Following in a line of successfully hotter Impreza variants, Subaru has announced the all-new “R205″ version of its latest hatch, and in keeping with tradition, it won’t be coming to the States.

As it’s done in the past with other “Road Sport” Imprezas, Subaru has raided the Spec C parts bin and fitted all the good kit to the Impreza STI R205, including six-pot (front) and four-pot (rear) upgraded brakes with slotted rotors and cast 18-inch aluminum wheels shod in specially designed Potenza RE070 (245/40R18) tires. Inverted strut and coil springs soak up the bumps in front, with similarly STI-tuned dampers and coils out back, while a front strut tower bar and lower arm stiffening brace help keep the front wheels planted and the steering speaking to the driver.

Naturally, engine mods are part of the package, and with a retuned ECU, new exhaust and turbo, the R205 cranks out 316 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque.

A few plaques, a bespoke black front grille, new front and rear diffusers and a black spoiler set the R205 apart from run of the mill JDM Imprezas, and if you’re fortunate enough to live in the Land of the Rising Sun, it can all be had for 4,510,000 yen (just under $49k). But act quick, Subaru only plans to produce 400 examples when the S205 goes on sale today. Hit the jump for the press release.

PRESS RELEASE

STI to introduce the Subaru Impreza “R205″

Tokyo, January 7, 2010 – 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 with 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 steering 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 with 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 with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU (Engine Control Unit), and the sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. SI-DRIVE (SUBARU 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 with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for front brake
* “Brembo” 4-pot brake caliper with 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 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
* R205 exhaust pipe
* R205 twin scroll turbocharger with flexible type ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing
* R205 sport muffler with 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)

Major specifications:
Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
Displacement; 1,994 cc
Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
Maximum output; 235kW (320PS)/6,400 rpm
Maximum torque; 431Nm (44.0kg.m)/4,000 rpm -Overall length X width X height; 4,415 X 1,795 X 1,465 mm

[Source:Autoblog]

In news that will only shock those that haven’t been paying attention, Toyota has reportedly confirmed that if the market demands it, there will be a convertible version of the new FT-86. Though Toyota still hasn’t settled on a name for the upcoming budget rear-drive sports car, the announcement of a drop-top option lends a bit more credence to the rumor that the Celica nameplate might be brought back from the dead.

Now, the notion of a convertible Celica really shouldn’t shock anyone. However, what should shock you (at least a little) is the possibility of convertible Subaru. Because, besides a few one-offs and at least one was-never-going-to-see-the-light-of-day concept, Subaru has never built a convertible. And of course, this means that the very real possibility of an all-wheel drive, 300+ horsepower, 300+ lb-ft. of torque, six-speed manual Subaru roadster exists. Where do we sign up? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

Might Subaru’s Hybrid Tourer concept point the way forward to a revival of the iconoclastic SVX from the Nineties? According to AutoExpress, that’s a definite maybe. The British motoring mag suggests that the conceptual Hybrid Tourer that’s just about to get its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show is a harbinger for a range-topping luxury performance coupe from the Japanese automaker.

If true (and we’re not exactly holding our breath), the new coupe would slot well above the expected rear-wheel drive coupe that will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Toyota FT-86, possibly selling for twice the price of its lesser sibling. A turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine would provide motivation, though a hybrid model may also be possible.

[Source:AutoExpress]

Subaru has unveiled the all-new Legacy in JDM form, and on paper, it pretty much looks the same as the U.S.-spec car. The 2.5- and 3.6-liter boxer engines you’ll find underhood when the new Legacy arrives at your local Scooby store are now in the cars across the Pacific, replacing the 2.0-liter engines that motivated their predecessors. So, basically, not much new to see… unless you’re a wagon lover. How come? Well, in Japan, drivers can still opt for the standard Legacy Touring Wagon (with purple paint, even!) in addition to the jacked-up Outback. Sadly, here in the U.S., if you want the added utility, the Outback remains your only option. You can check out the new Legacy wagon in the gallery below, but if you want to buy one, you’re outta luck.

[Source:Autoblog]

Even though our lust for Japan’s forbidden fruit has been sated by three generations of the Subaru STI and Mitsubishi EVO – and now, the Nissan GT-R – one guilty pleasure is still out of reach. The Subaru Forester STI has always held a special place in our hearts, combining a healthy dose of practicality with a dash of rally-bred performance, and that’s carried over to the Forester XTI concept. Packing the WRX STI’s turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder putting out 315 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, a cat-back exhaust, reworked suspension, STI wheels and a deep red/black paint job, the Forester XTI is begging to go into production. Here’s hoping Subaru wises up and gives it the green light.

