Source: StraightLine
By Mike Lysaght
Subaru has one-upped its standard STI with the Spec C, a performance-tuned edition only for the Japanese market.
The JDM-spec 2.0-liter turbo boxer four remains under the hood, but the automaker fitted redesigned ball-bearing-type turbocharger to reduce friction and remapped the ECU to improve throttle response. The top-mounted intercooler also gets a water sprayer to keep intake air temps constant even under high-load conditions. Output remains at 304 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, although this is still more torque than the 290 pound-feet provided by the 2.5-liter boxer in the U.S.-spec STI.
The Spec C treatment also adds an aluminum hood, smaller battery and revised laminar window glass to keep weight to a minimum. The STI’s doughnut spare is gone, too, replaced by an inflator kit.
Cornering is improved thanks to a reinforced front crossmember, stiffer springs and the switch from a Torsen-type limited-slip rear differential to a mechanical limited-slip diff. Lighter 18-inch aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight, and they’re wrapped in 245/40R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 rubber. Subaru also says it has improved the steering feel by increasing oil flow volume in the power steering unit.
The Subaru WRX STI Spec C hit Japanese dealers yesterday, and only 900 units will be rolling off the line at Fuji Heavy Industries. Exclusive exterior colors for the Spec C are Sunrise Yellow and Pure White, but based on press photos, you can get it in WR Blue Pearl, too (as if that was ever in doubt).
If one pic’s not enough to satisfy your Spec C craving, make the jump for more. Videos, too, with ample driving footage, though the commentary’s in Japanese.
Source: StraightLine
By Mike Lysaght
PRESS RELEASE
FHI to introduce the Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C
Tokyo, July 23, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today launches the "Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C", a new addition to the current WRX STI line-up. The model goes on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the iconic sport model of Subaru, the WRX STI spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The model further strengthens its presence in the high performance car arena by offering sheer excitement and unique driving sensations as a distinctive road sport model, in line with the performance level originally delivered by the Impreza WRX STI.
The turbocharger newly adopted ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) program was also exclusively tuned. Thus the engine of the spec C model provides quicker response and improved accelerating performance. Thanks to its specially designed front & rear suspensions and improved body rigidity, the chassis offers stable and linear driving control even in marginal driving conditions. The adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further polishes the model’s driving performance.
Subaru enhanced the WRX STI line-up by introducing this STI spec C model, in addition to the STI A-Line model, the AT version introduced in February this year.
Outline of Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
Enhancement of Engine performance:
•• Ball bearings of the turbine axle were newly adopted to reduce friction in the turbocharger. With the optimized ECU programming, the engine offers smoother and quicker response to the accelerator pedal and excellent accelerating performance.
•• An inter-cooler water spray prevents rise in intake-air temperature at continued high-load driving, providing stable engine performance and improved efficiency.
•••• ••••:
Enhancement of Chassis performance:
•• Reinforcement of the cross member in front-suspensions offers a linear steering response.
•• Specification changes in damping force of suspensions, coil spring rate, rear stabilizer and rear sub-frame bushes optimize rigidity for body roll and retain excellent road-holding capability.
•• Rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential) system was changed to a mechanical type from a Torsen type to obtain the steady and powerful traction during cornering.
•• Bridgestone "POTENZA RE070" (245/40R18) were adopted to enhance cornering ability and higher grip performance, especially in dry conditions.
•• Nimble handling with a firm steering feel is assured by increasing oil flow volume in the power steering system.
Lightened body:
•• An aluminum engine hood and a downsized battery, which make the front section of the vehicle lighter, produce better maneuverability.
•• Laminar glasses were adopted in the front and side windows. They lightened the upper section of the body weight, resulting in improved stability during cornering.
•• Newly-designed lightweight 18-inches alloy wheels are standard to offer excellent road-hugging property by reducing unsprung weight. (17-inches alloy wheels are optional)
•• A flat tire repair kit is standard, which also helps weight reduction.
Others:
•• A structural change of fuel pomp provides stable fuel delivery even on high-load driving.
•• Gold colored "brembo" brake calipers are standard.
•• The front bucket seats (fabric with red stitch) are standard on models with 18-inches alloy wheels.
•• The "RECARO" seats (Alcantara and leather combination with red stitch) are optional on models with 18-inches alloy wheels.
•• Two exclusive exterior colors are available; Sunrise Yellow and Pure White.
•• The production is limited to 900 units.
Major specifications:
-Engine type: Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
-Displacement: 1,994 cc
-Maximum output: 227kW (308 PS)/6,400 rpm
-Maximum torque: 422 Nm (43.0 kgf·m)/4,400 rpm
-Turbo type: Ball-bearing type twin scroll turbocharger
About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI’s Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.
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Source: AutoBlog
Subaru has announced a new version of the WRX STI that will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. We’ve looked at this one six ways ’til Sunday (maybe seven) and we still can’t make sense of it. But, hear us out. One of the main knocks against the STI has long been that it’s a little too porky. But, when you base a performance car on a plebeian chassis, that’s the price you pay. Another knock is that the STI – while potent – is just not as hardcore as the Mitsubishi EVO, even though the EVO X is a little, well, less hardcore than the EVO IX. So obviously Subaru’s going to address these concerns with a special, lightweight edition STI, right? Well…
Meet the WRX STI Carbon. It has a carbon fiber roof. And a five-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the Legacy – no manual. And… suede seats. Yup, that’s it. Now, we like the roof, don’t get us wrong. Removing weight and lowering the center of gravity is exactly what the STI needs. But, a slushbox? For reals? Subaru says the five-speed auto is there to offer, "distinctive driving pleasure to a wider range of customers." Ah, the old dumbing it down so you can sell more trick. Hey, it worked for Porsche (see: Cayenne).
Let’s see here, the last time Subaru tried this maneuver was in 2008 with the GE/GH third generation WRX. That went so well that Subaru was forced to relaunch the car twelve months later and rename to the 2008 WRX as the auto-only 2.5 GT. In other words, we just don’t get the STI Carbon. Maybe in a year’s time, Subaru will be forced to rename it the Carbon GT. That would at least make some sense. Right?
Source: AutoBlog
Technorati Tags: subaru, impreza, wrx, sti, carbon, subaru impreza, impreza sti carbon, carbon subaru, subaru impreza wrx sti, subaru impreza wrx sti carbon
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