said, STI did say that it achieved a 10-percent improvement in torque numbers during acceleration, an increase it achieved through a CVT oil cooler, a low-pressure-drop air cleaner, and a performance muffler with lowered back pressure complementing the exclusive rear exhaust pipe.

The vehicle also features a laundry list of suspension upgrades, all of which have been added to enhance the car’s riding and handling credentials. STI accomplished this by adding a flexible tower bar and draw stiffener in the front of the sedan and a support subframe in the rear. A pillow ball bush rear suspension link, rear dampers, and coil springs from Bilstein are also all included in the package.

Last but not least is the NBR Challenge Package, which adds specific elements to everything that’s already been installed. It comes with a carbon rear spoiler with STI’s logo, a 19-inch BBS forged aluminum wheel option, an ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel, and some exclusive emblems.

All told, the Subaru STI WRX S4 tS costs 4.968 million yen, or just a shade over $48,000 based on current exchange rates. The price shoots up to just under 5.3 million yen, or around $51,000.

Read our full review on the 2016 Subaru WRX STI S207 Limited Edition here.

Read our full review on the 2016 Subaru BRZ Series.HyperBlue here.