Here's a fitting new car intro for AWD month – the Subaru Impreza STI Spec C, which has just gone on sale to the Japanese market. Like the Spec C's of the past, Subaru has equipped this limited production model with a number of changes that bring a little more edge to what's already a great driver's car.
Starting off with the chassis itself, the Spec C has added reinforcement on the front cross member, revised suspension tuning, and a new Torsen LSD in the rear. The car has also been lightened with an aluminum hood, and laminar glass for the side windows.
The Spec C's 18" wheels are not only a unique design, but apparently are lighter than the wheels that come on the standard STI. Tires are grippy Bridgestone Potenza RE070's.
The STI's 2.0 flat four (Japan market) has been outfitted with a redesigned ball bearing turbocharger, a retuned ECU, and a water sprayer for the top-mount intercooler. Power output for the Spec C is 308ps, which should provide a noticeable performance increase given the car's diet.
For those that want to stand out even more, the Spec C can even be ordered in Sunrise Yellow, seen above.
If the new Spec C strikes your fancy, make sure you get over to Japan and buy one before all 900 of them are sold out.
-Mike Garrett