Subaru Impreza WRX STI 206 Debuts

[Sabre]

Torque Report

Subaru has the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206, which is now on sale in Japan.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 is based on the Impreza WRX STI, but gets exclusive Bilstein shock absorbers, STI coil springs, and a flexible tower bar and draw stiffener up front that help improve its performance on the track. It also rides on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tired with BBS 19-inch aluminum wheels. Subaru has also optimized the weight balance between pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft to enhance the rev feel. A ball bearing turbocharger, ECU with STI tuning, and a sports muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust give the Impreza WRX STI S206 a total 316 horsepower and 318 lb-ft. of torque.

The Impreza WRX STI S206 stands out thanks to the lower front spoiler and front fender outlet grille that are specific to this model, and the trunk spoiler.

Interesting to see the switch to a ball-bearing turbo.

[drwrx]

Interesting to see the switch to a ball-bearing turbo.

IIRC with the exceptions of the vf30 and vf22, all the other vf series turbos for the WRX/STi have used roller bearings.
I guess it could be argued that a ball-bearing is better somehow, but to my mind it's six on one hand / half a dozen on the other.

[PGT]

Cobb Stage 1 hits those numbers easily with stock turbo

[Sabre]

IIRC with the exceptions of the vf30 and vf22, all the other vf series turbos for the WRX/STi have used roller bearings.

Are you talking JDM turbo's only? The VF39 is a journal bearing for sure.

Dan: Agreed!

[Mr Kleen]

This is why the BRZ can't have nice turbo things.

[drwrx]

Are you talking JDM turbo's only? The VF39 is a journal bearing for sure.

I forgot about the vf39 (vf34, 43, 48 supposedly are roller-bearing).

[Raven]

This is why the BRZ can't have nice turbo things.

Cause it would be faster than the STi?

[Sabre]

^^ that is a good possibility!

[drwrx]

This is why the BRZ can't have nice turbo things.

Cause it would be faster than the STi?

It doesn't have to be. Just keep the turbo small. TDO4 perhaps?

[complacent]

i like the shape.

i also really like the idea of a force-fed brz. though it does have a power to weight ratio very similar to the bugeye when it was released.

[PGT]

The BRZ has similar dimensions to a 70's Datsun 260z and a LOT more power. Should be interesting.

[drwrx]

The BRZ has similar dimensions to a 70's Datsun 260z and a LOT more power. Should be interesting.

Not to knock your comparison but...

The 260Z had 162 hp /157 ft·lb with a curb weight of 2,660 lb.
The 1974 base Corvette had 200 bhp / 275 ft·lb with a curb weight of 3,340 lb.

The BRZ has 200 hp / 150 lb-ft. and 2,689 lb curb weight.
The 2012 base Corvette: 430 hp / 424 lb-ft. and 3,208 lb curb weight.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[Raven]

This is why the BRZ can't have nice turbo things.

Cause it would be faster than the STi?

It doesn't have to be. Just keep the turbo small. TDO4 perhaps?

Maybe the BRZ is too fast for even that much power.

[zaxrex]

you, stop talking! :>

[thermobox]

All of the R and S Series STi's come with a special Ball Bearing Turbo. What I don't get is the Fender Vents and the 19" wheels?
Are the vents actually functional? Why put 19's on your "racier" model?

These models continue to amaze me with the 6/4 pot brake setup.

[Sabre]

The vents in the wheel wells are usually to relieve pressure and to help with down force. (You might know this, but I'm putting it out there for those that don't

Interesting about the special turbo's!

P.S. I need those brakes!

[PGT]

All of the R and S Series STi's come with a special Ball Bearing Turbo. What I don't get is the Fender Vents and the 19" wheels?
Are the vents actually functional? Why put 19's on your "racier" model?

These models continue to amaze me with the 6/4 pot brake setup.

you have something against BBS CH-R's??? I take umbrage at that remark.

[thermobox]

Yeah, I understand how the fender vents work. It just seems out of place and very small. If they are functional, I'm sure they will be effective.

I've got nothing against anything that is BBS. So you can let go of your umbrage.

I love BBS, like I love Volk, SSR, OZ, etc..

I don't think an STi needs 19" wheels. Bimmer, Merc, Blah, Blah cars are made to accept wheels/tires from 17-22" comfortably without compromising handling/comfort.
I think they should reserve the 19" wheels for the A-Line Models. Not the R/ S Series.

It just seems like they used A-Line parts on what should be more of a stripper.

Why would you put in Fender Vents but no means of rear end downforce?

[Raven]

On previous S models, and probably this one, the 19s were special 19s that were as light at the stock STi wheels. And the smaller sidewall takes flex out of the tires, making the turn in and cornering performance sharper.

[thermobox]

Meh, sounds reasonable. But the previous generations didn't have 19" wheels.
R205 - 18" BBS
S204 - 18" BBS
S203 - 18" BBS
S202 - 17" Volk
S201 - 16" Volk

[PGT]

The GRB chassis uses rubber that's taller than GDB (I.e. 18" was stock vs 17" for GDB). Also the 19's might be required to clear the brakes

[Raven]

Meh, sounds reasonable. But the previous generations didn't have 19" wheels.
R205 - 18" BBS
S204 - 18" BBS
S203 - 18" BBS
S202 - 17" Volk
S201 - 16" Volk

It was always 1" more than whatever the regular STi got. My bad

[thermobox]

No, the 18's cleared the 6/4 pot setup.

Ok, so I guess you guys are in agreement that there is a performance gain with the 19's. Just seems weird to me. Don't know why. It really seems strange. The GD's would accept 19's but it was super rare to see a car with 19's. The GR accepts 19's easier than the GD but it is still rare to see one with 19's.

I would think that if there were some performance gain going to 19's we would see them used in JGTC, WRC, PWRC, Grand am, etc.. The most you will see in competition is 17-18" wheels.

[PGT]

The GRB has a taller profile allowing the ability to step to a 19". 19 on a GRB is like an 18 on a GDB. Run the specs on sidewalk heights...19" on GRB is actually more sidewall than 19" on my Benz

[avriette]

So this is not a USDM car? That's kind of too bad. I have a couple questions.

Does it not come in the hatch?

If they are making this extra power with better exhaust flow, doesn't that mean that this sort of traditional first-step power increase would be kind of negated? How much is in the actual flow versus tuning in the car? If the car is tuned differently, ostensibly your stage 2 upgrades would net more than on the "stock" STI. It's not really clear from the article what's going on.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but the BB turbo means you get quicker spool, but doesn't in and of itself add power.

It's reasonably good looking. I'd really like to see a 400hp flavor, but I suppose that's easy enough to DIY.