It was just about time the new 4-door 2011 Impreza WRX STI received its first special edition model. Called the S206, the new special edition Impreza STI comes with loads of extra equipment and an increased power output. The new 2012 Impreza STI hopes to have the same market success as the S204 and R205, S206 before it. Apart from the S206, Subaru is also announcing the NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE for the WRX STI, which celebrates the company's class win at 24-Hours Nurburgring endurance race held in June, 2011.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 develops 235kW (320PS) and 431 Nm (44kg.m) of torque from the same 2.5-liter engine.
To get the extra power, Subaru fitted the Impreza WRX STI S206 with a re-mapped ECU, a ball bearing turbo, and a sport exhaust system with a lowered back pressure. Subaru also says that the new Impreza S206 has an improved weight balance between piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft. The result of the updates is an increased torque output in the low / middle rev range, and a faster acceleration response.
Apart from giving it more horsepowers, Subaru also improved the suspension system of the Impreza S206.
It now features Bilstein shock absorbers, STI coil springs, and a flexible tow bar together with a draw stiffener for the front axle.
The Impreza STI S206 is fitted with new aerodynamics, meant to improve its high-speed stability through increased downforce on the front and rear axles. The S206's new body kit includes a lowered front spoiler, a vents on the front fenders, and a huge boot lid spoiler. The STI S206's hood is made from aluminum for reduced weight.
Some of the highlights of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206's interior include front bucket seats made by Recaro, which are covered in Alcantara, sill plates with the "S206" logo, and a leather steering wheel / gear shift knob / handbrake lever combo.
The full specifications and the equipment list of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 are available in this pdf.
The Impreza STI S206 will be limited to only 300 units, so, it you're in the market for one, you should hurry. Subaru is accepting pre-orders up until May 7, 2012. Subaru says that the new Impreza WRX STI S206 is available through its Japanese dealerships only. Its price has not been announced yet.
Subaru's NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE includes some very interesting parts. Apart from the Nurburgring Challenge sticker and the "S206" logos, it offers a set of 19-inch x 8 1/2J cast aluminum wheels made by BBS, and a carbon fiber roof. The roof, together with the 2-way adjustable dry carbon rear spoiler should help reduce to overall weight of the STI by quite a bit. The NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE for the Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 is limited to only 100 unit and can be pre-ordered up until March 19, 2012.
