London Motor Show: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta

Subaru loves London. How else can you explain the simultaneous release of three special edition Imprezas in one venue? In a move that's obviously aimed at competing with the Mitsubishi Evolution X variants available in the UK (FQ 300 and FQ 360), Subaru has unveiled a 252 hp WRX-S, 325 hp WRX STI 330S and a 375 hp WRX STI 380S concept.
Read on for all the details.

[ Via: Autoblog (Subaru) ]
[ Tag: london motor show, LondonMotorShow, subaru, subaru wrx sti 330s, subaru wrx sti 380s, subaru WRX-S, SubaruWrx-s, SubaruWrxSti330s, SubaruWrxSti380s, wrx s, wrx sti 330s, wrx sti 380s, wrx x, wrx-s, WrxS, WrxSti330s, WrxSti380s, WrxX ]

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX gets upgraded to 265 hp

A forum member at NASIOC has posted a corporate communiqué supposedly sent to North American Subaru dealers announcing the forthcoming arrival of the 2009 Impreza WRX. Two models are outlined in the release, the first, a new model dubbed the Impreza GT, will only be available with an automatic transmission and the 224 hp engine from the WRX. But that's not the real news...
The 2009 WRX's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer will get a boost in output to 265 hp (41 hp more than the 2008 model) and will only be available with a manual gearbox. The '09 WRX will also feature an upgraded suspension (no details), an STI-style front grille, standard aero kit and a new grey wheel package, along with red stitching on the steering wheel and seats.
The memo also mentions the inclusion of a moonroof on models equipped with the premium package, along with some undisclosed changes on vehicles equipped with the ivory interior.
While owners of the 2008 WRX might feel slighted, it's nice to know that Subaru is stepping up its game on the eve of the release of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Top tip Matt!


[ Via: NASIOC ]
[ Tag: 2009, 2009 subaru impreza gt, 2009 subaru impreza wrx, 2009SubaruImprezaGt, 2009SubaruImprezaWrx, gt, impreza, subaru, wrx ]

Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C

It looks like a regular STI, right? Well, according to the spies at KGP, it's not. This is actually the forthcoming Impreza WRX STI spec C out for a cruise in some approipriately sloppy weather. Note the white wheels and reworked rear diffuser, which are the visual giveaways in this case. When the spec C arrives, it should tip the scales at around 150 to 200 pounds less than the regular STI and be further augmented with engine upgrades and improved braking. That'll make for a nice neighborhood rally car, indeed. All you'll need is a little snow, some studded rubber, and someone yelling directions at you in Finnish from the passenger seat to really bring that WRC experience home. For the rest of you, just ask your wives to ride shotgun. They'll be shouting directions at you (though probably not in Finnish) in no time. Check out the attached gallery for more shots, both on the street and on the Nordschleife (on a nicer day).

[ Via: Autoblog (Subaru) ]
[ Tag: breaking, impreza, kgp, nordschleife, nurburgring, spec c, SpecC, spy, sti, subaru, wrx ]