After being teased a few weeks ago, the Impreza WRX STI tS and A-Line tS (based off the AT model) have been officially unveiled. Of course, it doesn’t really make a difference to us because the folks in the Japanese market will be the only ones strolling around in these sports cars. Nevertheless, the WRX STI tS and A-Line tS will be made available starting January 25th, 2011.
The new tS versions are based off the 4-door Subaru WRX STI (duh!) and will carry some of the same features as the standard model, including the same front and rear dampers, special coil springs tuned by STI, a flexible tower bar front, and flexible draw-stiffeners. Power for the tS will still come from the 305hp, turbocharged/intercooled 4-cyl. Boxer engine, while the A-Line tS will receive the 300hp, single-scroll turbocharged 2.5 liter engine. A bump in power, however, will still come thanks to the weight reduction brought on by the carbon fiber roof and aluminum hood.
The Subaru’s handling has also been greatly improved with the use of the new flexible rear support and rear suspension link. The WRX STI tS is also differentiated by a front under spoiler, special tS front and rear ornaments, and a special STI rear ornament. The logo is then placed on the steering wheel and the new side sill plates to customize the vehicle even further.
Only 400 units of these models will be made in either satin white pearl, obsidian black pearl, spark silver metallic, and WR blue mica with prices starting at 4,020,000 yen (or $48,000 at the current rates).
Press release after the jump.
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Subaru Japan has revealed the first teaser image of a future Impreza WRX STI tS (tuned by STI) model. Unfortunately, we don’t have much information on the model because the site is in Japanese and the English version is nonexistent (insert frustrated growl here). And the bad news doesn’t stop there as this edition will only be available in Japan. Why doesn’t that surprise us?
We were able to get some information from the image as it is blatantly obvious that a carbon fiber roof is present. All we need to know now is what other goodies will be in store for us, well Japan, when this new model comes out.
We are not really expecting to see any significant improvements under the hood due to the fact that nothing changed in that department for the Legacy tS unveiled earlier this year. It was distinguished only by a front lip and rear spoiler, 18" alloy wheels, a less restrictive muffler, and STi badges. It also got a revised Bilstein suspension, strut tower bars, and carbon fiber trimming. Our guess is that the new WRX STI tS will follow along those same lines, but that carbon fiber roof is pretty intriguing. Maybe we’ll see a few more fascinating mods when this vehicle is placed in the spotlight.
Subaru came to the Los Angeles Auto Show packed with a concept version of the next generation Impreza. The concept looks to be leaner and meaner than the current Impreza and rides along with Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
The exterior features a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. The hood, grille, and headlights were designed to project three-dimensional character. The rear gets a garnish that radiates outward from the center, sharp-edged rear lights, and new taillamp.
The interior is defined by a theme of "Dynamic, Enticing, Secure." The smooth integration of the instrument panel with the door trim and armrests suggests sporty yet comfortable driving. The roomy platinum-leather four-seat layout envelops occupants. Dark blue piping and double stitching accent the leather. A "layered" approach to color, with the upper part light platinum and the lower part a shade darker, gives the interior a feeling of spaciousness and sophistication.
The concept is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine mated to a Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Updated 11/19/2010: Subaru has just unveiled a pretty cool video of their Impreza Concept, as well as a new series of images. Check them out in our picture gallery. Enjoy!
Press release after the jump.
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Subaru has announced its posse for the 2010 SEMA Show with the guest of honor being the "Fastest STI Ever," the record breaking Nurburgring Subaru WRX STI driven by Tommi Makinen. This STI lapped the Nurburgring in 7:55:00. Altogether, Subaru will be bringing six customized versions of the Impreza WRX STI, each with its own flair for design.
Trailing behind the limelight centered on the fastest STI will be Travis Pastrana’s World Record Setting WRX STI, Get More G’s Subaru Performance Tuning WRX STI 2010, Kicker Audio WRX STI, K&N Performance WRX STI, and Subiefest Best of Show Winner – Jamarri Whiteside – 2006 WRX STI.
The vehicles won’t be the only ones in attendance as SRT USA drivers Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra will be on hand on November 2nd and November 3rd from 1pm-2pm to sign autographs. Four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Makinen will also be making an appearance.
"SEMA is the pinnacle of the aftermarket tuning world and the perfect place to show our new line of SPT parts," said Charlie Fishman, national accessory manager, Subaru of America, Inc. "With the launch of the new 2011 Impreza WRX and WRX STI, Subaru is having a record year for Subaru Genuine Parts and SPT accessory sales. The launch of the 4-door WRX STI has rekindled interest for the 2011 SEMA Show."
Press release after the jump.
Full story
We found out about this special 2008 Subaru WRX STI on Ebay only after bidding for the car closed, but since the reservation price wasn’t met, we think that anybody willing to take a flyer on it could still acquire it under the right price.
This particular WRX STI is painted yellow and while it might not be the most notable color choice, it has that color for a reason, which we’ll get into in a bit.
Among the features of this WRX STI include, a gravel-tire tread design over the hood and roof, a downpipe, an ECU tune, SPT front strut and lower chassis braces, and a set of Work Emotion XD9 18" x 9" wheels in custom satin black that comes with BF Goodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S 275/35 ZR18 tires. As for the interior, there’s a carbon fiber pattern trim, alcantara seats, yellow piping, and a slew of electronic features that would make it look like its own Best Buy store.
Oh, and about that yellow paint. It’s the signature color of the man who owns it. Yep, no less than two-time X-Games rally champion, Travis Pastrana.
The car’s only got 5,668 miles on it with Pastrana having driven it himself. He also signed it to make it more awesome. In case you’re wondering where he got this car, it was actually given to him by Subaru as a gift for his rally exploits in the past three years while driving a Subaru.
