NEWS – THE SUBARU WRX STI Spec C IS BACK FOR GOOD

December 22, 2010 by Pierre Laurent Ribault
Filed under Japanese News, Latest Articles, New Prodcuts

The 5 doors Impreza WRX STI Spec C came in 2009 to the JDM Subaru dealers and went after the batch of 900 cars sold out. But that was too good a car to stop there, Subaru decided, and now it’s back ! And not as a limited edition but as permanent member of the WRX STI lineup, edging the WRX STI as the focused, performance oriented version.

This new 5 doors only Spec C is virtually identical to last year’s limited edition, and this is no cosmetic treatment : lighter materials, mechanical upgrades, the Spec C means business. Under the aluminum hood, the twin scroll turbo receives new ball bearings and gives along with the ECU reprogramming some extra torque, with 430 N.m at 4400 rpm to go with the 308 horsepower. That’s even more torque than the 2009 Spec C.

The intercooler receives a water spray system and the fuel pump is overhauled to support more constraints while the rear Torsen differential is replaced with a mechanical LSD, all this to allow for sustained spirited driving off the sticky Potenza RE070 mounted on light 18 inches alloys connected to the body through a specially tuned suspension.

The diet does not stop with the hood. Laminated windows shave off some more weight as well and so does a smaller battery. The spare wheel also disappears to give room to a repair kit.

No useless ornaments inside where the only visible change is a pair of embroidered Recaro bucket seats.

The only thing to regret from last year’s car is the Sunrise Yellow that is not offered anymore. Instead you can get the Spec C in Pearl White, Obsidian Black, Spark Silver and (of course) WR Blue Mica.

Now for the kicker : unlike some prestigious German manufacturers, Subaru will not make their customers pay more for the privilege of a (slightly more) spartan machine. The Spec C is actually cheaper than the regular WRX STI : 3,643,500 yens (for the 18 inches alloys, Recaro seats version) when the STI price tag is 3,685,600. Better still, if you go for the 17 inches, as pictured above, the asked price is 3,328,500 yens. In other words, go faster, save money. That is a philosophy I can adhere to.

7tune.com – The Ultimate JDM Experience.

Text – Pierre Laurent Ribault
Source and Photos – Fuji Heavy Industries Japan

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K’

That’s a victory in my book. The 5 door is starting to grow on me, just as the STi sedan pops up state-side.

On a related note, I should expect a Spec B variant out of the Legacy GT soon too shouldn’t I? That would be grand.
http://7tune.com Adam Zillin

That’s awesome news. At last someone steps up who wont penalize you for having less on your order.

Just watch for Mitsubishi to counter this very soon…
David

any word on the Spec-C coming to the US? haha
Gouki

Hopefully it will be sold stateside
Stingray

That thing is sweet.
Justin

I WISH they would sell it in the US. Unfortunately, given our track record of NEVER getting any of the good variations of sports cars, I don’t think that will happen =(
Justin

Forgot to comment on the price difference as well. As mentioned before, it really is refreshing to see a manufacturer set there prices accordingly. *cough*Porsche*cough* “What’s that sir? You want us to remove the stereo in your 911? That’ll be 10k…”
Justin Gardiner

PLR, well that’s it. You have to buy this car – just think how much you’d save! But I’ll join you in mourning the passing of sunrise yellow – a surprisingly good colour on the STI
Still, looks like STI have got their mojo back.
And Adam, I’m afraid Mitsubishi will not rise to the bait. The EVO X is on borrowed time and the 3 Diamonds are in no position to throw good money after bad.