Other than a need for larger diameter rubber the current WRX displays impressive handling dynamics too. Its crisp turn-in defies the laws of inertia on dry pavement while on the gravel, well, tune your TV to a few world rally outtakes and you'll get the picture. Braking is also more than adequate, even in inclement weather conditions.
So why the need to offer Canadians the limited edition STi? Who needs more power anyway? Well obviously it's not a question of fulfilling needs but wants. Word has it Canadian rally fans are already lining up to place their orders, thrilled to pay what is expected to be more than $40,000 to drive the worlds quickest street legal factory produced Subaru. How quick? Acceleration tests prove a conservative 5.2 seconds to 100 km/h, shaving 0.5 seconds off of the current WRX.
How does it do it? The STi is really a factory tuned stage I-II WRX. Its engine upgrades include a strengthened block, molybdenum-coated pistons to reduce friction and forged conrods help deal with the added strain developed by a new IHI VF series turbocharger with 17.5 psi boost and a larger, upgraded intercooler. The STi also comes with Subaru's variable valve timing dubbed Active Valve Control System. The heavily massaged engine also extends its rev limited redline from 7,000 rpm in the regular WRX to 8000!
Though North American output figures have been as forthcoming as all other information STi information, not, current European market STi specs show 262-hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. The Asian market gets a conservative 276-hp at 6400 rpm with 275 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. What does this mean to us? Expect the STi that arrives here to offer something in between the European and Asian models - probably 270 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
Other than increased power, what does the STi update over the regular WRX? Officially there's no word on features, but it doesn't take a degree in engineering to figure out what some of the top-tier goodies will be. First of all, the photo gives away a larger, more pronounced hood scoop balanced in the rear by a massive decklid air foil. Both mods are more about go than show, with the first accommodating a larger intercooler and the latter necessary for downforce. The current car's large, round fog lamps aren't anywhere to be seen on photos of the upcoming STi either, replaced by what looks like plastic caps. Whether or not Subaru will modify this for North America or offer lights under the covers is not known.