The S204 is a limited edition model of which only 600 have been manufactured for the Japanese market. Five of them will also go to the New Zealand's Subaru enthusiasts.
This high performance version of the already shatteringly fast standard Impreza WRX STI has an extra 39 bhp to take its peak power to 320 bhp at 6400 rpm, a 14 percent increase. Torque has risen to 319 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm, a 10.5 percent increase over the 289 lb-ft of the standard Japanese 2.0-liter Impreza WRX STI (U.S.-spec Impreza WRX STI features a 2.5-liter engine).
Available with a six speed gearbox and adjustable centre differential for the All Wheel Drive transmission, the S204 is available in silver, black and blue and will sell for 74,990 New Zealand dollars (about 47,000 US dollars).
There are numerous specification differences between the S204 and the standard Impreza WRX STI.
Externally there is a unique carbon-fibre front splitter and boot mounted rear wing to complement the side sills. There is also a rear screen wiper on this four door sedan.
The S204 sits on 18 inch BBS alloy wheels shod with 235/40 ZR18 Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.
The wheels are filled with four piston Brembo ventilated disc brakes. S204 badging on the front and rear immediately identifies these limited edition cars from the standard WRX STI.
The suspension has been lowered by slightly less than 1 inch and has stiffer springs than the normal Impreza WRX STI. It includes an engine bay mounted front turret strut brace. Inside the boot is an STI rear performance damper between the rear suspension strut towers. Alloy componentry is used extensively in the suspension to reduce the car's unsprung weight.
Many of the parts are coloured in STI's distinctive pink to highlight the car's unique character.
Under the bonnet, there is an intercooler water spray system which can be manually operated from within the cabin. The extra performance is liberated from the quad cam, turbocharged motor by changes to the engine management system and the inlet and exhaust manifolds.
Inside the cabin carbon-fiber high backed Recaro sport's seats are upholstered with a combination of suede and leather. The footrest and pedals are alloy, while the steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake are leather covered.
The instrumentation has electro luminescent lighting. Creature comforts are not forgotten with climate control air conditioning, a six stack CD player, electric windows and mirrors.
For security there is remote control central locking with an engine immobilizer and alarm system and Subaru's Data Dot marking system of components.
