Subaru's Japan-Only (and CVT-Only) S210

As you might know, the S-series of cars from Subaru have traditionally been exclusive models released only to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). There was a single exception, which was 2019's US-only S209, but otherwise, S201 through S208 were JDM-only. In 2025, Subaru announced the next in the line, and again only Japan had access to it. Would we even have wanted it, though?

The S210 was offered ONLY with what Subaru calls its Subaru Performance Transmission, but most of us simply refer to it as a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This is the same automatic transmission unit offered in most of Subaru's turbo FA24 lineup, but with some software tweaks for sportier behavior in the WRX. For the S210 application, Subaru says "Driving force characteristics with a high degree of controllability have been achieved."

Transmission aside, the S210 got a ton of tech and an explosion of special parts. Some of the highlights include special 19x9" BBS (we think) wheels that had "specific shapes for the front and rear," 255/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, specially-tuned ZF electronic dampers, exclusive springs and rear sway bar bushings, and special brake pads for the 6-piston/2-piston red Brembo brake calipers. The FA24 engine made 296 hp and 277 ft-lbs of torque, benefiting from a revised ECU, higher-flow muffler and tailpipe, and a special air filter, intake duct, and turbo inlet.

The interior of the car boasted black trim with S210 badging, but the main event was a pair of carbon fiber-backed Recaro seats.

The exterior got a slathering of STI goodies, many of which were picked from the existing STI parts bin, but the extra-flared fenders and the little S210 badge bits on the front fenders were exclusive to the S210 model.

S210 was offered in yellow (limited to 50 units), blue, grey, black and white. MSRP was ¥8.6 million Japanese yen, or around $65,000 USD at the time it was released. 500 were sold.