Subaru WRX STI S209 Suspension Details: EVERYTHING You Want to Know

We get the full story on the new 2019 STI S209’s suspension

Interested in the new U.S.-bound 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209? Get everything you want to know about that 341-hp sport sedan's suspension right here.

To eliminate the slack that exists in any mechanism like a suspension consisting of multiple components connected by moving joints, STI "pre-loads" many of these points. They do this using tension-spring-loaded braces and drawbars. These springs allow movement during harsh impacts to preserve comfort. Below is an accounting of where those parts go, along with some additional nitty gritty details on the rest of the extensive STI tuning—much of which is credited with shaving a minute off the Impreza's Nürburgring time over several years with no change in engine power.

The following revisions contribute about 20 of the roughly 90 pounds the S209 gains over the Type RA, with which the S209 shares a carbon-fiber roof that weighs 8 pounds less than the WRX STI's steel panel and improves the S209's torsional rigidity.

• The front strut tower brace includes a spherical/spring loaded joint in the center.
• Additional drawbars create diagonal tension between the front suspension crossmember and the body structure (they've been used on the Nürburgring race car and S-models for several years).
• New for the S209 is a similar bar that tensions the rear suspension and anti-roll-bar mounting areas.
• The front suspension mounting points are further reinforced with three short, rigid support arms that carry over from the S208.
• The rear suspension gets a new rigid cross-car brace to reinforce the rear subframe.
• Many of the suspension links—particularly those related to lateral cornering forces—utilize spherical joints instead of rubber bushings to further reduce both "slop" and friction. This friction reduction is credited for improving tire contact with the ground by 20 percent.
• The rear anti-roll bar diameter grows by a millimeter to 20 mm