Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside

Following in a line of successfully hotter Impreza variants, Subaru has announced the all-new "R205" version of its latest hatch, and in keeping with tradition, it won't be coming to the States.

As it's done in the past with other "Road Sport" Imprezas, Subaru has raided the Spec C parts bin and fitted all the good kit to the Impreza STI R205, including six-pot (front) and four-pot (rear) upgraded brakes with slotted rotors and cast 18-inch aluminum wheels shod in specially designed Potenza RE070 (245/40R18) tires. Inverted strut and coil springs soak up the bumps in front, with similarly STI-tuned dampers and coils out back, while a front strut tower bar and lower arm stiffening brace help keep the front wheels planted and the steering speaking to the driver.

Naturally, engine mods are part of the package, and with a retuned ECU, new exhaust and turbo, the R205 cranks out 316 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque.

A few plaques, a bespoke black front grille, new front and rear diffusers and a black spoiler set the R205 apart from run of the mill JDM Imprezas, and if you're fortunate enough to live in the Land of the Rising Sun, it can all be had for 4,510,000 yen (just under $49k). But act quick, Subaru only plans to produce 400 examples when the S205 goes on sale today. Hit the jump for the press release.

PRESS RELEASE

STI to introduce the Subaru Impreza "R205"

Tokyo, January 7, 2010 – Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)* is pleased to announce the launch of the Subaru Impreza "R205", a special performance version. The model will go on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.

Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the R205 enhanced the sheer driving performance it shares with former special performance models, such as the "S203" and the "S204", developed by STI. The R205 is the top performance model of the WRX STI. It features new and exclusive equipment and makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the "WRX STI spec C" model, the sporty performance model launched 2009. The "R" of R205 stands for "Road Sport".

Most efforts focused on refining handling performance by adopting STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and Bridgestone's specially designed RE070 tyres. Thus the R205 ideally balances agile driving and confident driveability by enhancing a linear steering response and excellent road-holding capability. This is exactly the distinctive ride quality that STI is pursuing as its vehicle development theme, "strength and nimbleness" driving. The R205 offers enhanced total driving control not only in city driving on the road or winding road but also in sporty driving at the circuit.

In addition, STI carried out verification tests of selected performance parts of the R205 through the participation of the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race with an Impreza WRX STI. Making full use of this precious race-track experience at Nurburgring - in which any road condition is condensed - STI successfully completed the model in order to offer sheer excitement and unique driving feeling as a distinctive "Road Sport Model".

The R205 delivers an increased 235kW (320PS) of maximum output, and 431N.m (44.0kg.m) by adopting the exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU (Engine Control Unit), and the sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive) is also available to neatly suit driving style in any driving situation at driver's command.

The front under spoiler, newly developed rear under spoiler, and the black rear spoiler improve aerodynamics. Exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels, specially colored front grille and side STI garnish accentuate its uniqueness.


Subaru Impreza R205
Major equipment of Subaru Impreza R205

Mechanism:

• STI tuned inverted strut and coil springs for front suspension
• STI tuned damper and coil springs for rear suspension
• "Brembo" 6-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for front brake
• "Brembo" 4-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for rear brake
• STI designed 18-inch cast aluminum wheels
• Bridgestone specially designed "POTENZA RE070" (245/40R18) tyres
• STI designed flexible type front strut tower bar
• STI designed flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension
• R205 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
• R205 exhaust pipe
• R205 twin scroll turbocharger with flexible type ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing
• R205 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
• R205 front stabilizer

Interior:

• R205 side sill plate
• R205 serial number plate

Exterior:

• R205 front grille (black)
• STI designed front under spoiler
• STI designed side STI garnish (black metallic)
• STI designed rear under spoiler
• STI designed rear spoiler (black)
• R205 badges on front grille and rear gate

Others:

• The planed production is limited to 400 units
• MSRP; 4,510,000 JP Yen (without tax)

Major specifications:

Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine

Displacement; 1,994 cc
Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
Maximum output; 235kW (320PS)/6,400 rpm
Maximum torque; 431Nm (44.0kg.m)/4,000 rpm -Overall length X width X height; 4,415 X 1,795 X 1,465 mm