At the 2010 New York Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo received its true rival from Subaru – meet the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-door. The model will mark the first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles.

“The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts.”

Subaru said that both 2011 models receive significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling. Power will still come from the outstanding 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder Boxer engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models will arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

Source: eGMCarTech

The ultra-performance-oriented 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition will be priced at $33,690, including a $695 destination charge, when it arrives in dealerships in the spring. The special model debuted at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Subaru noted that the new model is "priced $2,000 lower than the base price of the 2010 WRX STI." Compared with the standard 2010 WRX STI, the WRX STI Special Edition gets halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player with a four-speaker audio system instead of the six-CD player with 10-speaker system; manual air conditioning instead of automatic climate control and side mirrors without integrated signals.

The suspension for the special version is adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1mm-thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear subframe bushings and upgraded springs.

The WRX STI Special Edition is outfitted with the 305-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo boxer engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

The first run of the vehicle — limited to 125 units — will get Aspen White paint and custom spec C wheels. After that initial run, the Special Edition will join the lineup as a regular production model later in 2010 and will be available in standard colors.

Source: InsideLine

While the regular Subaru 086A is expected to be exactly the same as the Toyota version albeit with subtle exterior/interior styling differences, it’s the high performance STi version that’s getting the most attention now that the FT-86 Concept has broken cover ahead of this month’s Tokyo Motor Show. The standard 086A of course utilizes Subaru’s EJ20 flat-four boxer engine with D4-S direct injection, an Aisin 6-speed gearbox and a rear differential as used on the Lexus IS250/350. The rumored output of 200PS has been quoted once again as to be “almost certain” but a conflicting rumor from another source sets the output as being as low as 160PS. Nevertheless, the STi Version should answer people’s prayers for more power.

Holiday Auto (HA) reports that the STi Version will use the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240 – 250PS which is enough, HA say, to turn the 086A into a true performance car. An EJ25 turbo also hasn’t been ruled out, it seems that the Toyota/Subaru partnership have gone to great lengths to listen to what customers want and if the voices are loud enough, may come through with a boosted 086A STi. In keeping with the Impreza WRX STi, the 086A STi Version will apparently get wider front and rear guards to accommodate a wider track with wider wheels and tires. The know-how gathered from tuning the suspension for the WRX STi will be used to improve the 086A’s handling characteristics, although HA stop short of saying the parts will be directly carried over. We should also expect some additional STi only aero parts such as a unique front bumper and rear trunk spoiler to give the STi Version a more motorsports inspired look.

Although it’s not confirmed yet, there’s a strong possibility the Subaru 086A STi Version will be shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show or not long after at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon and will hit showrooms shortly thereafter.

Source: 7tune

Subaru’s personal tuning shop has pumped out another hardcore version of the Impreza WRX STI. Known as the spec C, this modified Impreza WRX STI is lighter and more powerful than other variants of the road-going rally-car that will only be sold in Japan.

With a remapped ECU, the 2.0L boxer flat-four now makes 304-hp with a maximum torque of 311 lb-ft - that is a bit more powerful than the Japanese model but a little close to the U.S. spec STI which makes 305-hp and 290 lb-ft from a 2.5L turbo four.

STI also added an aluminum hood, laminar side windows and a lighter battery to cut excess weight. Subaru has also stiffened the suspension and added a Torsen mechanical limited-slip unit and Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.

Subaru will make only 900 units of the Impreza WRX STI spec C.

Source: eGMCarTech

Needless to say, it doesn't take much effort to come up with a better design than Subaru's original Impreza hatch, but that wouldn't be fair to the creator of this independent concept study. This realistic computer generated proposal for a more distinct and sporty-looking Impreza WRX STI with a wedgy-shaped three-door hatchback body is the work of an artist that goes by the alias 'Grid'.

Source: CarScoop

This video is BANANAS. Honestly, if you don't think this looks like fun you should seek medical assistance because your pulse has flatlined. A little bit of bias here, but having Primus in the background just added to my enthusiasm.

We previously covered the magazine article and photoshoot in this blog. Start the video to see what all the fuss is about.

A big thanks goes out to Dom for this video!