Subaru Japan has revealed its more-power WRX S4 which, sadly, will be for Japan only, but it does carry some features likely to make it to a refreshed WRX.

JUST ONE MONTH after its teased the WRX S4, Subaru Japan has released images and details of the more powerful Rex. And it’s more than just a cosmetic enhancements only model.

Subaru says S4 stands for “‘Sports performance’, ‘Safety performance’, ‘Smart driving’ and ‘Sophisticated feel'”. What’ll have fans of the WRX drooling is the fact the S4 variant features a more-powerful version of the car’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which now produces 221kW and 400Nm, which is up from 197kW and 350Nm in the standard WRX.

This is mated to Subaru’s Sport Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission which offers a simulated eight-speed shifting mode when in Sport# and while enthusiasts might get a bit weepy at the sound of that, they shouldn’t, because this gearbox is excellent. The WRX S4 also gets Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive with Vehicle Dynamics Control and Active Torque Vectoring as standard. Other notable inclusions are firmer steering mounts, and an electronic parking brake (the first time on a WRX and one of the features likely to be added as standard in the refresh). The chassis and body have also copped a look, with additional high-tensile steel and strengthened joints.

There are a few cosmetic changes, including the grille and lower air dam which are now filled in with silver mesh, and there are new-design 18-inch alloys. The WRX S4 boasts the company’s latest Eyesight system boasts color recognition and a wider viewing angle than before. Subaru says safety systems like Pre-Collision Braking Control, Active Lane Keep steering assistance system and Adaptive Cruise Control are also available.