Subaru Introduces Hardcore STi Spec C for Japan

There are a few things in this world you can truly count on. Death, taxes, partisan politics in the US, and special-edition Subarus come to mind.  There have been a whole slew of special Subarus over the years, from the early STi's to the P1's and RB5's and the 22b, up through modern ones like the STi Type RA Spec C, S202b and many others.  Subaru's come out with their latest and greatest special edition Impreza for the Japanese market, and it's called the WRX STi Spec C.  It's a more focused version of the regular Japanese 2.0L STI hatchback, and only 900 are going to be produced.

Under the hood, the 2.0L 16v boxer four has been treated to a redesigned twin-scroll ball bearing center turbocharger, for decreased response time.  The ECU has been remapped to suite, the fuel pump was redesigned to provide better delivery under lateral load, and there's an auxiliary intercooler water sprayer to lower the ambient intake temperature levels (and prevent heatsoak in the small top-mounted intercooler, long what I've considered the weak spot in the Subaru mechanical portfolio.)  The result of this is an impressive 308bhp at 6,400 rpm and 422nM (311lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm.  This hot-rod 2.0L is mated to the standard STI six-speed manual, sending power to all four wheels as usual.

The chassis and handling dynamics have been resorted, too.  The entire suspension system has been revised - spring rates, damping rates, anti-roll bar stiffness, and bushing durometer have all been updated for "excellent road-holding capability."  Also, the front crossmember has been reinforced for an improvement in steering feel and response. And the power steering has a beefier pump to keep up, which apparently was lacking.

The rear differential has been switched from a Torsen (Torque-Sensing) to a mechanical LSD for more predictable rear end behavior under cornering load.  And finally, they've fitted special lightweight 18" alloys shod with super-sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE070's, sized a generous 245/40/ZR18 at all four corners.  Talk about supreme grip.

They've also seen fit to chop a few kilos out of the increasingly-bulky STI by fitting an aluminum hood and smaller battery, which take valuable pounds off the front end and increase turn-in response.  The windows are lightweight Laminar, which you know will be annoying when they get all yellow and fogged up.  Oh, and they throw out the spare tire and give you a flat repair kit, which is cute.

The have done a few things to make it feel like more than a stripped-out cheapo Impreza with a nasty engine, though.  For one thing, how about some leather-and-Alcantara Recaros?  Err, that's about it, besides some gold-painted Brembo brake calipers and two unique exterior colors, Sunrise Yellow (ugh) and Pure White (yes!)  The Spec C went on sale in Japan today, and by the time you read this, it's probably already sold out.  Still, enjoy!