Subaru also released another special edition version of its sport hatchback for Japan, the WRX STI A-Line Type S. But unlike the R205, the Type S isn't about performance or handling improvements, it's about cosmetic upgrades.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI A-Line which was launched in early 2009 and combines Subaru's 300-horsepower 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts, the Type S adds Recaro seats treated in Alcantara and leather.
In addition, the seats, the leather steering wheel and the door panels are accented by contrasting red stitching while the package is rounded off with new lightweight alloy wheels in a gunmetal gray finish and gold-colored brake calipers.
Available for order now in Japan, the Type S is priced from 3,255,000 YEN which comes to around US$34,800 or €24,400 at today's exchange rates.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S
Friday, January 8, 2010
New Subaru Impreza R205
Subaru has revealed a successor to its Impreza S203 and S204 special performance models with the new S205 that benefits from chassis, engine and styling upgrades. The bad: at least for now, it's only available in Japan.
Billed as the top performance model of the WRX STI lineup, Subaru says that the R205 -where "R" stands for "Road Sport"- makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the "WRX STI spec C" model.
In the handling department, the R205 adopts STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone's specially designed RE070 tires size 245/40 R18.
Stopping power is provided by a Brembo brake system with 6-pot calipers up front and 4-pot calipers at the back.
Subaru also tweaked the Impreza WRX STI's engine by adopting an exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU, and a new sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. The result is an increased output of 325-horsepower and 431Nm or 317.9 lb-ft of peak torque.
As for the R205's looks, aside from the different alloy wheels, Subaru added newly designed front under spoiler, rear apron and black roof wing, as well as specially colored front grille and side STI garnish.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 315HP Tuned by STP
Subaru of America's in house performance division, STP (which stands for Subaru Performance Tuning), will reveal a custom-built Impreza WRX STI at the Las Vegas SEMA Show next week. The WRX STI gets all sorts of goodies from the SPT catalog such as a sportier exhaust system that boosts the 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine's output from 305 HP to 315 HP at 6,000 rpm with peak torque remaining stock at 290 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm and a turbo heat shield.
To improve handling, SPT equipped the Impreza WS STI with a set of 19-inch Prodrive GT2 alloy wheels finished in Glitter Gold and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 245/35R19 performance tires while the car's suspension is upgraded with STI performance springs, an SPT strut tower brace and an SPT lower chassis brace.
Cosmetically, the tuned model is said to feature SPT billet oil cap and billet battery hold down, an STI front lip spoiler and SPT exhaust finishers.
Interior appointments include an SPT boost gauge, a media hub digital music integration system and an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and HomeLink transmitter plus an STI shift knob and all-weather floor mats.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Subaru Premieres Special Impreza WRX STI Carbon
The Impreza WRX STI Carbon is the latest special edition model from Subaru and it is aimed at driving enthusiasts - just as long as they don't have a problem with the fact that it will be available exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission. As the name suggests, the Impreza WRX STI Carbon features a substantial amount of carbon fiber, most of which is found on the car's rooftop as Subaru used the composite material to replace the steel panel to achieve both a significant weight reduction and a lower center of gravity - or so the company claims.
Another special feature of the Impreza WRX STI Carbon is the full-suede interior including a suede-wrapped dashboard and JDM Recaro bucket sport seats. The limited edition hot-hatch is available only in Japan.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Toyobaru sport car confirmed
Toyota's President, Akio Toyoda, has officially confirmed the company will team up with Subaru to develop a new sports car. While few details were released, Toyoda said "I want to see Toyota build cars that are fun and exciting to drive." He added that the new sports car would help Toyota accomplish this goal and that he is "...very excited about it..." and plans to fast-track it.
The car is expected to feature sporty styling (as these rendering suggest) and a powerful but fuel efficient engine. There are 2 type of 2.0-liter Subaru boxer engines equipped to the car which produce either 160hp or 200hp.
