Two things we've come to learn about Subaru->ke86 in the past month: it has a special place in its heart for Australia and its doing all it can to give the soon-to-depart current-generation WRX the swan song it deserves.
The Japanese automaker's Australian arm is introducing a limited-edition WRX model in Australia, called the WRX RS40. If you're wondering what the "RS40" means, that's an allusion to Subaru's 40th anniversary in Australia and considering that the legendary sports sedan is nearing its last legs, it was only appropriate for the folks Down Under to give it a proper send-off on the same year Subaru is celebrating the big "4-0" in the country.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that the WRX RS40 dons the iconic WR Blue Mica finish that has become a trademark for the model for so many years. Subaru also added a slew of new aero components, including STI front and rear spoilers, a strut-tower brace, special "RS40" badges, and of course, a set of 17-inch gold-finished alloy wheels.
There aren't a whole lot of interior modificatons, but where it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Recaro sport seats with blue Alcantara inserts are the unquestioned highlight of the cabin upgrades and are complemented by a new short-throw shifter, and an individually numbered plaque.
No performance upgrades were given to the WRX RS40, so expect the same 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that develops a tidy 195kW (261 horsepower) at 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm (253 pound-feet) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Suby will offer only 300 units, each priced at AUD$4,500 over the base WRX price.
Unfortunately, it's exclusive to Australia->ke2092 so if you're thinking of getting one, you'll probably have to jump through multiple hoops to get one.
Click past the jump to read about the base WRX STI
2013 Subaru WRX RS40
- Make: Array
- Model: 2013 Subaru WRX RS40
- Engine/Motor: flat-4
- Horsepower: 143
- Torque: 253
- Transmission: Five-speed manual
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Beginning with the next-generation models, the WRX and STI lines will officially go their separate ways. But even if the split makes us all bummed, we can take comfort knowing that for one last time, both Subaru arms gave us a treat of an Impreza.
It's one of those rare cars that pack a healthy combination of looks, power, and performance. We're going to miss the current generation Impreza WRX STI, but if there was a way to give it the proper adieu, Subaru Australia certainly took care of it.