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Some of my Subaru friends tested this a few years back (serious turbo guys with dynos). My understanding from them is standard Subaru ECUs will not advance timing to take advantage of higher octane fuel. They will only retard timing if detonation is detected. No appreciable HP or MPG gains. These guys build stupid fast machines... but they sound like broken flat fours...
Of course, you could always install software to take advantage of the timing. You would then need to run high octane at all times.
I don't think ethanol is an issue with newer cars (you just bought a new one, right?).
My DD is an E46 wagon that specs use of 92 octane. I've run it a couple times on 87 (like when 92 wasn't available). There is a noticeable difference in power and also less MPG.
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Saved by the buoyancy of citrus.
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