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, a rear-view parking camera, power steering, a six-speed manual and genuine Subaru footwell lighting. The vehicle has never been repaired and presents in great condition overall. The paint is showing age on its bonnet scoop and the rear-middle section of its roof.
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.
- Price includes new high-performance
- Price includes a comprehensive vehicle service
- 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
