A rare S201 STI up for auction proves Subaru once built outrageous performance cars it wouldn’t dare make today
43 minutes ago
by Stephen Rivers
- An ultra-rare Subaru S201 STI for sale shows how wild the brand used to be.
- This limited-run JDM STI proves Subaru once prioritized performance over polish.
- The auction listing highlights how far today’s WRX era has drifted from its roots.
Subaru didn’t always focus so much on sensible cars over all else. Long before the brand leaned so heavily into crossovers, wagons that are really just SUVs, and outdoorsy body cladding, it made things like this. One of just 300 Impreza S201 STIs is up for auction, and it’s a reminder that Subaru used to plant its flag in a very different place than it would dare to today.
More: Subaru’s 670 HP WRX Project Midnight Is A Slap In The Face Of STI Fans
At a glance, the S201 almost looks like a joke. The front bumper sticks out like a snow plow, the rear valance looks unfinished, and the towering triple-deck rear wing feels like something pulled from a late-night tuner catalog. Drive this through most American towns today, and a lot of people would assume it’s just an old WRX with a bunch of AutoZone parts bolted on.
Except none of it is aftermarket. This is how Subaru built it.
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And that’s what makes this listing feel bigger than just another rare JDM auction. Back when the S201 existed, Subaru wasn’t trying to be premium. It wasn’t trying to be mature. It wasn’t worried about appealing to everyone.
It was building cars for rally fans, street racers, and anyone who wanted something that felt raw, mechanical, and a little bit unhinged. If you’re a Subaru fan who wants something truly focused on performance and driving fun above all else, have a look at the auction here.
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Context:
The S201 STI's 296 hp broke Japan's 276 hp gentleman's agreement, showing Subaru's former performance focus.
Context:
This rare auction highlights how modern Subaru has shifted from raw performance cars to mainstream crossovers.
Context:
Only 300 S201 STIs were made, marking the end of the legendary GC8-generation Impreza in 2000.