Joining the Forester on the show stand is a five-door 2009 WRX tweaked by Subaru Performance Tuning (left) with a cat-back exhaust, short-throw shifter, OZ Botticelli III 19-inch wheels, a lower chassis brace and strut tower brace. The 2.5-liter four has gotten a 10-hp boost in output (from 265 to 275 hp) and an additional seven lb-ft of torque, and sitting beside that guy is the STI that’s making its big screen debut in the next installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

[Source:Autoblog]

Our Parisian friends over at LeBlogAuto were on hand at the Motorsport Japan 2008 event in Tokyo this past weekend, where FHI unveiled an Impreza-based “concept” dubbed the Subaru WRX STI Takumi.

Featuring upgraded springs and shocks, revised suspension bits, lightweight 12-spoke wheels, undisclosed engine tweaks and a slightly reworked exterior, the Takumi foretells the future of the rumored Spec-C variant, due to hit the market sometime next year.

Subaru execs at the show remained mum on if when the Spec-C would debut, but the smart money is on the Tokyo Auto Salon this January.

[Source:Autoblog]

We’re going to play this little game again. Close your eyes and think “rally”. (Not picket lines and protest signs, but tail-sliding, dirt road heroics behind the wheel of turbocharged four-wheel-drive monsters.) Now what company comes to mind? If you’re a sentimentalist you might be thinking Audi or Lancia, but anybody who hasn’t been living in a cave for the last decade or so (with apologies to all our cave-dwelling readers) will almost invariably think of Subaru. Never mind that its WRC team hasn’t been doing that well recently: pumped up Imprezas like the WRX and STI are nearly synonymous with rallying. But now reports indicate that Subaru is considering confusing us by entering to World Touring Car Championship.

The news is sparked by a forthcoming arrangement between the WRC and the WTCC that could see them adopting a common set of rules, not unlike the more practical Super 2000 formula that has both rally and touring car series. Now we’re always encouraged by news of carmakers – especially ones with such well-established motorsport pedigrees – going racing, but we can’t help but wonder if Subaru’s venture onto paved tracks wouldn’t confuse the message and dilute its hard-earned brand identity. Conversely, the oil-ification of the WTCC could give Subaru a chance to prove its mettle with its new diesel engines. Either way, execs from Fuji Heavy and Subaru Tecnica International are expected to visit the touring car championship when it visits Japan on October 24 to scope it out.

Just because we love you, our loyal readers, ever so much, here’s a gallery of studio-quality, high-resolution images of Subaru’s current rally contender.

[Source:Autoblog]

The picture at right was taken a just a day after the rally legend was killed in a tragic helicopter crash near his home in Lanarkshire. Without prompting, rally fans from across the UK drove to Scotland to hold a memorial in the McRaes’ hometown, which quickly filled up with Subarus, most of them WR blue.

One year on, they’ve gotten organized. Next Saturday, August 30, Colin’s dad, Jimmy, will drive his son’s famous 555 Impreza out of Lanark and head for Prodrive’s factory in Banbury, southern England. By the time he reaches Birmingham he will have 700 Subarus in his mirrors forming an all-wheel-drive parade that’s expected to stretch over 10 miles. Then, on Sunday the 31st, another 600 scoobies are set to join the tailback as it heads to Prodrive’s test track in Warwickshire. Yep, that’s 1,300 cars in a 20 -plus-mile snake, powered by 5,200 horizontally opposed cylinders.

Although official entry to the event is now closed, organizers expect even more Subarus to show up on the day. Details of the route can be found at http://www.mcrae-gathering.co.uk/

[Source:Autoblog]

We reported last month that a senior exec over at Subaru was “looking into” the possibility of offering a diesel variant of the WRX. Today, Autocar is reporting a similar story, and as the saying goes, where there’s smoke… there must be a diesel.

Subaru has already unveiled the oil-burning version of its Legacy over in the UK, and Forester and Impreza versions are likely to hit sometime later this year in the same market. But Autocar’s Subie sources are saying that a high-output version is being developed that should make around 200 hp and some pretty prodigious torque.

Thankfully, Subaru is also working on modifying the 2.0L diesel boxer mill so it can be sold here in the States, and some version is expected to hit our shores sometime in the next two or three years.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Subaru has gained itself quite a cult following with performance Imprezas. Based on its victories in the World Rally Championship, the WRX and STi versions of the Impreza have been a big hit with the gonzo street-racer crowd. With the introduction of the latest STi, Subaru left a gaping hole between the mighty fast 224-hp WRX ($24,350) and the super-fast 305-hp WRX STi ($34,995). Since more customers will want to upgrade from the WRX than can afford the $10k+ leap to the STi, Subaru is reportedly considering slotting a new model in between the two, which could come in a little under $30k and offer about 265 horses under hood.

The report comes from our friends down under at Drive.co.au, who were speaking with Nick Senior of Subaru Australia. According to Senior, parent company Fuji Heavy Industries “has a fair bit on its plate” at the moment, alluding to the reported upcoming Celica which Subaru is developing with partner Toyota, so we shouldn’t expect a mid-level WRX anytime soon, but it is on Subaru’s radar screen for the future. Senior also said we can expect Subaru to churn out some special-editions, like a stripped-out STi track car, so stay tuned.

[Source: AutoBlog]