Subaru WRX STI sedan returns

Subaru Australia has just announced its own special edition WRX model, the Club Spec 10 for sale in May, hot on the heels of the 2011 WRX STI's launch at the New York motor show.

Last week we were teased with a covered version of the new 2011 STI, with the catch-cry: "The wing is back!" Well, now you can see the vehicle in all its glory (first two images), though the large rear 'wing' is only offered on the sedan version.

The WRX STI has been offered only as a hatch since the current generation model arrived, but that will change. This will also give Subaru a product to directly rival the popular Mitsubishi Evolution four-door sedan.

Nick Senior, the Managing Director of Subaru Australia, explained: "We can confirm a four-door Impreza WRX STI will join our Australian line-up much later in the year and will be available from our exclusive STI retail network."

Details, specifications, colours and pricing "will be announced at launch time" says Subaru.

Getting back to the special edition Impreza WRX Club Spec 10 (last three images), the new model is priced from $49,990 driveaway, and will hit dealerships from May.

Only 250 Club Spec 10 units will be built.

Based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, the Club Spec 10 "adds several technical enhancements from the Subaru Tecnica International (STI) catalogue," says Subaru. It also gets improved interior comfort and luxury.

The focus of the Club Spec 10 appears to geared towards the front end, with an STI front lip spoiler added to improve aerodynamic stability at speed, while a flexible strut tower bar also contributes to front end stability. The front end gets a flexible lower bar and front support kit to "add strength, reduce chassis flex and produce sharper steering," to boot.

New 17-inch lightweight Enkei alloy wheels are also added, which are a good half inch wider than the stock WRX rims, potentially delivering more grip.
According to Subaru the "...extra [tyre] width stiffens the sidewall, reduces deflection and produces more grip, especially when cornering."

The interior benefits from leather sports seats, plus a sunroof and satellite navigation. The Subaru Impreza WRX Club Spec 10 will be offered in Obsidian Black and Satin White as a sedan only. Available in May from $49,990, Subaru is now taking orders for the new model.

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