Subaru announces hardcore WRX STI

Subaru has announced the crown jewel in its Impreza WRX STI range with this, the ‘S206'. And it's not available over here.

Built exclusively for the Japanese market, the hardcore Subaru gets a power boost to 316bhp and 318lb ft of torque, thanks to a new twin-scroll turbo, upgraded ECU, sports exhaust, larger intercooler and a redesigned air filter, all bolted onto its flat-four.

No performance figures are available, but Subaru promises a "heightened" accelerator response and extra low-to-mid-range torque. Don't forget: the current UK-spec, 297bhp 2.5-litre WRX STI hits 62mph in 5.2 seconds and rocks on to a top speed of 155mph.

See more pics of the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206

Subaru has ratcheted up the chassis on the S206 too, with STI-specific Bilstein struts, coils and dampers, 18in Brembo brakes and lots of support bracing to firm everything up. Visual touchpoints include new front and rear spoilers, Recaro racing seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Just 300 models of this S206 will be made, of which 100 are extra-special ‘NBR Challenge Package' models, celebrating the company's SP3T class win at this year's 24hr Nürburgring race. These models get a carbon fibre roof and rear spoiler. And they're all sold out.

While we won't get this in Blighty, we've still had some pretty astonishing Impreza variants over the years. What's your favourite? And do you care about this super Scooby now that the BRZ Coupe is coming?

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