Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru WRX STi S208 revealed at Tokyo motor show

Hotter WRX will be offered to Japanese customers only

Subaru has revealed its latest special edition of the WRX STi at the Tokyo motor show, the S208.

Limited to 450 units, wannabe owners will need to enter a ballot in order get behind its Alcantara steering wheel. Of the 450 units being offered, 350 cars will be sold with the Nürburgring Challenge Pack (NBR) option.

Advertisement - Article continues below

An evolution of 2015’s S207 model, the S208 gets a 28bhp power hike over a standard WRX STi to 324bhp, with 319lb ft of torque also on offer, up from 295lb ft.

There are a host of chassis and suspension upgrades carried out by STi too, including a quicker steering rack and adjustable Bilstein DampMatic II front suspension and front and rear torque vectoring. Six-piston Brembo brakes are a standard feature, along with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels. The tyres are Dunlop’s Sport Maxx RT.

The four-wheel drive system remains as per the regular WRX STi, with a six-speed manual gearbox the only transmission offered.

Identifiable by a larger front splitter, the S208 is available with either a carbonfibre rear lip spoiler, or for those opting for the NBR option, a larger carbon fixed rear wing. A carbon roof is also fitted as standard on all models. Inside you get a pair of Recaro bucket seats, Alcantara trim, and a red trim inlay running throughout the interior to match the exterior highlights.

Only available in Japan, the WRX STi S208 will cost from £41,885 for one of the 100 regular models, rising to £47,000 for the 350 NBRs.

> Click here to keep up with all the latest news from Tokyo

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget
Citroën C5 Aircross
In-depth reviews

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget

When is a generic family crossover not the dullest thing on Earth? When it’s a comfy Citroën glazed in weirdness
9 Apr 2026
Jaguar F-Pace SVR long term test – more efficient than a diesel Discovery
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Long term tests

Jaguar F-Pace SVR long term test – more efficient than a diesel Discovery

A stint in a diesel-engined Discovery that resulted in only 30mpg has convinced me the F-Pace SVR is impressively frugal
8 Apr 2026
Best Japanese cars – performance icons from GR Yaris to NSX-R
Best Japanese cars
Best cars

Best Japanese cars – performance icons from GR Yaris to NSX-R

The Japanese have produced some of the most compelling performance cars we've ever tested, from hot hatches and rally cars to full-on supercars
7 Apr 2026