This is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon, due for a Tokyo motor show unveil this October. An exciting name, and an exciting looking car.
Sadly it doesn’t quite live up to the hardcore connotations its name and roof bring. While the STI’s weight and centre of gravity should be lowered by the carbon top, the rest of the car isn’t as sharp as you’d hope.
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The big issue is Subaru’s fitment of a five-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option on the cards. You’ll also find lashings of suede on the interior to further kill any 'lightweight special' pretensions.
Subaru’s word on the STI Carbon is that it offers the Impreza to a wider range of customers, effectively making this automatic edition a car designed to garner sales from an audience craving a softer Scooby. Alas, it’s very unlikely the car will make it to the UK officially.
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