Subaru, SRI develop Dunlop Sport Maxx GT for WRX-derived STI S209

TOKYO—Subaru Technica International Inc., Subaru Corp.'s tuner arm, has selected Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tires as OE fitment on the limited-edition STI S209, a high-performance version of the Subaru WRX STI built for the North American market.

The S209 features a 241-hp version of the Subaru EJ25 turbo-charged boxer 4-cylinder engine coupled to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that routes power to the car's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system with front/rear limited-slip differentials.

It also comes with a specially designed suspension featuring specially developed Bilstein dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links, along with exclusive interior and exterior accoutrements.

The tire fitment is 265/35R19 on STI-designed BBS 19-inch x 9.0J forged aluminum wheels in two exterior color/BBS wheel combinations, WR Blue Pearl/dark gray wheels and Crystal White Pearl/gold wheels, according to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (SRI), which developed the tire for this limited-edition model.

SRI said the GT600A versions of the SP Sport Maxx—designed exclusively for this fitment—offer "enhanced" steering stability and grip performance thanks to the use of a proprietary compound and specialized structure. The summer-only tires are a "significant contributor" to the car's "tenacious" maximum lateral grip of over 1.0 g, STI said.

STI said it plans to sell only 209 units of the STI S209, exclusively in the U.S.

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2019. STI has been preparing high-performance and competition versions of Subaru models since 1998.