Hotter WRX signals beginning of the end

The King is dead… Long live the King! Well, not exactly just yet, but Subaru Australia is sending some pretty clear signals that it has started the 'run out' of its top-selling Impreza WRX. And the clue is the first of what is likely to be a number of limited editions ahead of the arrival of an all-new Impreza in the third quarter of 2007.

The Impreza WRX 'Tuned by STI' arrives Down Under priced at $46,990 and will be limited to a run of just 200 cars.

With the requisite limited edition badges as well as the pink 'signature' stamp of Subaru's STI go-fast arm, the 'Tuned by STI' is more than just a make-over as its price premium over the standard WRX suggests. Says Subaru Australia, the extra $7000 buys you around $12,000 worth of extra equipment including a re-tuned powerplant that's 10kW and 20Nm up on the cooking model WRX.

The extra power and torque are courtesy of a recalibrated ECU and a low back-pressure exhaust muffler, says the car maker. Peak power/torque are now 179kW/340Nm respectively and throttle response "is significantly enhanced" says Subaru.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: "This locally tuned variant has put a priority on low down engine performance.

"We've used specialised STI engine tuners from FHI to tailor this car to suit Australian conditions and provide an exhilarating, high performance package."

The STI parts bin has been raided to add lowered springs, tuned front struts, larger front stabiliser bar, more effective rear stabiliser bar mounting and pilot ball rear suspension arms. Lightweight 18-inch STI Enkei alloy wheels with wider Pirelli P-Zero Nero tyres complete the suspension upgrade.

There's also a new STI front lip spoiler and the car comes complete with a factory-fitted electric glass sunroof. Inside there's leather trim, a new short-shift gear linkage and alloy race-style gear knob.

Available in manual sedan form only, the WRX 'Tuned by STI' comes in the choice of WR Blue with shadow chrome wheels or Obsidian Black with charcoal rims (pictured).

Due late in 2007, the new MY08 Impreza is shaping up as one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of 2007.

Using the underpinnings of the Liberty sibling, the five-door hatch is expected to draw its proportions and design language from the B5-TPH concept (also pictured) that debuted at the 2005 Tokyo motor show.

To check out more of 2007's most anticipated new models click