Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C with 18-inch wheels
Subaru is formally introducing the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C. The car hits the market today in Japan, and makes several improvements upon the already available STI.
Some of the improvements include an unspecified weight reduction, previously rumored to be in the range of 70kg. Subaru attributes the lowered weight to the use of a smaller battery, an aluminum engine hood, and laminar glass on front and side windows. 18-inch lightweight alloys come standard, although 17-inch alloys are available as an option. The wheels have seven double spokes, and are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires which improve cornering, and increase grip. It appears the car does not come with a spare tire, with Subaru instead giving customers a flat tire repair kit.
One of the performance enhancements seen on the spec C is a newly tuned Engine Control Unit. The car also features a redesigned turbocharger that uses new ball and axle bearings. These changes boost torque to 422 Nm, while the car still maintains 305 horsepower. Engine stability is supposedly improved through the use of a "inter-cooler water spray." Meanwhile the rear Limited Slip Differential was switched to a mechanical unit to improve traction in the corners. Subaru also optimized the suspension, springs, and fuel pump. Alcantara and leather mixed Recaro seats are available as an option.
Officially, the car comes in either Pure White or Sunrise Yellow, but the photos include a version in blue. All Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C models comes standard with gold Brembo brake calipers. Previous rumors of a blacked out rear spoiler appear to be inaccurate. This edition is limited to 900 units, and pricing has not been released.
Source: Subaru
Press Release (Click to expand)
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
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N20_Purge
July 23, 2009 4:53 PM
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