New Imprezas
More bite for the Subaru Imprezas announced at Show
For those who fancy a little more bite from their Imprezas, Subaru has unveiled a trio of high performance ‘S’ models at the British International Motor Show. All three feature Prodrive engine upgrades and styling tweaks.
First up is the Impreza WRX-S, which sees power rise from 230 to 255PS (251 bhp) and a significant 51 lb ft increase in torque care of a remapped ECU. This shaves 0.6 seconds off the standard car’s 0-60mph time and the extra urge is due to be backed up with substantially increased in-gear flexibility.
The WRX-S features a rear limited slip differential, while a centre viscous coupling maintains the nominal 50:50 front-to-rear torque split. There is also a raft of cosmetic enhancements, with front and rear spoilers plus a new diffuser. Inside the cabin gains a Momo Air-Race gear knob in a choice of four colours. The car is on sale now, priced at £22,495, with the first deliveries expected in September.
The WRX STI also receives the S-treatment with the WRX STI 330S. Further ECU tweaks and a new exhaust system provide increases of 29 bhp and 46.6 lb ft over the standard STI, while Subaru are promising that the twin 90mm tail pipes will bring back the burble of previous Scoobys. Trim upgrades include Recaro front leather seats, satellite navigation and a new push-button start system.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via the standard STI’s 6-speed gearbox and much more sophisticated four wheel drive system. It also features Subaru’s SI-drive system which allows you to choose between three different driving modes: ‘Intelligent’, which is intended to reduce fuel consumption by softening throttle response and reducing power output; ‘Sport’, which is intended for everyday running with full power and a more linear throttle response; and ‘Sport Sharp’, which makes the throttle response yet crisper. Expect to pay around £30,000 on the road and, as with the WRX-S, the first cars are expected in September.
Subaru also decided to tantalise us with the WRX STI 380S Concept. Although not yet confirmed for production, it’s said the car could be on sale within 6 months if demand is high enough and, if that happens, it will be the most powerful official UK Impreza ever built. Prodrive are expected to hand-build the cars to order, complete with an internal engine rebuild to ensure the target of 380 PS (375 bhp) is reached reliably.
The 380S will also feature extensive suspension changes over the standard WRX STI and a new body kit. The trademark gold wheels of the‘90s rally Imprezas will also make a reappearance with 18x8.5 BBS alloys, although there is also the option of silver. If the car meets customer approval it is expected to be on sale by the end of the year priced at roughly £40,000.
These upgrades put the Mitsubishi Evo X firmly within the Impreza’s sights. The STI 330S is set to take the Evo FQ-330 GSR on head-to-head and the 380S Concept due to outgun the 355 bhp Evo FQ-360 GSR. This brings the intriguing prospect of a renewed power war between the Japanese manufacturers and perhaps a rally-rep to rival the fearsome Nissan GTR.
