The Subaru WRX STI may still be new, but Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, manufacturer of Subaru cars, has recently unveiled the Subaru WRX STI Type S. So how does the JDM Subaru WRX STI differ from our local WRX STI?
The biggest difference lies within the engine itself. The JDM WRX STI is powered by a 2L horizontally opposed turbocharged engine which produces a maximum of 305 hp and 422 NM of torque. This means that the Japanese gets the cake and enjoys it themselves as our local market WRX STI only has 296 hp. Not to mention that our local version of the WRX STI is powered by a 2.5L engine, and not the 2.0L that the JDM model features. The JDM Subaru WRX STI comes standard with a 6 speed manual transmission, but buyers can also opt for a 6 speed automatic gearbox. It is also worth mentioning that the WRX STI Type S’s gearbox has been retuned to give better tactile feedback.
Elsewhere, the Subaru WRX STI Type S features new stronger 18″ alloy wheels, new front fender ducts and a special sharp side sill spoiler. The new Type S also benefits from LED headlights. Moving onto the interior, the interior remains pretty much unchanged from the regular WRX STI, so the familiar D shaped steering wheel remains untouched, while the red accents throughout the interior are exclusive to the WRX STI.
We are optimistic that some of these changes may eventually trickle down to the local variant of the WRX STI in due time.
