Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C – Click above for high-res image gallery
For starters, the whiz kids over at Subaru Tecnica International have reprogrammed the ECU and fitted smoother ball bearings for the turbocharger to boost output to 304 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. They've also retuned the suspension, reinforced the chassis, recalibrated the power steering's lubrication, fitted new rims on Bridgestone Potena RE070 rubber and reduced the curb weight with lighter body panels, windows, battery and tire kit. You can check out the images in the gallery below and all the details in the press release after the jump, but sadly that's about as close as you're likely to get without boarding a flight to Tokyo.
Gallery: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
[Source: Subaru]
PRESS RELEASE
FHI to introduce the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C
Tokyo, July 23, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today launches the "Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C", a new addition to the current WRX STI line-up. The model goes on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the iconic sport model of Subaru, the WRX STI spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The model further strengthens its presence in the high performance car arena by offering sheer excitement and unique driving sensations as a distinctive road sport model, in line with the performance level originally delivered by the Impreza WRX STI.
The turbocharger newly adopted ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) program was also exclusively tuned. Thus the engine of the spec C model provides quicker response and improved accelerating performance. Thanks to its specially designed front & rear suspensions and improved body rigidity, the chassis offers stable and linear driving control even in marginal driving conditions. The adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further polishes the model's driving performance.
Subaru enhanced the WRX STI line-up by introducing this STI spec C model, in addition to the STI A-Line model, the AT version introduced in February this year.
Outline of Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
Enhancement of Engine performance:
•• Ball bearings of the turbine axle were newly adopted to reduce friction in the turbocharger. With the optimized ECU programming, the engine offers smoother and quicker response to the accelerator pedal and excellent accelerating performance.
•• An inter-cooler water spray prevents rise in intake-air temperature at continued high-load driving, providing stable engine performance and improved efficiency.
•••• ••••:
Enhancement of Chassis performance:
•• Reinforcement of the cross member in front-suspensions offers a linear steering response.
•• Specification changes in damping force of suspensions, coil spring rate, rear stabilizer and rear sub-frame bushes optimize rigidity for body roll and retain excellent road-holding capability.
•• Rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential) system was changed to a mechanical type from a Torsen type to obtain the steady and powerful traction during cornering.
•• Bridgestone "POTENZA RE070" (245/40R18) were adopted to enhance cornering ability and higher grip performance, especially in dry conditions.
•• Nimble handling with a firm steering feel is assured by increasing oil flow volume in the power steering system.
Lightened body:
•• An aluminum engine hood and a downsized battery, which make the front section of the vehicle lighter, produce better maneuverability.
•• Laminar glasses were adopted in the front and side windows. They lightened the upper section of the body weight, resulting in improved stability during cornering.
•• Newly-designed lightweight 18-inches alloy wheels are standard to offer excellent road-hugging property by reducing unsprung weight. (17-inches alloy wheels are optional)
•• A flat tire repair kit is standard, which also helps weight reduction.
Others:
•• A structural change of fuel pomp provides stable fuel delivery even on high-load driving.
•• Gold colored "brembo" brake calipers are standard.
•• The front bucket seats (fabric with red stitch) are standard on models with 18-inches alloy wheels.
•• The "RECARO" seats (Alcantara and leather combination with red stitch) are optional on models with 18-inches alloy wheels.
•• Two exclusive exterior colors are available; Sunrise Yellow and Pure White.
•• The production is limited to 900 units.
Major specifications:
-Engine type: Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
-Displacement: 1,994 cc
-Maximum output: 227kW (308 PS)/6,400 rpm
-Maximum torque: 422 Nm (43.0 kgf·m)/4,400 rpm
-Turbo type: Ball-bearing type twin scroll turbocharger
About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI's Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brendon 3:48PM (7/23/2009)
drool
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usingthelou 3:53PM (7/23/2009)
It just keeps getting better!
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Chet 8:28PM (7/23/2009)
Haven't WRX STIs been around 300hp from the beginning?
