Subaru->ke86 is already offering lots of details on their next generation WRX STI sports car, but until 2013 when will actually see it, we can enjoy a few more goodies left in the company's pocket. One of these goodies has been unveiled today: the ultimate S206 version of the Impreza WRX STI. The car will be revealed next week in Tokyo and is already in sale in Japan.

Subaru will also be offering a special NBR Challenge Package edition of the S206 that commemorates Subaru’s class win at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. There will be only 300 S206 units built, 100 of which are the NBR editions. The latest ones have been already sold out.

The new S206 has been described as Subaru's crown of the STI tune cars. It offers advanced driving performance and exclusively-made items in both interior and exterior designs.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206.

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206

Specifications
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  • Model: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206
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Pros
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The exterior and the interior

The new S206 model will be distinguished by the rest of the WRX STI models thanks to a lower front spoiler and front fender outlet grille, both specially designed for this model. At the rear there will be a new trunk spoiler. The newly-made front grille and side garnishes were also employed for aerodynamics improvement and a high grade appearance. The S206 will sit on 19" BBS forged aluminum wheels (silver) wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The new wheels will be combined with a high performance Brembo brake system.

The interior will get exclusively made items like a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, "Recaro" racing bucket seats, and seat belts. There is also a S206 serial number plate on the console and engine compartment which tells you the unit number.

The NBR Challenge Package adds a carbon roof, S206 dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable with S206 logo), a new set of 19" BBS wheels, S206 Nürburgring Challenge sticker (rear) and S206 red side sill plate with S206 logo (front).

The engine

Subaru has designed the new S206 as the most powerful WRX STI model at the date. For this the company is offering an exclusively-made engine with the weight balance between piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft optimized to enhance the rev feel. Next to this there is also a ball bearing turbocharger, ECU (Engine Control Unit) with STI tuning, and a sports muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. The result is a total of 315 HP and a peak torque of 318 lb-ft (an increase of 19 HP and 18 lb-ft over the standard WRX STI).

Subaru did not revealed the performance figures of this new model, but they did confirmed that the accelerator response is increased and mid-range torque improved to provide better driveability.

The S206 will also be equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers, STI coil springs, a flexible tower bar (front), and a flexible draw stiffener (front).

Prices

The new Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 will be limited to only 300 units and the company has said that all the orders must be placed until May 2012. But considering that all the 100 NBR Challenge Package units have been sold out, we are pretty sure that Subaru will have their list full very soon. Prices will be announced at a later date.

The competition

With these improvement, the new S206 is far superior to the WRX's standard competitor the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. By comparison the Lancer model is powered by a 291 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine. However, if we were to pick we would definitely choose the Impreza model, because of its better look, all-wheel-drive system, better performance and improved aerodynamics.