Since the inception of the Subaru WRX and STI models, they have thus far been linked to the ho-hum Impreza compact sedan/hatch. While that saved Subaru a lot of money in developing a new platform in the past, and they have done a phenomenal job transforming a boring family car into a supercar hunting sportscar, for some the Impreza link is this car’s only downfall.

Subaru too wants its WRX and STI models to now be taken more seriously and hence from 2013 are going to unveil new versions which will be based on a unique platform.

We first reported on this news back in July, when this was just in a speculation stage. But now it seems the WRX and STI will form their own models, separating them from the Impreza.

So while there is a brand new Impreza being launched for the 2012 model year, the old (or shall we say current) WRX and STI will soldier on for one more year.

As for the 2013 WRX and STI models, lots is still being speculated about what powertrain this car will have. One rumor circulating the web is that it’ll be powered by a 1.6-liter, boxer four-cylinder motor with a massive turbo-charger, and it will be capable of producing 270-hp. Could the next STi sport around 350-hp? Only time will tell.

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

[Source: Car and Driver]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2011 Subaru WRX STI Review

After having just set the Isle of Man TT record, Subaru can now add another to its list after driver David Higgins smashed the official hillclimb record at New England’s highest mountain, Mt. Washington over the weekend.

The record for the 7.6-mile Mt. Washington “Climb To The Clouds” Hill Climb was last set in 1998, with a time of 6:41.99 in the legendary Audi Quattro. This year, Higgins shattered the record in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI with a time of 6:11.47—handily beating out Travis Pastrana’s unofficial 6:20.47 record from last year, as well.

As per the 6,288-ft. mountain’s reputation, weather provided additional difficulties. ”It was a very big challenge because the road was still wet in spots and would turn very slick suddenly,” said Higgins. “With the clouds the visibility was so low I could hardly see past the hood of my car.”

The Subaru Rally Team moves on to Maine for the New England Rally, through the weekend of July 15th and 16th, where Higgins will defend his honor as Rally America’s points leader.

GALLERY: David Higgins Mt. Washington Record Run

Subaru has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement of the Isle of Man TT Races and rather than just sit idly by, the AWD turbo 4-banger brand is looking to participate, running a WRX STI on several timed laps of the famous TT motorcycle course.

The iconic motorcycle course is infamously known as one of the harshest test of man and machine. Professional British Rally driver Mark Higgins will drive a 305-hp Subaru WRX STI on the closed course run of the Snaefell Mountain Course. The Rally Champion and World Rally stage winner, will look to set the fastest time for a 4-cylinder engine production vehicle. The previous lap record of the same course was set in 1990, and the former test driver for Subaru is eager to beat it.

“I’m really excited at the opportunity,” said Higgins. “I know it will be hard work, but it’s a great challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The US-spec Subaru WRX STI will race the 37 mile course with only minor modifications including a roll care, racing seats and harness as well as upgraded brake pads, Pirelli racing tires and a louder exhaust to alert fans of the on-coming car.

Yep, we’ve all seen it before walking into car dealerships; those weird aftermarket modifications that they tack onto a car and then jack up the price. Whether it’s adding a set of wheels and tires or an odd graphics package to the car, dealers have always carried on the tradition of overpricing a car with “accessories.”

But this modification probably trumps what any other dealer has ever done. They’ve taken one of the world’s most popular AWD turbocharged sports cars and… chopped off its roof. That’s right, you’re staring at a new-generation Subaru WRX STi sporting a convertible conversion. If its awfully bad looks weren’t enough, Manchester Subaru has attached an extravagant $75,000 price tag to the car. Oh did we say extravagant? We meant ridiculously absurdly outrageous.

And maybe we’re just completely off base here and don’t know the New Hampshire market all that well, but apparently Manchester Subaru will have five of these babies up for sale to whoever is insane enough to purchase one.

Poor concept, poor execution, all the way around.

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STi Convertible

[Source: Manchester Subaru via Autoblog]

Factory Five is a company mainly known for their inexpensive, popular Cobra kit cars, but the company has dabbled in original designs more than a few times. Their GTM supercar is a looker with Corvette power, and a rare beast at that. Now the company is expanding their own designs with a mid-engined convertible under 2,000 lbs, and packing the running gear from a Subaru Impreza WRX.

The car packs an impressive amount of specs. The target weight is 1,800 lbs, on a space-frame chassis with a Lotus-sized 95″ wheelbase. The two-seat roadster will have a removable hard top, and instead of heavy paint it will use gel coat panels. But what’s more impressive is the target price: the kit will be $9,900, and a completed car will be $15,000. Supply your own WRX engine (comparatively a dime a dozen, though other engine options will be available) and running gear and you’ll have a fun, lightweight performer for half the cost of a used Elise.

