Subaru has a soft spot for building limited-run models with desirable additions
added hardware includes a rear mechanical LSD, a 60kg weight saving and a twin-scroll turbocharger
It’s fair to say that the cooking-grade Impreza WRX STI has plenty of headroom for speed.
Subaru and its engineers recognised this concern and, at times, indulged themselves in building a factory-modified version of its hero car.
The Impreza WRX STI Spec C is a low-volume special that was originally planned with a production run of 900 examples but was later extended to nearly 2000 units by demand.
Its recipe is simple – take a good base, gut the unnecessary and gild it with expensive and shiny things. A total of 60kg has been shaved off its kerb weight via an aluminium bonnet, use of lightweight glazing and forged-aluminium BBS wheels.
Then, good components are spread on generously: a ball-bearing twin-scroll turbocharger, a revised ECU tune resulting in 227 kW / 422 Nm, an intercooler water spray system with auto mode, a mechanical rear LSD, stiffer subframes, and Recaro bucket seats.
Other devils are in the details, with a higher-volume power steering pump and bigger fuel pump both worth their weight in gold during sustained use.
If you want a factory-built WRX STI that’s got the right driver-focussed modifications in mind, just buy a Spec C. The factory has made this one for you already.
The car pictured – 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
This Subaru Impreza WRX STI was built in September 2009 and is a ‘Spec C’ variant.
That means it’s powered by a mighty 2.0-litre flat-four ‘Ej207’ engine with 227kW power, 442Nm torque, and a six-speed manual transmission with adjustable ‘DCCD’ all-wheel drive system / adjustable centre differential.
It’s finished in the hero colour of World Rally Blue and features Recaro seats. It was purchased fro USS Tokyo as a grade 4.0B example and is largely original aside from HKS suspension and a rear exhaust upgrade.
Standard features include climate control air conditioning, power steering, a six-speed manual and genuine Subaru footwell lighting. The vehicle has never been repaired and presents in great condition both inside and out.
Quick facts
- 2009 Subaru WRX STI Spec C
- Rare motorsport-orientated model
- 110,268km
- 2.0-litre EJ207 turbo flat-four
- Six-speed manual / 4×4 with DCCD
- Mechanical rear LSD
- Stiffer subframes
- Twin-scroll & ball bearing turbocharger
- Water intercooler sprayer with Auto mode
- Gold-coloured Brembo brakes
- 60kg weight saving over a regular STI
- Factory option equipment: WR Blue paint, genuine Subaru footwell lighting, rear view camera
- Factory specification includes climate control, automatic headlights, power windows.
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available.
- Vehicle serviced in Australia. A new radiator was fitted due to age, and a few seals were also replaced
- Price includes three months NSW rego
- Price includes SEVS compliance
24 drivers pushed three EJ207-powered Legacy Sedans 24 hours a day, for 18-days straight, at speeds topping 145 mph, crushing international records along the way.Subaru Japan
