LOS ANGELES — Performance purists will not be overlooked by Subaru at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show as the Japanese automaker introduces the 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition. Subaru said the special model is bound for showrooms in early spring with an initial limited run of 125 units.
The WRX STI Special edition is "aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance," said Subaru of America in a statement. But don't expect the automotive equivalent of a hair shirt, despite the downgrading of some amenities. Subaru said the special model gets halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player; a four-speaker audio system instead of the six-CD, 10-speaker system; manual air-conditioning instead of automatic climate controls and body-color side mirrors.
The suspension for the new model is adopted from Japan's domestic-market WRX STI spec C model. Details include a 1-millimeter-thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear subframe bushings and a set of upgraded and retuned springs.
Pricing will be announced at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker noted. The first run of the vehicle will get Aspen White paint and custom spec C wheels. After that initial run, the WRX STI Special Edition will join the lineup as a regular production model later in 2010 and will be available in standard colors.
The WRX STI Special Edition is outfitted with the 305-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo boxer engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Subaru said it will also introduce the 2010 Impreza WRX Limited model at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. This top-of-the-line model adds a leather interior, standard moonroof and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Inside Line says: Subaru spices up the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show with the WRX STI Special Edition. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
aaykay says:
05:05 AM, 11/25/2009
With such "upgrades", without even adding recaros, I truly hope this model has seriously reduced the price over the "standard" model. Adding a couple of suspension knick-knacks can be done via the aftermarket but adding aftermarket seats (with all kinds of airbags and other controls embedded within it) is just not feasible.
My biggest beef with the current US-market STI are the "flat" mini-van seats. If that has not been remedied in this "special edition" model, then I won't even bother wasting my time looking at it.
If they want to bring out a special edition, then bring something that is truly special. Just bring the Japanese market Spec-C, as-is. It will automatically come with all of these suspension improvements, a more powerful/torquier twin-scroll 2.0L Turbo engine, lighter components that reduce the overall weight of the car, Recaro seats and a bunch of other goodies. Such a car is truly worthy of being called a "special edition".
Subaru should realize that the buying public are pretty savvy and can sniff out a pretender pretty quickly. As happened with the disastrous 08 WRX. This product is a pretender, damning as that sounds.
nerv2010 says:
09:27 AM, 11/24/2009
Wow, so I'm not the only one underwhelmed by the "special edition". I was expecting some carbon fiber or at least Recaro seats. Just get a normal STI and get aftermarket parts then and save money.
firstclass says:
08:57 AM, 11/24/2009
The downgrades will appeal to the young tunner crowd I'm sure. But I doubt this car has even lost 50-lb. like every other "special edition" in every car companies line up the changes are minor and aimed at making people thing their buying something trully unique. The buyers of an STI can make better changes than this themselves in their home garage...at a cost much more affordable I'm sure. The downgrades sound like the equivalent of losing a couple cheese burgers.
It seems even the smallest changes to a car earn it a "special edition" badge these days. The car will find buyers but probably not with hard core Subaru enthusiasts.
thaitanium15 says:
07:31 AM, 11/24/2009
So do all of these downgrades make the car more affordable or does it reduce weight? I'm confused as to why anyone would opt for lower ability amenitities, ie. the sound system downgrade.. why not just get rid of it all together, if in fact it was for the sake of weight reduction. Please someone explain the intent of this car.