Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line

For most enthusiasts, all-interest in the new Impreza WRX STI A-Line Carbon that will premiere at the Tokyo Show is probably lost upon reading the words "5-speed auto" but apparently Subaru figures that there's a crowd out there that's interested in a high-performance sport hatch with an automatic transmission. Bizarrely, the Legacy-sourced auto box in this model is combined with a carbon fiber roof that Subaru says helps reduce weight and lower the center of gravity for improved handling and performance. The two together don't make much sense, but whatev.
In addition, the special edition model's interior has been dressed in a suede fabric that covers most parts of the cabin including the dashboard top and the Recaro bucket seats.
The new Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Carbon is scheduled to go on sale in the Japanese market sometime after the show.

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2010 Subaru Impreza Pricing Released, Premium Model Costs $1,000 Less

Subaru has announced U.S. pricing for its 2010 model year Impreza range that remains unchanged for the most part. Prices start at the same level as the subtly revised 2009MY Impreza, with a base MSRP for both the 170hp 2.5i sedan and five-door hatchback models of $17,495 (excluding destination and delivery fees). However, the Japanese automaker lowered the base price for the Impreza 2.5i Premium to $18,495, or $1,000 less than the 2009 model.

The company said that the Impreza 2.5i, 2.5GT and Outback Sport models receive a new grille (no photos were released) while the company also introduced a new exterior color (Camellia Red Pearl) for the 224HP 2.5i & 2.5GT models and a new Paprika Red Pearl/Steel Silver Metallic for the Outback.

Other changes for the 2010MY Impreza include the introduction of the new Special Edition Package with a power moonroof and fog lights as well as the All-Weather Package while Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability is now standard on 2.5i Premium and WRX Premium models with the navigation system.

As for the range-topping WRX STI, the 2010 model year receives black alcantara trim and a black center console with red stitching with prices remaining unchanged at $34,995.

Alaska aside, destination and delivery for all 2010 Impreza models is $695.

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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX 265HP & Impreza 2.5 GT: Official Details & High-Res Photos

Understandably, those who bought a 2008 Impreza WRX 224HP aren’t going to be feeling happy with the Japanese automaker this morning as Subaru confirmed earlier reports by revealing that the 2009 Impreza WRX gets a significant power boost, a retuned suspension and to top it all, a series of STI design tweaks. Since the 2009 WRX will be offered exclusively with a 5-speed manual, Subaru renamed 2008 WRX 224HP with the 4-speed auto transmission to the 2009 Impreza GT, maintaining the same 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer.

Back to the 2009 Impreza WRX, thanks to the larger turbocharger, the new larger-diameter exhaust and low-density catalyst for reduced backpressure, the 2.5-liter engine now produces 265HP at 6,000 rpm (from 224HP) and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm (from 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 version).The suspension on the 2009 Impreza WRX has also been revised with new front upper strut mounts from the STI, stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bars and re-tuned suspension dampers. -Continued

The ’09 wears 17-inch alloys in 225/45R17 summer performance tires, compared to 205/50R17 all-season tires used on the 2008 WRX. Because of the wider tires used, Subaru added a new damper valve to the steering gearbox to ensure a more high quality steering feeling.

Both the 2009 WRX Sedan and 5-Door models can be distinguished by the new STI-type grille and the now standard Aero Package. The sedan has a low-profile rear trunk spoiler, while the 5-Door adopts the WRX STI rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Inside, for 2009 the WRX gains a new carbon black checkered upholstery accented by red stitching while the WRX Premium Package gets a power moonroof.

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Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C: More Hardcore Version Launched in Japan

A new, more hardcore version has been added to the line-up of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. On sale today in Japan, the newest member of the Impreza WRX STI family that bears the Spec C moniker will be produced in a limited run of 900 units. The model features an array of improvements including engine and chassis performance upgrades as well as a lighter body.

Based on the standard Impreza WRX STI, the Spec C is powered by a tweaked version of Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer engine with a remapped ECU and new ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit produces an output of 308 PS at 6,400 rpm and 422 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm with Subaru promising quicker response and improved accelerating performance over the base model.

To improve the car's handling, Subaru's engineers retuned the front and rear suspensions while they also made changes to the steering system. In addition, the rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential) system has been changed from a Torsen type to a mechanical type. The Spec C rides on newly designed 18-inch wheels shod in 245/40 R18 Bridgestone "POTENZA RE070" tires.

Finally, the adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery plus the replacement of the spare tire with a repair kit resulted in a lighter body.

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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