296-Horsepower Subaru WRX S4 Revealed
The Subaru WRX S4
After being teased earlier this month, the Subaru WRX S4 has been revealed, representing the four S’s of Subaru: “sports performance,” “safety performance,” “smart driving,” and “sophisticated feel.” Unfortunately, this bad boy is almost certainly a Japan-only exclusive, but there’s plenty enough reason to be juiced about the S4, not the least of which being an amped-up version of the famed 2.0-liter boxer.
The Subaru WRX S4 gets a 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo that generates 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s a hefty bump from the WRX’s 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, more than earning that first aforementioned S. Less exciting is the fact that the Boxer only comes mated to a Sport Lineartronic transmission, but the simulated eight-speed shifting when the WRX S4 is in Sport# mode makes up for that somewhat.
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So how does the S4 earn its S for safety? By becoming the first WRX to come equipped with Subaru EyeSight driving assist. EyeSight has been a considerable factor in Subaru earning more IIHS Top Safety Picks than any of its competitors, contributing to the Legacy, Outback, and Forester being deemed worthy of the Top Safety Pick+ for superior front crash prevention technology.
Also unique to the Subaru WRX S4 is an electric parking brake, enlarged wheelbase and door opening dimensions, expanded trunk, 18” alloy wheels, silver mash in the grille and lower air dam, D-shaped steering wheel, and red stitching/piano black trim interior accents.
Gallery: Subaru WRX S4
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Source: Subaru Japan (.PDF)
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