The Subaru WRX STI S209 costs more than a Corvette

Yikes. Subaru has priced its US-only WRX STI S209, and it ain’t cheap. As in ‘$63,995 before delivery’ not cheap; twice what a regular STI costs, and a smidge more than some properly chunky performance cars.

Cheaper than the S209 are, among others, the new C8 Corvette Stingray, a Shelby GT350 Mustang and the Widebody Dodge Challenger Hellcat. For just a few grand more than the Scooby you can have a Mercedes-AMG C63, Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio or the quite frankly mad 760bhp Shelby GT500. God bless American car prices.

How on earth can the artist formerly known as Impreza compete with a bunch of hair-raising V8s for similar money? With attitude. An attitude that’s trickled down from a ‘Ring-bashing racecar. Sure, the STI’s 341bhp is less than half what you’ll get in that Hellcat. But there’s plenty focus to make up for it.

“It serves up such a uniquely interesting and absorbing experience, anyone who enjoys driving will love it,” said TG’s Pat Devereux when he drove the S209 recently. “The grip, poise and adjustability using both wheel and pedals is next level.

“Barrel into a corner, brake as late as you like then bury the throttle and marvel as the compliant but rock-steady cyber chassis helps you ricochet off to the next curve.”

There’s rarity on top of all that poise too, with just 209 of these making production. All told, enough to tempt you away from some much more potent metal (on paper, at least)?