Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 (2012)

  

CARBARN | Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 (2012) | We almost do not want to tell you about the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206. Why? It's yet another special limited edition STI built exclusively for Japanese domestic consumption. Subaru's STI tuning department takes its "S" series very seriously, something we witnessed at the recent Tokyo Motor Show when it Revealed the new S206 with its eye-popping spec sheet. We've driven them all and been suitably impressed with every car.

Smiling confidently, he opens the door to one of only 100 NBR Challenge Package models of the S206, a super rare edition STI's monumental class celebrating a win in this year's Nurburgring 24-hour race. With its unique 19-inch BBS rims and hard-core carbon-fiber roof and rear wing, the NBR Certainly looks the part. Powering the S206 is a version of Subie's turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer from the WRX STI. The engine is hand-built, with pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft all meticulously balanced before assembly. The secret to the S206's improved performance comes from the newly fitted low friction, twin-scroll ball-bearing turbo, a remapped ECU, and a low back pressure exhaust system boosts That low-to mid-range torque.

Built off of the outgoing WRX STI platform, the S206's suspension gets specially fitted inverted Bilstein dampers, coil springs STI, and a flexible front strut tower brace, while Those 19-inch rims are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports rubber (245/35ZR19) , highlighting huge six-piston Brembo calipers with drilled rotors. Switching the VDC to S # for maximum throttle response, and with the updated DCCD (driver controlled center differential) left in normal mode, we gun the boxer engine in first and second to record a stopwatch-timed 0-60 mph sprint of around 4.5 seconds. Compared to the current WRX STI, the S206 displays beefier torque Between 3200 and 4400 rpm where you need most for Quicker exits cornering.

Zeroing in on a tight right-hander in fourth at 100 mph, we obliterate 50 mph in 1 second flat by jumping on the 6-pot Brembos, pop the notchy six-speed gearbox down to second and turn in to. Whoa  How can you Make an Impreza WRX corner with so little roll, maintains so much lateral grip, and yet retain Such comfortable ride quality? Back in the pits, Tatsumi lets on that his team has Brought across some "little secrets" from the STI race car, the which They are Preparing for a second 24-hour Nurburgring challenge in 2012. It's not just the flexible tower brace and Bilsteins That create this ride, "Tatsumi said."

A carbon roof That improves ride quality? We can not argue with That Because the ride quality is exceptional  firm but compliant - for a hard-core sports model like this with 19-inch low profile tires. The combination of suspension upgrades and high-grip tires Michelin Meant Tatsumi's team also was Able to dial back the steering gear ratio from 13:1 to 15:1, the which in turn makes the S206 at speed as predictably as the actual race car, with logarithmic loads of grip and steering more feel and feedback than any STI before it. This car simply begs you to push it harder each lap. Your insides just about reach Their lateral limits before the tires reach theirs.  Tatsumi That Tells us he wanted his team to build a car That Was not just the best STI so far, but create a car That communicates so well with drivers That it makes them better drivers, or at least feel as though They are better drivers . Not quite satisfied with the explanation as to why the car corners so well, I found myself asking Tatsumi "just how much of that race car is in the S206?" As Tatsumi points out, "if you want to drive this car, you'll have to come to Japan."  If you want to eat the best, most authentic sushi, you have to come to Japan anyway, right?