And they talk of weight reduction measures, but I don't see a mention of curb weight.
lern2read fgt 3:04PM (7/24/2009)
"and reduced the curb weight with lighter body panels, windows, battery and tire kit."
It specifically says curb weight.
LimeDaiquiri 3:54PM (7/23/2009)
Want in yellow. Now.
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Aki 3:54PM (7/23/2009)
Dem Recaros are real pretty.
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JayC 3:55PM (7/23/2009)
Not for USA, WTF?
I guess we are used to just reading about these things by now...
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RG 7:41PM (7/23/2009)
I am relieved to see that Subaru is retaining the tradition of keeping the hottest versions of their cars out of the States...
NOT!!
Scooter 3:57PM (7/23/2009)
As much as I dislike the current generation of the WRX STi, I would happily trade my Evo X for a Spec C..... I was a HUGE fan of the original Spec C they made a few years ago, back when I had my 2002 WRX... really impressive piece of kit that I was jealous that they didn't sell here (nor did they sell the STi, though).
I'm glad to see it comin' back, and bringing the yellow along with it!
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snig 4:25PM (7/23/2009)
Needs more roof vent.
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J 4:25PM (7/23/2009)
SOA read this and bring it over.
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Tourian 4:29PM (7/23/2009)
Cool. So is it as fast around a racetrack as a regular Evo X now?
Ha ha. I'll take a Evo FQ400 please.
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Rev 7:15PM (7/23/2009)
Haha, last time I checked a regular Evo lost to a regular STI on Top Gear.
Just like the time before.
Haha.
Jason 6:38AM (7/24/2009)
It was by 0.02 seconds. Hardly a crushing loss... especially since the STI has it by 0.5L
For $3000 you could pick up a Perrin Stage III kit for the regular US spec Evo and easily take any STI on the road - new one or old one - with just Perrin's bolt-ons and ECU reflash. Evos are still the kings of making the most power for the least amount of money.
Plus the X looks way better than these weird STIs.
Jason 6:40AM (7/24/2009)
Post should say "any STI on the road with similar mods." I know there are some crazily modded STIs out there, but the stock turbo they put on the STIs sucks compared to the Evo X's... and have fun with boost creep like crazy on the STIs throwing it in to safe mode if you boost too high without converting to an external wastegate. That will lead to nice CELs, safe mode, etc.
We've tuned them both. The X is way more tunable than the STI unless you throw an aftermarket turbo on the STI, convert to external wastegate, throw in bigger injectors, etc.
Tourian 9:14AM (7/24/2009)
Oh okay, great. The Sti won one test in one comparo against the Evo, pardon me. Its still ugly, has less overall potential, and I would still rather have an Evo.
BoxerFanatic 4:37PM (7/23/2009)
Next step...
PUT IT IN A GOOD LOOKING BODY!!!!!!!
My 17 year old SVX looks better than that car. My 5-year old Legacy turbo looks WAY better than that car, but neither offered the hardware underhood and under the chassis, from the factory.
With some elbow grease, and some $$$ for the driveline, I could put a similar entire drivetrain in my SVX, sans Bilsteins and Brembos, unfortunately. All of it would fit under my Legacy.
But again... not offered in the US. S402 wasn't, Blitzen wasn't, S204 wasn't, spec C isn't...
Subaru... We can do it... but sometimes just we just decide not to. Just because.
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neutralgear 4:45PM (7/23/2009)
Look Recaros! Too bad we'll never get them because SOA is afraid that Americans are too fat to fit in them (true story.)
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lern2read fgt 3:04PM (7/24/2009)
Plenty of American cars have Recaros in them.
parkergc8 7:08PM (7/30/2009)
Torian,
Remember the stock STI beat the base EVO on the top gear track.
Subaru doesn't care about anything outside of Japan, unless it means more proffit. so much weight, so little real drive train development
Sadly, why I think my Old GM6 (GC8 four door) will be my last FHI car for a while.
Unless they can pull off the diesel here quickly and in a nice package. (impreza).
The R1 E would be nice too,
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