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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]