[Source: Factory Five]

While we’re thrilled to have the new 2011 WRX STI on sale here, as usual, Subaru Japan has one-upped the U.S. offering with the new 2011 WRX STI Spec C. The Spec C packs 304-hp and 317 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0L powerplant thanks to a revamped ECU and ball-bearing twin-scroll turbocharger.

In addition to the revised turbocharger and ECU, Subaru equips the Spec C with a mechanical rear limited-slip differential and the front chassis has been reinforced with a new cross member. To lighten up the load on the WRX, the hood has been swapped out for an aluminum version, there is a smaller battery and lightweight 18-inch wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires. Optional equipment includes the ever-popular Recaro seats.

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

Read AutoGuide’s Review of the 2011 Subaru WRX STI by Clicking Here

Cosworth has become synonymous with performance technology over the years. Having tuned and worked with Formula One teams and vehicle manufacturers, their extensive knowledge of engineering is one-of-a-kind. So needless to say when we caught a glimpse of a Cosworth-tuned Subaru Impreza WRX STI we drooled.

With a CS400 attached to the WRX STI name, Cosworth’s rendition features a 400-PS enhanced powerplant, or 395-hp for us Americans. With close to a 100-hp increase then the factory STI, Cosworth has really flexed its tuning muscles in the offering. Horsepower isn’t all it added though, the car features Cosworth-branded AP racing brakes with four piston calipers and 14-inch front rotors, and custom seats. Subaru has also stepped in to say that this CS400 will feature suspension, exhaust and aesthetic upgrades – clearly ensuring no one will mistaken it as a mundane model.

But we’re not highly optimistic that it’ll end up on Stateside, much like other Impreza iterations that North American tends to miss out on. The CS400 will only be made in its hatchback offering with only 75 units. It’ll hit dealerships in June over in the UK, so we’ll keep our eyes out for full car photos. We can always keep our fingers crossed however for our own version, especially considering Cosworth has a significant fan base here in America.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Gallery:

While Subaru-fans in North America love the STI-tuned Impreza WRX, they are deprived of other STI cars offered in Suby’s home-market of Japan. One such model is the STI-tuned Legacy Wagon, sold as the Exiga 2.0 GT STI in Japan.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine, the Exiga 2.0 GT STI makes 221-hp and 240 ft-lbs of torque. Additional highlights include an STI sport exhaust, 17-inch wheels, a leather shift knob, Alcantara seats, a subtle STI aero kit and a MOMO steering wheel.

This was also our first chance to see Suabru’s new Impreza WRX STI R205. The R stands for “Road Sport” and positions this model as the top STI in Suby’s lineup. Under the hood there’s a new turbo and ECU, along with a new exhaust system to deliver 316-hp and 319 ft-lbs of torque. The suspension has also been upgraded, as have the brakes, with new shocks and springs, as well as a a new front strut tower bar and lower arm brace. The brakes are six-piston front and four-piston rear units, with 18-inch cast aluminum wheels and special Bridgestone Potenza RE070 245/40/18 tires. Outside the R205 gets some new aerodynamics include a new front lip spoiler, new rear diffuser and rear spoiler, while inside the car remains stock except for some R205 badging.

The entire package has also been tested on the Nürburgring, where Subaru ran an R205 spec STI at last year’s 24 Hour race.

Just 400 Impreza WRX STI R205 models will be offered in Japan at a price of 4,510,000 yen (roughly $49,000).

Sadly, but not surprisingly, neither of these will be offered in North America.

GALLERY: Subaru Legacy Wagon STI

GALLERY: Subaruy Imreza WRX STI R205

Subaru has just released details on its range-topping WRX STI Spec C model, offered exclusively for the Japanese market. With just a mild performance increase the focus of the Spec C model is on better power delivery, handling and reduced weight. The new model is intended to be a more race-ready platform.

Engine output is 304hp and 311 ft-lbs of torque, up from the standard 295hp and 299 ft-lbs. The increase is slight but is the result of a modified turbocharger and ECU program that also allows for quicker response.

As for reducing the car’s weight, that has been achieved due to the use of an aluminum hood and a smaller battery. A plexiglass windshield and side windows also drop several pounds, as do new lightweight 18-inch wheels.

For improved handling the Spec C gets stiffer springs, a larger rear stabilizer bar, stiffer sub-frame bushings and new shocks. A new mechanical limited slip differential (SD) out back also improves the car’s ability to get all that turbocharged power to the ground. Reinforcements to the front cross member, new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires and increased power steering pressure result in better handling and driving feel.

The WRX STI Spec C will be offered in standard colors as well as two exclusive colors, Sunrise Yellow and Pure White. It is currently on sale in Japan with just 900 units being offered.

GALLERY: Subaru WRX STI Spec C

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…