Spied: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C

Subaru is looking to turn the Impreza back into a contender for class honours in the ultra-competitive high-performance family car market. These spy shots reveal a new Spec C version of the flagship STi.

Previously, Spec C evolutions of the Impreza have been officially available solely in Japan, and have only made their way to the UK in small numbers as grey imports. However, with the launch of the new hatchback model, which has been criticised for its softened approach, Subaru is tipped to change all that, as it is destined to hit British dealers in 18 months’ time.

As with its Ford Focus RS and Renaultsport Mégane R26.R rivals, the new Spec C has been undergoing extensive testing at the Nürburgring race circuit in Germany. And it looks set to be the fastest model yet developed by Subaru’s engineers. The arrival of the newcomer is great news for diehard fans of the brand, who were disappointed by the toned-down character of the current Impreza STi. There will be a host of changes to get cornering speeds up and make the steering more direct.

The new machine rides 10mm lower than the standard STi, plus features stiffer springs and dampers. Special lightweight 18-inch alloy race wheels and run-flat tyres have been added, as have uprated Brembo brakes taken from the Japan-only Legacy STi. Even beefier bodywork will ensure the new car can be instantly distinguished from the standard STi model.

The turbocharger and exhaust system have also been tweaked to push the power output of the 2.0-litre boxer engine from 296bhp to around 315bhp. Gear ratios have been revised, with fifth and sixth lengthened to boost the top speed to a supercar-chasing 170mph. However, Subaru will add an electronic speed limiter to restrict the maximum to 155mph. Inside, there are carbon fibre-shelled Recaro race seats, and as in the previous-generation Spec C, the firm will achieve further savings in weight by reducing the amount
of padding on the rear bench and removing some of the soundproofing from the cabin. A number of other minor revisions should see the car’s kerbweight drop by around 40kg.

The aerodynamics have also been tweaked to ensure class-leading stability at speed. One source close
to Subaru told us that, in addition to giving the Spec C a flat underbody, engineers fitted a lightweight aluminium rear diffuser which helps the new model generate twice as much downforce at speed than
the current flagship Impreza.

No lap times are available yet, but our spy photographer in Germany confirmed that the Spec C looked more composed than the STi in corners. He claimed it would easily slash 15 seconds off the current car’s best figure.

The Impreza WRX STi Spec C will hit Japanese showrooms by the end of the year, with European deliveries starting by the middle of 2009. Expect to pay around £30,000.