London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 330S.

Subaru loves London. How else can you explain the simultaneous release of three special edition Imprezas in one venue? In a move that's obviously aimed at competing with the Mitsubishi Evolution X variants available in the UK (FQ 300 and FQ 360), Subaru has unveiled a 252 hp WRX-S, 325 hp WRX STI 330S and a 375 hp WRX STI 380S concept.

Read on for all the details.

All three models receive engine and styling upgrades from Prodrive, beginning with the WRX-S, which could be the basis for the new Impreza WRX reported last week. The "S" model comes packing a new exhaust and revised ECU tuning that allows the engine to put out 252 hp at 5,400 RPM, with torque rising from 236 lb.-ft. to 288 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm. The 0-60 time drops from 6.1 to 5.5 seconds and power delivery through the mid-range should be substantially enhanced. The "S" is separated from its lesser siblings by 18x7.5-inch anthracite GT1 wheels fitted with 225/40 tires, along with an STI front grille, lip spoiler, rear wing, diffuser and side skirts.

The Impreza WRX STI 330S gets the same Prodrive Performance package, including a modified ECU and exhaust, plus 90mm stainless steel exhaust tips. Power is up from 298 to 325 hp, and 347 lb.-ft. of torque is available from 3,400 rpm. The package shaves off four-tenths of a second from the 0-60 time, bring the sprint down to 4.4 seconds, and includes five-spoke 18x8.5-inch wheels coated in 245/40 rubber, Recaro front seats, sat nav and push-button start.

Finally, there's the WRX STI 380S concept, which could reach consumers within six months, assuming it's met with a positive response. Subaru isn't releasing any hard details on the concept (nor pictures, yet), but Prodrive has rebuilt the engine, modified the exhaust and tweaked the ECU to the tune of 375 hp, along with upgrading the suspension, massaging the body kit and adding either 18x8.5 gold or silver BBS wheels shod in 245/40 gumballs.

All the juicy details are available in the press release below and look for the tweaked WRX to hit U.S. dealers early next year.


PRESS RELEASE

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HAT-TRICK FROM SUBARU

• Three new high-performance Special Edition Imprezas
• 255 PS Impreza WRX-S at £22,495 OTR
• 330 PS Impreza WRX STI 330S for around £30,000 OTR
• Ultimate 380 PS Impreza WRX STI 380S concept

Subaru has scored a high-performance hat-trick for the British International Motor Show with the launch of no less than three new Special Edition new-shape Impreza models – two of which can be seen at the show.

All receive Prodrive engine upgrades plus comfort and styling tweaks, giving enthusiasts an unprecedented choice of sporty Subarus.

The 255 PS Impreza WRX-S costs a highly-competitive £22,495 while the 330 PS Impreza WRX STI 330S will be priced at around £30,000 (both on-the-road). First deliveries are expected in September.

Still in concept stage is the 380 PS Impreza WRX STI 380S which could become available within the next six months pending positive customer response.

Visitors to the show (July 23 to August 3, ExCeL, London) can see both the STI 380S concept and the WRX-S on Subaru's stand N23.

Impreza WRX-S Offers More Power And Style
Based on the new Impreza WRX, the 'S' model offers £4,500 worth of extras for a £2,500 premium, costing £22,495 OTR.

Banbury-based Prodrive has re-programmed the 2.5 litre 'boxer' engine's ECU (electronic control unit) and modified the exhaust system. This sees power leap from 230 PS at 5,200 rpm to 255 PS at 5,400 rpm while the torque improvement is even greater, growing from 236 lb.ft at 2,800 rpm to 287.6 at 3,000 rpm – a staggering 51 lb. ft more.

Maximum speed remains at 130 mph but the 0-60 mph time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.5 seconds. Naturally, in-gear flexibility is greatly enhanced.

The new Impreza WRX-S also boasts 18x7.5 ins anthracite GT1 alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, an STI front grille, STI front lip spoiler and STI rear wing and body-colour tailgate moulding.

Also standard is a MOMO 'Air-Race' gearknob while the colour choice is between San Remo Red, WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black Pearl and Satin White Pearl.

Standard equipment on the Impreza 2.5 WRX-S includes front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, leather-covered steering wheel, all-wheel drive, a rear limited-slip differential with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, 10-speaker, six-disc radio/CD player and xenon headlamps.

Impreza WRX STI 330S Brings Back The Burble
The new Impreza WRX STI 330S also benefits from a Prodrive Performance pack with modified ECU and exhaust system – this time with paired twin 90 mm diameter stainless steel exhaust pipes to bring back the burble so loved by 'scooby' fans.

Power goes up to 330 PS at only 5,400 rpm compared to the 300.5 PS at 6,000 rpm of the standard model.

Torque is boosted from 300.2 lb ft at 4,000 rpm to 346.6 lb ft at a lower 3,400 rpm making for an even swifter, effortless driving experience.

Top speed is the same 155.3 mph but the 0-60 mph time drops from an already swift 4.8 seconds to only 4.4 seconds.

Expected to be priced at around £30,000 OTR, the new Impreza WRX STI 330S has an especially luxurious specification – even compared to the already well-equipped standard STI which costs £26,595 OTR.

Upgrades include leather-covered Recaro front seats, satellite navigation, Smart-entry and push-button start.

Visually, the new special-edition sports new five-spoke 18x8.5 ins alloy wheels wearing 245/40 R18 tyres. It will be available in the full range of STI colours.

Standard equipment on the Impreza WRX STI includes a six-speed gearbox, Si-Drive giving three different engine response modes, a Multi-mode Driver Control Centre Differential, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and – of course – symmetrical all-wheel drive with front and rear limited-slip differentials.

Show-Stopping WRX STI 380S Concept
Sure to be a crowd-puller is Subaru's range-topping special edition Impreza WRX STI 380S which previews at the London International Motor Show.

Dubbed a concept, the STI 380S could reach dealers within six months pending positive response. Its final specification will be finalised following customer input and will be hand-built to order.

The STI 380S will include a complete engine rebuild by Prodrive with many up-rated components to reliably achieve the target 380 PS.

Improvements over the standard Impreza WRX STI will include uprated suspension and exhaust system plus an enhanced body kit.

Other visual changes will be the option of either gold or silver-coloured 18x8.5 ins BBS alloy wheels with 245/40 tyres.