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We love it when the Japanese auto manufacturers take the box of Alpha-Bits, empty it onto the floor, and then make a car name out of the resulting clutter. Subaru is the current world champion in this regard, having produced the tongue-twistingly wonderfully named WRX STi Spec-C Type RA-R last year. This week, the automaker got busy again, releasing an update to its home-market kei car: the Stella Custom RS S-Edition.
No, it's not compatible with Google Reader. It's really just a new dress-up trim level for the Stella Custom RS. The tall microwagon gets a shot of color inside and some STI-sourced appearance upgrades. It ends there, since upping the performance would take it out of kei car specification. The RS S-Edition is limited to 500 units and includes the following:
- STI chin and roof spoilers
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- STI logo on shifter
- Sport pedals
- Carbon fiber interior trim
- HID low-beam headlamps
- 14" gunmetal aluminum wheels
[Source: Subaru]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
robz4 @ Jul 10th 2007 3:49PM
Wow this thing must be really fast...with all those scoops , spoilers and carbon fiber trim and specially the STi logo on the shifter.A true ricer's dream.
felipe @ Jul 10th 2007 3:54PM
wow. thats packed full of extras.
cant stand these Xb style vans, but this beats the snot out of the Xb and that Ford Flex thing.
too bad that STi name is on it, kind of dumb... and takes away from the WRX STi i think
epp_b @ Jul 10th 2007 4:00PM
What is with all this weird crap that Japan pumps out?
Evotec @ Jul 10th 2007 4:40PM
it looks nice... too bad its slow.
James Sonne @ Jul 10th 2007 4:47PM
The Stella would compete well here against the xB, Fit, Versa, Yaris, and I would think with the improved perceived safety of it being a Subaru, perhaps with AWD and the legendary Subaru frames, this would do well here in the small car market.
1337 @ Jul 10th 2007 4:52PM
Wouldn't the WRX STi engine be an "alpha bit"...?
bill @ Jul 10th 2007 6:28PM
Subaru America needs to jump all over bringing in a supply of Stellas. It will give Americans a prevue of what is coming if the environmental wackos and Liberal Democrats get their way. Maybe Suzuki has a Bob in their fleet in Japan, so married couples can have two cars in their 2 car garage - a Stella and a Bob. Hopefully Bobs won't be banging into Stellas at lighted intersections while running red lights.
RG @ Jul 10th 2007 6:37PM
Wow, the credibility of STi just took a pretty serious hit here.
Alex Nunez @ Jul 10th 2007 6:47PM
How so? It's not badged as or being sold as an STi. It's just wearing STi accessories.
RG @ Jul 10th 2007 6:55PM
Because all of those modifications are all merely cosmetic. And while STi does make cosmetic parts, there is more than that to receiving the 'STi' moniker. Although this car isnt officially called an STi, I think giving your name to something that will not receive some more substantial upgrades is a little cheap.
Joel @ Jul 11th 2007 12:45PM
Our family here in Japan has a Stella LX, and I think it looks much better.
http://www.subaru.jp/stella/sedition/lineup/index.html
Marc Neilson @ Jul 17th 2007 4:55AM
I just love these boxy, hi-techy Japanese things. I used to abhor them but after driving my own Toyota Avanza around (only found in Indonesia and Malaysia), I've come to appreciate their practicality and customizing potential. This Subaru is kind of "in your face" in a new i-pod sort of way; flashy but not overly so with a bit of whimsy thrown in. Well done Subaru!
Marc
http://www.carmaglobale.blogspot.com/