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The Subaru WRX STI S207 is high-performance forbidden fruit everywhere but Japan

Only 400 copies of the 324-horsepower monster will be built.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2 min read
Subaru WRX STI S207
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Subaru WRX STI S207

It's a little strange that Subaru never offered the rear windshield wiper option in the US.

Subaru

Subaru likes keeping some of its best work for its home market of Japan, and the forthcoming WRX STI S207 -- announced this week at the Tokyo Motor Show -- is no exception. It's more powerful than the standard STI, loaded with all sorts of performance-oriented goodies, and it even has a rear windshield wiper. However, the sad news is that it's available only in Japan. That doesn't make it any less lust-worthy, though.

At the heart of the S207 lies a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, thanks to some engine-tuning tweaks, power is up from 305 horsepower to 324. Do note that this motor is different from the one in the US-spec STI -- Stateside variants still utilize the old 2.5-liter unit from generations past.

Power might be up a touch, but the real meat and potatoes of the S207 rests in its chassis and suspension. The front suspension is upgraded to an adjustable setup, and a handful of STI components are littered about the car, including a new flexible strut-tower bar, new intake ducting and pillow-ball-bushing rear suspension links. Behind special 19-inch alloy wheels rest upgraded Brembo brake calipers and drilled Brembo rotors.

(Spec geeks can find the full list of modifications in Subaru's press release, since it would take two full pages to list here.)

Subaru WRX STI S207
Subaru

The interior and exterior also receive a few upgrades. The outside receives a new front grille with a slick red stripe, a large chin spoiler, a new rear bumper and a big ol' badge on the trunk. Inside, buyers will find a new set of Recaro bucket seats, an updated instrument panel, and a plate with the car's serial number.

If that's not enough, buyers can opt for a Nurburgring-inspired NBR Challenge Package, which is limited to 200 units. That adds to the mix an Ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel, red seatbelts, different wheels, and a dry carbon rear wing. Half the NBR cars will be sold in a distinct yellow paint scheme -- all other S207 models will be available in blue, white or black.

Japanese buyers have until March 6, 2016 to place an order for an S207.

Subaru WRX STI S207
Subaru