Subaru of America’s lineup is a little bit faster and more extreme with the addition of the STI S209 last year. Subaru Tecnica International, Subaru Corp.’s motorsports arm, rolled out the S209 after nearly two decades of S-line models that were sold only in Japan.

The S209 — exclusive to the U.S. — has a 341-hp engine, a wide-body exterior treatment, front, rear and side spoilers, a carbon-fiber roof panel and 19-inch wheels and Brembo brakes. With a starting price of $65,880, the S209 is by far the highest priced model in Subaru’s non-performance, crossover-heavy lineup. Subaru built only 209 S209s.

Here’s a look at select reviews from the automotive media.

“Keeping the S209 in third gear puts it in the perfect place for quick corner exits, with the engine’s maximum torque coming on at 3,600 rpm. Yes, I feel every bump in the road with this super-stiff chassis and the bump steer is a little disconcerting, but the trade-off is amazing. The S209 does my bidding at every turn, diving into turns like a demon, exiting smoothly and hurtling toward the next one.

“Switching the SI-Drive system from Sport to Sport Sharp allows for increased throttle response and quicker acceleration. Subaru says the S209 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is more than doable, and totally hilarious.”

— Emme Hall, Roadshow by CNET

“Imagine our surprise when the S209 proved not only well-mannered in LA’s urban sprawl, but arguably more comfortable than a typical STI. The light, communicative clutch and Recaro sport seats made the car’s sporting intentions clear, but did so with minimal impact on daily driveability. We wouldn’t mind a bit more thigh bolstering to keep front occupants firmly planted in the seats when the going gets fun, though.”

— Bradley Iger, Digital Trends

“If it’s possible for a car to be profoundly exciting and docile at the same time, Subaru hit on the formula here. The S209 is entirely tolerable around town and on the highway, but on the track, it will make you feel far more competent than you probably are.”

— Steven Cole Smith, Automobile

“Off the track, the S209 drives much more serenely than a hopped-up Subaru has a right to be. All of that chassis bracing ensures a tolerable ride, though some otherwise smooth-appearing surfaces bring out some low-frequency vibrations. The exhaust grumbles nicely but never too loudly. Is this the politest STI ever? The Recaro seats are too wide and light on bolstering for track work, which raises its own set of low-hanging jokes about the American market.”

— Blake Z. Rong, Autoweek

“From the first corner, it’s evident that the combination of the new tires and draw stiffeners do wonders for handling. Turn-in is noticeably sharper and more precise, and the steering feedback from the hydraulic rack is exceptional. While there’s still a hint of understeer, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tires and their unique rubber compound ferociously hang on, even at the limit of adhesion, before predictably breaking away. Braking is equally confidence inspiring.”

— Derek Powell, Motor1

“In the rural-road drive home from the track, the ride quality is firm and a bit busy (I’d counsel the STI team to develop magnetorheological shocks for the S210), but it’s never harsh. And that louder exhaust makes itself nicely known during hard acceleration, though it largely fades into the background while cruising along. I don’t probe the claimed top speed of 162 mph, but a few blasts through the gears confirm that Subaru’s acceleration estimates of 4.9 seconds to 60 mph and 13.3 seconds in the quarter are conservative by at least 3-4-tenths.”

— Frank Markus, Motor Trend