LA Auto Show Preview: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition

Subaru announced today the LA Auto Show debut of its new 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition, a car that brings aims to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance over the already extraordinary WRX STI. The new car features a new suspension system adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, adding a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded and retuned springs. Continued after the jump!

Also, the front springs are 16% stiffer while on the rear we find an even great 29%. The new special edition will be available in Spring 2010 and the first 125 units will be painted in exclusive Aspen White and fitted with the charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C. Later, the car will be available in standard colors.

Compared with the standard version, the WRX STI Special Edition features halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD /10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and body color side mirrors. Under the hood we find the same 305-horsepower / 290 lb.-ft. turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine, 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control systems. As usual, the Brembo Performance Brake System employs the help of ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).