The Rarest Subaru WRX STI Models Ever Built

First, there was the WRX and then there was the STI. The STI was introduced as the most powerful and highest-ranking trim level in the standard Subaru range. The STI name was first used in 1988. It was an abbreviation of Subaru Technica International, which was an offshoot of Subaru purposed to provide competitive motorsport vehicles under the automaker’s banner. PRODRIVE was brought into the fold to aid Subaru’s motorsport-focused subdivision.

The original bearer of the STI badge was a vehicle based on Subaru’s Legacy model, and the following versions retained the turbocharged boxer engine and all-wheel-drive formula. The genesis of the commercially available STI model was introduced in 1994 for the first-generation Impreza range. Until the discontinuation of the STI badge in 2021, that name has been pasted to a handful of examples and often were some of the most hardcore and capable offerings of their respective generations.

These are 10 of the rarest WRX STI models ever produced.

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10 22B STI

424 units

The 22B STI was introduced in 1998 and was introduced partly to celebrate the firm winning the WRC manufacturer championship from 1995 to 1997. It was a hardcore model that was a carbon copy of Subaru’s rally monsters of the time. Some of the characteristics of this powerful gravel-ready gladiator were its 2,800 lb sultry physique, a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine with a redline just under 7,900 rpm, an adjustable center differential, and a status as one of the most sought-after Subaru models in the firm’s history. Another interesting aspect of the 22B STI was its power output, rated at 280 hp by Subaru, but was speculated to be much higher.

9 Subaru WRX STI S207

400 units

While models like the 22B STI are undoubtedly rare, several STI models are much harder to come by. The S-Line range features some of the most prolific and exclusive offerings that feature the STI badge. One of these models is the WRX STI S207 which was unveiled in 2015 for the Japanese domestic market. This model was designed as the pinnacle of the STI model’s road-going capabilities, featuring a reconfigured engine and an upgraded suspension system. Handling was another aspect that this model excelled in given that it featured a specially tuned steering rack and was characterized by multiple exterior and interior design elements.

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8 2007 RB320

320 units

The RB320 was introduced to celebrate the legacy of the famed rally driver Richard Burns and debuted two years after his untimely passing. Several aspects of the RB320 model distinguished it from the standard Impreza WRX. Some of these aspects included PRODRIVE’s performance package, a lower ride height, Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers, and a unique chassis configuration. When it debuted, a new RB320 model would cost roughly $39,000, although each model of the 320 that was planned for production was already accounted for shortly after the unveiling of the model.

7 2016 S206

300 units

This special edition model was based on the four-door WRX STi sedan and was exclusive to the Japanese domestic market. It was one of the fastest and most capable models to ever debut using the WRX STi nameplate. Compared to the standard STI model, this S206 model featured a higher output, a new turbocharger, a revised ECU, and a new exhaust system to report the efforts of the 2.0-liter EJ20 boxer engine. There were also a handful of design elements on the exterior and interior that further distinguished the S206, with one of the most notable elements being the silver S206 badge that can be found on the center console.

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6 2002 STI Spec C Type RA-R

300 units

The “RA” moniker is short for record attempt and has been featured on the backside of multiple Subaru models over the years. This particular model features another R at the end of its already long name. Visually, it was distinguished by the lack of a rear wing, an upgraded turbocharger, improved suspension, upgraded brakes, revised air ducts, a remapped ECU, and a revised power band. One of the color options offered for this derivative of the 2006 WRX STi model was Astral yellow, of which only 50 examples were produced.

5 2006 Spec D

300 units

The Spec D title meant discreet, and as such, ditched the blue colorway in favor of a less standoffish silver. Aside from a difference in paint jobs, the Spec D was also devoid of the large rear wing and familiar roof vane. In terms of performance, it had a higher output than the standard STI but was characterized as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, bearing a familiar performance standard as the other STI models that it shares a stable with but an appearance that would allow it to blend in better with everyday traffic.

4 WRX STI S209

209 units

The S-Line Subaru models were rare gems that had been exclusive to the Japanese domestic market for some time, but the S209 was the first of its kind that would be sold in the US and the cherry on top was that it was exclusively built for the US market. A $63,995 asking price was attached to this special edition model and with that came a laundry list of components to soften the blow of that hefty price tag. Some of these elements included a tuned suspension system, greater chassis rigidity, a noticeable increase in power, a bunch of carbon-fiber parts, and a lighter frame. The 19-inch forged BBS wheels were not only one of the key exterior design elements but hid six-piston Brembo brakes and high-friction pads.

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3 STI S207 Type RA NBR Challenge Edition

100 units

This was a commercially available version, if only 100 examples can be considered “commercially available”, of the race car developed by Subaru that lapped the Nürburgring in less than seven minutes a few years ago. Being related to an actual race car, this model featured several upgrades that improved handling and chassis dynamics instead of following the “more power is always the answer” formula. Some of these improvements included upgraded suspension that included dampers, upgraded springs, and a new front brace. Other revisions came in the form of larger brakes, revised steering rack ratio, Recaro seats, a carbon fiber spoiler, 18-inch BBS wheels, and a bespoke badge.

2 2000 STI S201

87 units

The S201 was the first of the S-Line models and one of the rarest of its kind. 300 examples were planned for production, but only 87 examples were ever built, making it one of the rarest models to ever wear the STI badge. One of the most distinguishable features of the S201 was its design, which was a blend of the GC8 design language but featured an exaggerated front bumper, a large hood scoop, different side skirts, a two-tier rear wing, and a massive rear bumper. It also featured a different exhaust system, a revised ECU mapping, upgraded suspension, and a higher power output. It was the most powerful road-legal Impreza model at the time and is still one of the most memorable models in the entirety of the WRX moniker’s history.

1 STI Sauber Edition

50 units

This is the most niche offering equipped with the STi badge. These models were offered to the Sauber F1 team, specifically Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa. These models were visually distinguished by their leather seats with the Sauber name embossed on them, 17-inch alloy wheels, multiple Sauber decals, and a bump in power compared to the standard model. These Sauber models were only sold in Switzerland, so the US never received any.