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Subaru WRX Spec C

First drive: Subaru WRX STI Spec C

August 28, 2009

2009 Subaru WRX STI Spec C

Inside Line was lucky enough to receive a Subaru WRX STI Spec C for a test drive.

“Plans for the Spec C were nearly scrubbed late last year when Subaru ended its 20-year involvement in the World Rally Championship after the recent, massive decline in worldwide sales caused the bosses to radically rethink the company’s motorsports program.”

“The upgrades from STI (the high-performance division of Subaru, which both sells aftermarket hardware and prepares specialty cars like this one) reads like a pre-race checklist for a one-off supercar: specially tuned ball-bearing turbo; spray-type water cooling for the intercooler; high-capacity fuel pump; high-capacity hydraulic pump for power-assisted steering; recalibrated suspension with unique dampers, coil springs and bushings; mechanical limited-slip differential; four-piston Brembo brake calipers; and Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.”

“[The] Spec C feels faster than the STI, even though the engine’s output is no different — 304 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.”

“Unlike the last generation of the Spec C, which did without all of its acoustic insulation in the process of reducing overall weight by 200 pounds, the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C is far more usable on the road. It is definitely noisier in terms of road and engine noise, but it has not sacrificed ride comfort, so long trips should be bearable.”

Source: Inside Line

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AutoExpress reviews the Subaru Impreza WRX Spec C

August 22, 2009

Subaru WRX Spec C Dashboard

AutoExpress reviews the Subaru Impreza WRX Spec C and they’re quite amazed at the car’s handling and performance.

“The car sits on Subaru’s new SI-Drive ‘intelligent’ chassis with the latest mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear. There’s also a revised suspension set-up with new dampers and springs, as well as a thicker rear anti-roll bar.

All this combines with the 18-inch alloys and those sticky tyres to solve the vagueness of the STi’s steering, and turn-in is much more precise as a result.”

“The Spec C is 30kg lighter than the STi, tipping the scales at 1,475kg, so you’d expect it to be fast. But it’s the throttle response that stands out. A new ball-bearing turbo and intercooler waterspray device work together to transform the car’s power delivery.

The latter showers the intercooler constantly to reduce intake temperatures from 70 degrees Celsius to around 40 degrees Celsius. The result is that the engine retains the 25bhp that’s normally lost when it starts to suffer in the heat.”

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