[Cartoday]
Subaru has unveiled a trio of Prodrive-fettled Imprezas at the 2008 British Motor Show, including a frankly bonkers STI variant with 280 kW rumbling beneath its bonnet
Labelled the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 380S this “concept” vehicle, as the name suggests, mounts a completely rebuilt 2,5-litre boxer engine that pushes out 380 PS (280 kW) and more than 500 N.m of torque. Prodrive has also applied a number of other modifications to this model, including a strengthened chassis, upgraded suspension, an aerodynamic body kit exclusive to the 380S and, in true Impreza tradition, gold-coloured BBS alloy wheels shod with 245/40R-18 performance tyres -silver rims are optional.
Although it has tentatively earmarked as a concept, Subaru is gauging customer input regarding specifications, and plans to put the car into limited production by the end of the year.
Another Prodrive-modified Impreza, the WRX-S, shared the Subaru stand with the 380S. This model utilizes a modified ECU and exhaust system to squeeze 187 kW and 390 N.m of torque from it’s 2,5-litre flat-four engine. The vehicle’s top speed remains at 209 km/h, but the 0-100 km/h time has been pared down by 2,0 seconds to just 5,5 seconds. Additional styling bits include an STI body kit and 18-inch anthracite alloy wheels with 225/40R-18 rubbers.
Then, there’s the WRX STI 330S which, thanks to similar stainless steel exhaust and ECU trickery, develops 242 kW and 470 N.m of torque – enough to propel the car from 0-100 km/h in 4,8 seconds and a 250 km/h top whack. In addition to all of the performance-enhancing mods, the 330S builds upon the standard STI spec with such features as sat-nav, leather-clad Recaro seats, push-button start and keyless entry.
