With apologies if this is getting a little boring now, here are a pair of new (and quite interesting Subarus) that UK buyers will not have the chance to buy. Alongside a few concepts that probably will become very ordinary production cars, this WRX STI S208 and BRZ STI Sport will be shown by Subaru at the Tokyo motor show next month.
Those who know their Subarus will be aware that any four-door STI suffixed with an 'S2xx' is something pretty special. See the ludicrous S201 from 2000, the
hatchback based S205
that ditched the 2.5-litre engine for the 2.0-litre and
the S206
with an 'NBR Challenge Package' aero kit. They're for the dedicated Subaru fan, to put it lightly. They're also, by most accounts, fairly incredible to drive.
This is the latest, following the previous seven in order by being badged the S208. Full specs aren't due until the October reveal, Subaru for now stating only that the car "offers the best ever performance and quality in the S series." Compared to the S207, this car has "improved engine output and acceleration output" and a lower centre of gravity thanks to the carbon roof. The spec will be announced with the 450 people who are getting one at the end of October, the latter group decided by a lottery of prospects. A novel approach...
In addition to the NotImpreza, Subaru will also show yet another tweaked BRZ at Tokyo. The BRZ STI Sport "aims for the ultimate 'Fun to Drive' and 'Pure Handling Delight'" according to Subaru, which feels like something that's been said dozens of times before. For this car the body is more rigid and there's "exclusive suspension tuning" too, making this apparently the highest grade model in the BRZ range. There will be 100 STI Sports, again allocated via lottery.