Subaru is celebrating its 50th anniversary of selling vehicles in America by offering a special 50th Anniversary Edition on all its models, including the 2018 WRX. There are no mechanical updates, so don’t expect any horsepower or handling improvements. This special edition is for appearances only. However, Subaru is only building 600 WRX 50th Anniversary Editions, so rarity is a big attraction factor.

The 50th Anniversary Edition is based on the WRX’s highest trim, the Limited, as to include all the desirable features. Items include the StarLink infotainment system, keyless access and push-button starting, LED steering responsive headlights, 10-way power driver’s seat, and the EyeSight safety system.

As for what sets the 50th Anniversary Edition apart, the details are all listed below.

Continue reading for more information.

2018 Subaru WRX 50th Anniversary Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Subaru WRX 50th Anniversary Edition
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What Makes the 2018 Subaru WRX 50th Anniversary Edition Special

The most noticeable change is the bright blue paint Subaru calls Heritage Blue. Unlike most other 50th Anniversary Edition models, the WRX doesn’t receive the Satin Chrome side mirrors. Rather, the 18-inch double-spoke wheels are Satin Chrome while the mirror caps are Heritage Blue. The overall look is pretty striking. Subaru does include the special 50th Anniversary Edition badge on the WRX’s door, just like the other 50th models.

On the inside, the WRX still gets its Recaro racing seats with leather bolsters and suede inserts, but the 50th Anniversary logo is embroidered into the seatback, while the contrast stitching and seatbelts are silver. The seatbelts look especially good since the WRX’s interior is mostly black, including the headliner.

As for Subaru’s EyeSight system, the active safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management. Blind-spot monitoring is also available, as is Subaru’s StarLink emergency services connectivity.

Under the hood, the WRX remains unchanged. That’s fine though, as the car features a turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer flat-four engine making 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard and is the proper enthusiasts’ choice. For those who don’t like to row their own, Subaru does offer a Continuously Variable Transmission. Naturally, the Symmetrical AWD system is standard and includes active torque vectoring and an optional variable torque distribution system.

Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city and 27mpg highway with the manual gearbox and 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the CVT. (Talk about a big incentive to not pay extra for a CVT!)

As mentioned, Subaru is only making 600 of the 2018 WRX 50th Anniversary Editions, so they won’t last long. Pricing starts at $36,355, including the destination fee. Subaru dealerships already have 50th Anniversary Editions in showrooms.

Model

Trim

Production

MSRP*

MSRP* + DD

WRX

Limited

600

$35,495

$36,355


References

Subaru WRX

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru WRX.

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru WRX STI.

Read more Chicago Auto Show news.

Read more Subaru news.