Let me just get this out there immediately – I’m a bit of a WRX->ke4657 fanboy. That said, I’m sure anyone reading this right now has somewhat similar interests. If that’s the case, then greetings, six-star brothers and sisters, and prepare yourselves, because you’re about to feel the want in a big, big way. Before you is a pumped-up STI that offers more power, tighter handling, and exclusive styling touches inside and out. It’s a modern rendition of the same formula seen in previous-generation special editions,->ke2041 such as the S206 and R205, and once again, it’s only available in Japan.

As is, the WRX STI is hugely capable right out of the box, with a scooped hood housing a sizable dose of turbo power, plus tenacious grip from Subaru’->ke86s omnipresent AWD system. The S207 takes all those racy characteristics and simply adds more everywhere. The result is a claim to “the ultimate in road driving” and “the world’s most enjoyable vehicle.”

Sounds good, right? Keep reading to find out how good.

Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru WRX STI S207 Limited Edition.

subaru-wrx-sti-s207-limited-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: subaru-wrx-sti-s207-limited-edition
Pros
Cons

2016 Subaru WRX STI S207 Limited Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Subaru WRX STI S207 Limited Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 323 @ 7200
  • Torque: 317 @ 3200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Subtlety was never the STI’s strong suit. Gaping intakes, bulging fender flares, and race-ready aero combine to make one helluva radar blip, and the S207 is no different.

The first thing to catch your eye will probably be the sizable front under-spoiler, which juts out from the bumper with speed-bump-menacing presence. Above this is a new mesh-type grille with a cherry-red stripe running around the perimeter, complete with an obligatory S207 badge. On the sides, you’ll find black garnish and STI-designed BBS wheels. These 19-inch, forked rollers are made from forged aluminum and come finished in silver.

Around back is an exclusive rear bumper with more cherry-red striping and S207 badging, plus louvers just behind the rear wheels. Up top is a shark-fin-style roof antenna.

Buyers can choose between four different paint options: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and the doubly limited Sunrise Yellow (see the Prices section for details).

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,635 MM (182.48 Inches)

Width

1,795 MM (70.66 Inches)

Height

1,470 MM (57.87 Inches)

Tire tread F/R

1,535/1,550 MM (60.43/61.02 Inches)

Min. ground clearance

135 MM (5.31 Inches)


Interior

To match the flashy exterior, the S207 comes with equally showy embellishments for the cabin, starting with the STI-spec front buckets seats from Recaro. These come covered in black leather with silver accents, and there are embossed STI logos in the headrests, plus there’s a heating function. Passengers in the rear also get black leather.

Anyone lucky enough to sit in the driver’s seat will enjoy a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with a chrome bezel, metallic finish, and silver stitching. Leather also adorns the shift knob. Instrumentation is customized with an exclusive multifunction display and S207 logo, and the central instrument panel visor is covered in a silver-stitched leather-finish material. There’s also a red push-button starter, and an eight-speaker audio system to offset the burbling flat-four exhaust note.

Finally, the side sills get a unique, checker-patterned treatment and S207 logo, and there’s a serial plate to announce the ride’s authenticity.

Drivetrain

If you think the EJ20 powerplant is getting a bit long in the tooth, you’re not alone – there’s certainly an argument to be made for its retirement. However, this hardy lump of boosted internal combustion is as fundamental to the WRX’s character as AWD drifts and rally highlight reels, and it’s hard to deny its capability.

The S207 backs this with even more output from the 2.0-liter. Mods like a retuned ECU, an exclusive twin-scroll ball-bearing turbo, a performance exhaust, a strengthened silicone intake duct, and a high-flow air filter help to create an impressive 323 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque between 3,200 rpm and 4,800 rpm. That’s roughly 20 horsepower and 30 pound-feet more than the standard-issue STI.

Chassis And Handling

More power can’t be a bad thing, but it takes the right bits underneath to make it all work properly. As such, the STI’s impressive real-world capability is enhanced even further with a laundry list of STI-tuned suspension parts. Most notable are Bilstein DampMatic II inverter-type front struts, with offer adjustable damping. STI also had a hand in the rear dampers and coil springs, front tower bar, front draw stiffener, front support kit, rear subframe support, and pillow ball rear suspension links. All of that should add up to one very rigid and responsive ride.

Speaking of response, the steering was sharpened with an 11:1 quick-ratio steering gearbox. There’s also front-rear active torque vectoring to get the most from the AWD system, and an exclusive Vehicle Dynamics Control system.

Short stops come courtesy of Brembo, which offers up gargantuan 18-inch rotors front to back. These are drilled for quick heat dissipation, while the fronts are two-piece units. Clamping these the rotors are monoblock opposed-piston calipers, with 6-pots up front and 4-pots in the rear. The calipers are also finished in silver and come branded with the STI logo.

Finally, Dunlop is used for the rubber, offering up an exclusive Sport Maxx RT compound measuring in at 255/35R19.

Category

EJ20 horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder (Boxer)

Type

2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve dual AVCS twin-scroll turbo

Max. output

323 HP @ 7,200 RPM

Max. torque

317 LB-FT @ 3,200–4,800 RPM


Prices

The S207 will officially launch on December 1st, 2015. Only 400 units will be produced. Pricing starts at 5,550,000 yen ($45,885) before taxes.

Anyone looking for even more exclusivity is encouraged to look into the NBR Challenge Package. In celebration of Subaru’s third victory at the Nurburgring 24-Hour endurance race this year, half of the S207s will come equipped with an ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel, red seatbelts, black 19-inch BBS wheels, a dry-carbon rear spoiler, and a unique rear emblem. Pricing starts at 5,850,000 ($48,365) before taxes.

Then there’s the NBR Challenge Package Yellow Edition, which is even more limited at just 100 units. This throws in black side-view mirrors, yellow side sill plates with the S207 logo, black side sill moldings, and a where’s-my-sunglasses Sunrise Yellow paint job. Pricing starts at 5,900,000 yen ($48,778) before taxes.

Subaru will close the order books on March 6, 2015, but even at these lofty prices, I don’t think selling all 400 will be an issue.

Competition

Ford Focus RS

Turbocharged power and AWD grip is available from a variety of different sources these days, and this blue oval product offers plenty of both. Just like WRC competition of old, it’s entirely possible the limited-edition S207 will run up against Ford’s preeminent hot hatch, and when it does, expect the battle to be fierce. The Ford brings a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a dynamic AWD system, making it quite the match for the Subaru.

Read our full review here.

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen makes an absurd number of Golf variants, but atop them all sits the R. Don’t let the subdued styling fool you – under the hood is a turbo four-cylinder, 4Motion AWD, and a slick six-speed DSG transmission. This VW is a bit more grown up than the S207, but should have the speed to keep pace. If refinement is as important as face-melting speed, the Golf R should have the right mix of both.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

Any buyer interested in the WRX STI is usually drawn to it for one reason – performance. These people don’t care about backside coddling or the latest and greatest infotainment technology. They prefer to put their money into the drivetrain and suspension. Speed is the top priority.

The S207 indulges this mindset properly. Yes, it’s nearly $50,000 for a Subaru, but for the money, you get an extremely healthy (albeit aged) turbocharged flat-four engine, plus motorsport-inspired handling. Even the more superfluous exterior and interior additions are geared towards enhancing the overall driving experience.

The S207 is brash, loud, and in your face. It’s certainly not for everyone. But that’s ok – anyone who might own one already knows who they are.