Restored Subaru S209 Takes to the Track – Tribute Laps Six Years After Tragic Death

Bottom line: Friends of a man who died after a drunk driver struck his flat‑tire stop‑work have rebuilt his totaled Subaru S209 and are now running tribute laps at a local circuit.

Image: Restored Subaru S209 Takes to the Track – Tribute Laps Six Years After Tragic Death – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks

The S209 was originally a limited‑edition Subaru tuned by STI, with a wide body, aggressive front splitter and a matte‑black finish. After the crash, the chassis was salvaged and the team replaced the crumpled panels with OEM‑spec panels, then added a fresh paint job that matches the original factory look. Small touches—like the original STI badge and a custom memorial decal on the rear quarter panel—keep the car’s personality alive while honoring the owner’s love for the car.

Performance & Mileage

Under the hood sits the 2.5‑liter turbocharged EJ257 engine, delivering roughly 280 hp and 280 lb‑ft of torque. The team rebuilt the engine to factory specs, so it runs like new. On the track the restored S209 posted lap times within a second of a stock model, showing that the restoration was more than cosmetic. The odometer reads about 12,000 miles, mostly from the original driver and a few miles added during testing.

Price & Rivals

Restoring a totaled S209 isn’t cheap. Parts, labor and the special‑order body panels pushed the bill to roughly $45,000, which is still below the $60,000 price tag you’d see for a brand‑new, fully optioned S209 when it was still in production. Compared to other performance wagons like the Audi RS4 or the BMW M3 Touring, the S209 offers a unique blend of rally‑derived handling and practical cargo space, making it a niche but appealing choice for enthusiasts.

Engine	Mileage	Price	Top Features
2.5L Turbo EJ257	≈12,000 mi	~$45,000 (restoration)	STI‑tuned suspension Wide‑body kit Leather sport seats 19‑inch alloy wheels

FAQ

What is the mileage of the restored Subaru S209?

The odometer reads about 12,000 miles, most of which were logged before the crash; the recent test laps added only a few dozen miles.

Is the Subaru S209 worth buying new?

Since the model is no longer in production, a brand‑new S209 isn’t an option. For enthusiasts, a restored example can be a worthwhile investment if you value its rally heritage and limited‑edition status.