Subaru Impreza WRX STI: 20th Anniversary Edition

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/October/2008

Tokyo, Japan — You can only buy one in Japan, but if this special edition is anything like the tuned by STI models in Australia it'll be sold out before it hits the streets.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, which would mean the first WRX STI was launched in 1988, the new Subaru special edition model doesn't get any off-the-rails engine upgrades like the rumoured Spec C version of the STI, but it does get a number of nice upgrades.

What really makes this car special is that only 300 of them will be sold, and like Australia's own tuned by STI models, they will hold their value as a result of their rarity.

Powered by the Japanese-spec 2.0-litre turbo boxer engine (most other countries get the 2.5-litre version), the Subaru Impreza WRX STI: 20th Anniversary Edition develops around 227kW (308hp) @ 6400rpm.

With 442Nm of torque on tap from 4400rpm, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI: 20th Anniversary Edition is on par with the standard WRX STI, but where this special edition differs is in its chassis.

Riding on light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and suspended by upgraded coilover dampers, this limited edition Japan-only model has slightly sharper handling thanks to the stiffer suspension tune.

Upgrades to the exterior include the new look alloy wheels, plus a new front lip spoiler and rear wing finished in black.

Further outlining Subaru's low-volume Impreza WRX STI as a special edition, the turbocharged 4WD sports hatch also get specific decals, and inside the cabin there are minor differences too.

The Recaro bucket seats have exposed red stitching and Subaru Technica International has also included the highly sought-after STI leather gear stick.

Priced at ¥4,126,500, or about $71,000 in local currency, a few of these new models will probably hit Ebay soon enough.

Limited to 300 units, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI: 20th Anniversary Edition is an okay collector car, but what we're all really waiting for is the manic Spec C version of the Impreza WRX STI.

It's been spied testing in Germany and Japan, and is expected to feature a beefed up version of its horizontally opposed engine. 

Subaru showed off the Takumi concept recently at the Motorsport Japan 2008 event, which is the closest we've got to the new generation Spec C monster thus far.

Stay tuned for more info on Subaru's upcoming ultra-rare STI models.

Related Links:
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2009)
- Subaru Impreza Sedan (2009)
- Subaru Forester Diesel (2009)
- Subaru Forester (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Road Test)
- Subaru Exiga (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Liberty Diesel (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2008)
- Subaru Impreza Hatch (2008)
- Subaru Forester XT (Road Test)
- Subaru Tribeca (2008)
- Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (2008)
- Subaru Liberty GT Spec.B - Tuned by STI (Road Test)
- Subaru WRX - Tuned by STI (2007)
- Subaru Liberty Blitzen (2006)