Autoblog

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Subaru WRX STI spec C

It looks like a regular STI, right? Well, according to the spies at KGP, it's not. This is actually the forthcoming Impreza WRX STI spec C out for a cruise in some approipriately sloppy weather. Note the white wheels and reworked rear diffuser, which are the visual giveaways in this case. When the spec C arrives, it should tip the scales at around 150 to 200 pounds less than the regular STI and be further augmented with engine upgrades and improved braking. That'll make for a nice neighborhood rally car, indeed. All you'll need is a little snow, some studded rubber, and someone yelling directions at you in Finnish from the passenger seat to really bring that WRC experience home. For the rest of you, just ask your wives to ride shotgun. They'll be shouting directions at you (though probably not in Finnish) in no time. Check out the attached gallery for more shots, both on the street and on the Nordschleife (on a nicer day).


[Source: KGP Photography]

Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model at AutoExpress.

Mitsubishi and Subaru are entering round two of the newest battle for all-wheel-drive supremacy and AutoExpress has ringside seats. Both automakers are preparing hard-core versions of their turbocharged, rally-bred road rockets and that means more power, more aerodynamic mods and, in the case of Subaru, less weight.

The Lancer Evolution X MR is on the way, with a new fascia equipped with extra venting and a new air intake, while a revised rear wing, side skirts and blacked-out wheels complete the exterior makeover. Output is increased by 20 hp (in JDM spec) to 305 hp and the mid-range has been tweaked to provide more low-end torque, dropping the 0-60 time to under five seconds. The paddle-shifted SST twin-clutch transmission transfers over from the GSR model (likely with some software revisions) and the body has been stiffened to maximize the MR's handling.

Subaru is taking a different tack, keeping power upgrades to the STI's turbo'd 2.5-liter boxer to a minimum and instead focusing on weight reduction. The Impreza WRX STI Spec C will get a slightly revised aero kit, with a roof scoop (functional?), standard gold wheels, a lightweight roof, aluminum trunk lid, compact battery, smaller fuel tank and thinner compartment glass all around. All that work is expected to result in a 154-pound drop in weight, so the Spec C will tip the scales at just over 3,000 pounds.

Subaru is also planning to equip the new Legacy with the STI's drivetrain, a revised suspension and slapping on an "S402" badge on the back, along with a sporting interior with more grippy seats. All of this is only for JDM consumption at the moment, but we'd expect to see both the MR and Spec C hit the UK next year, with sales in the U.S. of the MR coming around the same time.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Click image for photo gallery

Ahhh, Japan -- where ever-more-muscular special editions pop into the marketplace with no advance warning whatsoever. On November 15, Subaru drops its latest rally-inspired performance bomber into showrooms. The Impreza WRX STi spec C TYPE RA-R (I don't know about you, but I love the Japanese penchant for giving their sports models these impressively long monikers) will be limited to 300 units, and offers the same power levels last seen in the limited-but-not-as-limited-as-this Impreza S204.

That means this latest Subie dishes out 320 horsepower and around 318 lb-ft of torque. The extra juice comes thanks to a larger-diameter turbine and ECU reprogramming combined with improved breathing up front and a freer-flowing exhaust. The upgraded and retuned suspension gets dropped 15mm compared to the base car. White-painted 18" STi wheels are wrapped in 40-series Bridgestone rubber, and a peek through the spokes reveals the car's 6-piston brakes. The body is essentially left alone, save for a black front lip spoiler and roof vane. A vivid yellow paint color will be offered, but is limited to 50 of the 300 cars. The other colors are Pure White and WR Rally Blue Mica, and all three finishes get a cherry red accent line that encompasses the center grille's inner surround. An optional carbon fiber rear wing and a different BBS wheel style are also available. We prefer the white rally-look standard rims, though. Inside, the standard sport seats can be upgraded to optional Recaro buckets, and a new knob adorns the shifter. Of course, the driver's favorite feature may simply be the right pedal, which stands ready and waiting to unleash the hounds underhood.

To answer the question you're surely thinking: no, you can't get it here. Sorry. If you're in Japan, however, one will set you back ¥4,284,000.

[Source: Subaru Japan]