Subaru Unveils Special Edition STi To Celebrate Rally Win
Published: 14th January 2004
Subaru Impreza WRX STi
On sale in the spring and limited to 500 units, the ‘WR1’ - as it will be called - will feature a power upgrade to around 320 PS plus a host of technical and visual upgrades.
For example, the Impreza ‘WR1’ will feature a driver’s control centre-differential (DCCD) via a switch mounted next to the handbrake.
It means the torque distribution between front and rear wheels can be manually selected. This allows the choice, for example, between a sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running. The system defaults to ‘automatic’ mode whenever the ignition is restarted.
Also new for the ‘WR1’ are special, Prodrive-developed uprated springs and bump-stops with a 25 mm lower ride-height.
Other handling-enhancing features include 18 ins diameter P-FF7 (Prodrive Flow Forming seven-spoke) alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero tyres.
Externally, the new ‘WR1’ will be instantly recognisable thanks to its new Ice Blue Metallic paint plus driving lamps and a stainless steel mesh grille.
Interior changes include anthracite instead of blue suede-effect seats, a special gear knob, imaged carpet mats and a numbered tax disc holder.
Shared features with all Impreza WRX STi’s range from a six-speed gearbox to Brembo brakes and front and rear ‘Suretrac’ differentials.
The new Subaru Impreza STi ‘WR1’ will enter dealer showrooms in April costing £29,995 on-the-road.
