Lighter and faster Subaru WRX STI Spec C caught testing | Spy shots

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Lighter and faster Subaru WRX STI Spec C caught testing

Written by Nelson Ireson

Thursday, 17 July 2008

Rally-bred street cars like Subaru’s Impreza WRX STI and Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution aren’t just giving lip-service when they claim to be built from racing cars. The closeness of the connection is enhanced even further with special-edition homologation specials like the new Subaru WRX STI Spec C. The car has been built in limited numbers across several generations for most of the past decade, primarily to secure the race car’s eligibility for Group N World Rally Championship racing, and now a new generation is in the works, as these new spy photos reveal.

The latest edition of Subaru’s WRX STI Spec C back first made news in April when reports emerged claiming the company was working on building a lighter and more hardcore version of the brand-new Impreza WRX STI. Prototypes of the special-edition car have since been spotted testing at the Nurburgring, identified easily by their bigger brakes and new rear diffuser.

Lighter, faster and better handling
The final production version is expected to sport a slightly revised bodykit including a rally-inspired roof scoop and gold alloy wheels - traditional Subaru livery. To shed up to 70kg, engineers will install lighter aluminium panels for the roof and boot, a smaller battery and fuel tank and thinner glass - similar modifications as done to the previous model launched back in 2006.

There has been no word on any upgrades to the current 220kW 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer, but several past models have received power upgrades in addition to improved steering and suspension geometry. Each new Spec C is relatively unique, however, and this will be the first to be based on the all-new Impreza platform.

Mitsubishi not standing idly by
Doing battle with the STI Spec C will be an ultra-performance version of the Lancer Evolution, which is also expected to benefit from a host of cosmetic upgrades including additional vents on the front bumper, a new set of side skirts, a revised rear wing and a set of black alloys.

The car will also sport a 227kW version of the 2.0-litre turbo engine to put it just ahead of its Subaru rival in the power stakes. Along with the power upgrade, the engine will also be reworked for better response at the top end and more low-down torque. The SST twin-clutch transmission will also get beefed up to handle the extra strain from the more powerful engine.

Both cars are expected to make their debut in Japan late this year or early next year. No announcements for Australian availability have been announced yet.

Subaru WRX STI Spec C spy shots

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