Subaru unleashes the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C in Japan: Full details

Posted by Harvinder

July 23, 2009

Japanese auto maker Subaru, has officially launched the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C in Japan. Only 900 units of this new variant will be produced and it comes with several enhanced features. Under the hood there is a revised turbocharger, where ball bearings of the turbine axle were newly adopted to reduce friction.

There is also an optimized ECU programming, allowing the engine to offer a smoother and quicker response to the accelerator pedal and excellent accelerating performance. Subaru has also added an inter-cooler water spray (with a switch on the centre console) that prevents rise in intake-air temperature at continued high-load driving. This gives a more stable engine performance and improved efficiency.

With all the improvements made to the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine, it now outputs 308HP at 6,400 revs, with a torque figure that is rated at 422Nm at 4,400 revs. Subaru has also worked on the chassis.

The auto maker has reinforced the cross member in the front suspension (which now offers a more linear steering response), revised damping force of suspensions, coil spring rate, rear stabilizer and rear sub-frame bushes to help optimize rigidity.

The spec C also features a mechanical rear LSD, instead of the Torsen type, as a mechanical one offers steady and powerful traction during cornering.

Apart from increasing oil flow volume in the power steering system to improve steering feel, there are also new tires by Bridgestone. The wheels are shod with POTENZA RE070 (245/40R18), that offer higher grip, especially in dry conditions.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C also features a lightened body, although the auto maker did not reveal weight figures. The weight reduction effort is made up by an aluminum engine hood and a downsized battery, lighter Laminar glasses for the front and side windows, lightweight 18-inches alloy wheels (17-inches alloy wheels are optional) as well as the omission of a spare tire. Instead, there is a flat tire repair kit is standard.

Other features include Brembo brakes (standard) and front bucket seats (fabric with red stitch). There are also optional Recaro seats that are finished in Alcantara and leather combination with red stitch. Two body colours are offered for the spec C, including Sunrise Yellow and Pure White, although there are also images of a blue coloured spec C released by Subaru. The auto maker has also made a structural change to the fuel pump, that now provides more stable fuel delivery even on high-load driving. Continue reading to view an image gallery.