Subaru WRX Special and Limited Editions

On the road, the S204 is sensational. Inheriting a reworked 2.0-liter, turbo, four-cylinder boxer engine from its predecessor, the S203, the car pumps out 320 hp at 6,400 rpm, while torque is up slightly to 319 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm thanks to a remapped ECU and a more efficient intake system. The 0-to-62-mph sprint is expected to take around 4.5 seconds, with a sub-13-second quarter-mile and a top speed of 155 mph.

From 3,000 rpm, beefier midrange torque means the driver can make better use of 3rd gear, particularly in long corners, and still have plenty of revs for lightning exits. Push it beyond 6,000 rpm, however, and the retuned exhaust note invades the cabin as it takes on a primeval howl. The sound is purely addictive and before you realize, you find yourself plucking extra gears, just to “feel” that sound again. The six-speed manual gearbox makes life easy with precise gear changes, but could do with shorter throws.

However, there are no complaints about the handling. The newcomer has been dropped 2/3 inch and gets spring rates bolstered by 50 percent. Rear stabilizer bars have been reinforced and the chassis is stronger all around, with better roll rigidity and a revised suspension setup. But it’s the innovative step of fitting what STI calls “performance dampers” to the body structure between the front and rear suspension strut towers that makes the difference. Apart from their ability to absorb and dissipate vibrations and bumps, plus give a superb ride, they permit smoother initial turn-in, deliver more information to the driver and virtually eliminate understeer. Point the car where you want it to go and it goes there, boasting the most driver-friendly manners of any STI.

Inside, though, it’s a different story. The cabin might be noticeably quieter than the S203 thanks to the incorporation of some rather effective sound-deadening materials, but the design of the instrumentation and dashboard leaves much to be desired.

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The modifications include a reprogrammed ECU, new pistons, crankshaft, exhaust and an upgraded turbocharger. This helps the S204′ 2-liter engine to 320 bhp and 319 lb-ft of torque.

A few more hps than the Subaru WRX STI…

For a few more specs, visit conceptcarz.

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