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2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 news, pictures, and information

STI to introduce the Subaru Impreza 'R205'

Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)* is pleased to announce the launch of the Subaru Impreza 'R205', a special performance version. The model will go on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.

Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the R205 enhanced the sheer driving performance it shares wîth former special performance models, such as the 'S203' and the 'S204', developed by STI. The R205 is the top performance model of the WRX STI. It features new and exclusive equipment and makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the 'WRX STI spec C' model, the sporty performance model launched 2009. The 'R' of R205 stands for 'Road Sport'.

Most efforts focused on refining handling performance by adopting STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and Bridgestone's specially designed RE070 tyres. Thus the R205 ideally balances agile driving and confident driveability by enhancing a linear §teering response and excellent road-holding capability. This is exactly the distinctive ride quality that STI is pursuing as its vehicle development theme, 'strength and nimbleness' driving. The R205 offers enhanced total driving control not only in city driving on the road or winding road but also in sporty driving at the circuit.

In addition, STI carried out verification tests of selected performance parts of the R205 through the participation of the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race wîth an Impreza WRX STI. Making full use of this precious race-track experience at Nurburgring - in which any road condition is condensed - STI successfully completed the model in order to offer sheer excitement and unique driving feeling as a distinctive 'Road Sport Model'.

The R205 delivers an increased 235kW (320PS) of maximum output, and 431N.m (44.0kg.m) by adopting the exclusively designed turbocharger wîth ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECÚ (Engine Control Únit), and the sport muffler wîth lowered back pressure exhaust. SI-DRIVE (SÚBARÚ Intelligent Drive) is also available to neatly suit driving style in any driving situation at driver's command.

The front under spoiler, newly developed rear under spoiler, and the black rear spoiler improve aerodynamics. Exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels, specially colored front grille and side STI garnish accentuate its uniqueness.


Subaru Impreza R205
Major equipment of Subaru Impreza R205

Mechanism:
STI tuned inverted strut and coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned damper and coil springs for rear suspension
'Brembo' 6-pot brake caliper wîth STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for front brake
'Brembo' 4-pot brake caliper wîth STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for rear brake
STI designed 18-inch cast aluminum wheels
Bridgestone specially designed 'POTENZA RE070' (245/40R18) tyres
STI designed flexible type front strut tower bar
STI designed flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension
R205 ECÚ (Engine Control Únit)
R205 exhaust pipe
R205 twin scroll turbocharger wîth flexible type ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing
R205 sport muffler wîth lowered back pressure exhaust
R205 front stabilizer

Interior:
R205 side sill plate
R205 serial number plate

Exterior:
R205 front grille (black)
STI designed front under spoiler
STI designed side STI garnish (black metallic)
STI designed rear under spoiler
STI designed rear spoiler (black)
R205 badges on front grille and rear gate

Others:
The planed production is limited to 400 units
MSRP; 4,510,000 JP Yen (without tax)

Source - Subaru
Subaru introduced its Impreza Compact Car in 1993 and has since become a pinnacle of performance. The name 'Impreza' was derived from an Italian word 'impresa', meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, the name 'Impreza' means to 'party', an 'event' or 'show'. In either language, the name is suitable.

When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.

Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.

The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.

Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.

The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.

While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.

In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.

The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.

In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.

The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click here

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Arrow Right 2010 Subaru models
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Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza STI CS400
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
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Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 201332,943 
March 201336,701 
February 201328,163 
January 201327,663 
December 201236,653 
November 201228,206 
October 201226,119 
September 201227,683 
August 201228,293 
July 201225,183 
June 201227,702 
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