The only car in the world that can only be bought in a lottery

The auto sector often launches limited editions of car models. It’s a simple way to make a product seem exclusive, leading to situations where demand can exceed the scant supply. Automakers deal with this issue in different ways: some choose to open orders and grant them on a first-come, first-served basis, but Subaru has decided that a lottery is the fairest way to go.

That means that anyone who wants to get their hands on the Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport, a special version of the sports car, will have to register in the draw that will be open until January 28. Only 500 units will be built, and they will only be available in the Japanese market.

Although the sales format seems appropriate for very exclusive models, in this case, the Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport is not all that different from the standard model. The only real difference is that only 500 of them will be made.

The new-look Subaru features a black front grille, 19-inch BBS forged wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires and a Super Black finish and for elements such as mirrors, exterior logos and the rear spoiler.

The interior has also been updated. The steering wheel is covered in leather trimmed with silver stitching, a design that is also used in the floor mats and sports seats by Recaro. Suede also features prominently, and is present in the instrument panel, armrests and center console.

Mechanically, the Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport is the same. It retains the familiar 2.4 four-cylinder engine that has 271 hp of power and 375 Nm of maximum torque, as well as an automatic gearbox with continuously variable transmission.

This limited edition is exclusive to the Japanese market, where it is priced at 6,237,000 yen, or about $49,000 at the current exchange rate.

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