Subaru unveils Japan exclusive WRX S4

Subaru has introduced the Subaru “WRX S4” in Japan today. The model will be available exclusively for the JDM market and is based on the 2015 WRX, with a couple of minor changes.

There is a fresh set of lightweight and more rigid 18-inch alloy wheels, one size up from the 17-inch worn by the standard car, a more prominent front lip spoiler and an LED light bar above the fog lights.

Along the sides, the all-wheel drive sedan gets side sill extensions, while at the back, there is a pair of rear skirts and a splitter underneath the car’s diffuser.

Inside, the leather-finish gearshift features red-stitching, while lashing of piano black finishes and metallic accents highlight the cabin. The controlling elements also get decorative carbon trim panels and metal trim accents around them.

Behind the hexagonal grille, the WRX S4 gets the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine as the regular car, but tweaked to produce 221kW of power at 5,600rpm and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,800rpm – that’s the same output as the larger-engined WRX STI and just 7Nm short on its bigger brother.

The engine is mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with fully automatic electronic control. Of course, drive is sent to all four wheels via the brand’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Variable Torque Distribution technology.

Safety wise, the car is equipped with a new version of EyeSight 4 that is said to be even more advanced and features driver assistance with wider angles and longer distances, along with colour recognition. There is also Active Lane Keep steering assistance system, Pre-Collision Reverse Throttle Management and Brake Light Recognition.