2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited: same performance, less extroverted

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited (Photo: Subaru of America inc.)

The STI is a formidable machine. It's rally-car quick and rally-car capable. It's also styled like a rally car with a huge rear wing. But that and its minimalist interior scares off potential buyers, who just don't like the extroverted character of the car.

If you are one of those, 2007 might be your lucky year. The Impreza WRX STI Limited will be available for you, if you get in line on time. The STI Limited gets a number of changes, including more subtle exterior styling and interior comfort improvements.

The rear clothesline wing has been ripped off, replaced by a small trunk spoiler. The BBS wheels of the standard STI are replaced by Enkei high-luster 17-inch wheels. The brake calipers on the Limited are painted black instead of the gold and red ones on the STI. Fog lights are standard. Overall, the new STI Limited is less noticeable on the road.

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited (Photo: Subaru of America inc.)

Inside the car, the Alcantara seats are replaced by heated leather chairs and dark gray trim. There is also a power glass sunroof, which isn't available on the regular STI. The interior also benefits from improved sound insulation and carpeting. Other convenience features include a 6-CD changer with Sirius satellite-radio availability, and an automatic climate control system.

What hasn't changed from the standard STI, is the turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engine and 6-speed transmission. By the way, all 2007 STI models get engine rating revisions, down to 293 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. The highly capable DCCD all-wheel drive system is also unchanged for the Limited.

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited (Photo: Subaru of America inc.)

The 2007 Impreza WRX STI Limited will only be available in 800 units in the USA. 400 will be painted in Satin White, and 400 will be in Urban Gray Metallic.

No word yet if the STI Limited will be sold in Canada, and how much it would cost. Of course, diehard STI fans who think this toned-down Limited model is a sin, are probably already lamenting...