Our mouths started to water when we got word of a new special edition Subaru WRX STI. Then we started to tear up when we heard it would be designated Japan-only. Then we found out the only thing that really makes the Impreza WRX STI A-Line special is that it has a five speed automatic transmission. So we wet ourselves from laughing so hard at anyone who would think this is a good idea.
The A-Line uses the same 2.5-liter turbo from the standard WRX to make 300 hp (down 5 hp from the U.S. spec WRX). Aside from the slushbox, there is little to differentiate the A-Line from the rest of the WRX STIs except for a new paint color called "Satin White Pearl". Maybe this is so we can identify the manual tranny virgins.
Ken Block is an interesting individual. He has already established himself with Subaru as a rally racer. Now he is reinventing himself, and his car, to promote this unique motor sport. Gymkhana is a type of auto cross where participants must drive around cones in a specific pattern as opposed to driving through sets of gates. This time Ken has replaced the cones with some rather large man made obstacles.
Since we showed the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X N-Spec by Ings earlier today, it was only fair that we also show the kit the tuner puts together for the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The N-Spec cars are used in Japan for showroom class endurance racing called the Super Taikyu racing series.
The WRX STI’s kit includes a front bumper, sideskirts and rear bumper. Unlike the kit for the Evo X, these materials are made out of fiberglass, but we imagine they still are more about function than form. The price tag of the kit ranges between $2,080 and $2,410, depending on the quality of fiberglass chosen.
Which is more important?
a. leather seats
b. 95 more horsepower
Which do you prefer on an open road?
a. automatic transmission
b. manual transmission
What is a Sunday drive?
a. antiquing
b. ditching the family to go to the mountain road that the cops don’t know about
For the few who actually answered “a”, we’re sorry for interrupting your search for Cat Fancy Online - please keep surfing because the following does not apply to you.
For the rest of us who actually like to use cars not just as an appliance but also as a source of entertainment, here’s some obvious news: Subaru likes to make cars for real drivers.
The Subaru Impreza WRX is a favorite of many enthusiasts because the formula works well. Take a standard Impreza sedan that already has an impressive all-wheel drive system, and then add 95 more horsepower, racing seats, performance suspension and bigger tires. The result is an everyday rally car at a bargain price.
Subaru decided to see what happens when they create a modified WRX when they let their fingers do the walking. The Impreza WRX SPT was created using parts from the Subaru Genuine Accessory and SPT catalogs. It features standard factory Aero Body Kit, a front lip spoiler by STI and Subaru genuine Accessory fog light protectors, 19x8-in. wheels by OZ Racing.
Under the hood there is 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine that thanks to a SPT cat-back exhaust now delivers 275 hp (that’s 10 more than the standard WRX, but 30 less than the WRX STI).
More specs and mods in the press release after the jump.
If the Italians are using a Gallardo LP560-4 to catch the bad guys, Americans are using a Subaru Impreza STI. The STi is on a one-year loan from Subaru of America to the Itasca Police Department, which uses the high-performance hatchback for street-racing prevention as well as law enforcement and vehicle-safety demonstrations.
The turbocharged, 305-hp Impreza is a fully operational squad car, and officers have issued citations and warnings from the hot hatch. Other police departments should watch out as well, as Itasca’s STi has taken top awards in police-only car shows. These awards include a first-place time in the slalom course, which isn’t surprising considering it probably isn’t too hard to dust off Ford Crown Victorias and Dodge Chargers in an STi.
The STi wears its roof-mounted LED light bar and LED-equipped hood scoop rather seamlessly, but as far as we know there are no plans for an actual Police Interceptor STi. The badge on the STi’s hatch was borrowed from a police interceptor Crown Victoria.
Subaru revealed today the Impreza STI 20th Anniversary edition for the Japanese market (the U.S. got the first batch of WRXs in 2000.) Based on the WRX STI, the white-only anniversary edition comes with an upgraded suspension and 18-inch cast aluminum wheels. Inside, Subaru is offering Recaro seats and a leather gear knob.
Like any good commemorative car, the anniversary edition also comes with plenty of badging to tell others just how unique you really are. Then again, with a price of 4,126,500 yen (about $42,200) and production limited to 300 units, you may actually be special.
Subaru is preparing the WRX STi Spec C. Until its official launch, Subaru unveiled the Takumi Concept that gives the first glimpse of the future sports car.
The Takumi Concept features only exterior changes: a black front lip and a black rear spoiler to contrast with the white body, 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside it features a new shift knob and unique Recaro bucket seats.
Subaru will unveil at the Paris Auto Show the Forester and Impreza models equipped with Subaru Boxer Diesel. Both models will go on sale in Europe after this autumn.
The Forester is a crossover SUV that not only offers safe and stable driving performance that is enhanced by Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD (all-wheel-drive) system, but it also excels in environmental friendliness. The Forester 2.0D model boasts the lowest CO2 emission level (167 g/km) in the compact SUV category.
The Impreza incorporates three core Subaru values: sophisticated styling; useful and convenient packaging; and a quality ride. Now with the addition of the Subaru Boxer Diesel, the six-speed manual transmission, and a finely tuned suspension, the 5-door hatchback Impreza 2.0D model offers agile and sporty drivability, comfort and advanced safety, along with environmental features.
The 2009 Impreza starts at of $17,495 for the 2.5i 4-door models and goes up to $17,995 for the 2.5i 5 door models. The WRX 4 door has a starting price of $24,995, while the 5-door version has a starting price of $25,495.
The new 2.5GT 4 door has a starting price of $26,995.
Pricing for the popular Outback Sport models remains unchanged starting at $19,995 as does pricing for the Impreza WRX STI model starting at $34,995.
The 2009 Tribeca Edition 5-passenger is well-equipped with leather seating surfaces, rear air conditioning, heated front seats, 2-position Memory Driver’s seat, and an upgraded 160-watt audio system with a 6-disc in-dash CD Changer, 8 speakers and rear subwoofer and retails for $31,295 due to a $1,400 discount.
The Tribeca Special Edition 7-passenger includes the same extra equipment with the exception of the rear cabin AC. With a discount of $1,600, the retail price is only $31,595.
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a. leather seats
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