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SUBARU LAUNCHES ‘DISCREET’
IMPREZA STI |
Subaru has chosen the ‘Autosport International Show’ to
unveil a new, ‘discreet’ high-performance Impreza for those wishing to combine
blistering performance with restrained exterior styling.
Called appropriately, Impreza WRX STI spec.D (for discreet),
the new car can be seen on Subaru Stand 734 at the show – open from 12-15
January at Birmingham’s NEC.
Based on the latest facelifted ’06 MY Impreza and featuring a
new 281 PS 2.5 litre turbocharged ‘boxer’ engine coupled with symmetrical
all-wheel drive, the new model will be available from March priced at £28,495
on-the-road.
Its unique features include a smaller rear boot spoiler,
removal of the rear window roof vane, silver instead of gold 17 ins alloy
wheels, black leather interior, black instead of blue carpet, extra
sound-deadening, front projector foglamps and ‘Prodrive’ lower front grille.
Only available in Crystal Grey metallic, the new Impreza WRX
STI spec.D also boasts luxury equipment comprising a ‘SmartNav’ satellite
navigation system with ‘Touch Screen’ plus free 12 months’ ‘TrackStar’ and
‘SmartNav’ membership and one month’s ‘SafeSpeed’ subscription.
Also standard is an
upgraded 200 watt audio system featuring a Pioneer DEH-P70BT high-quality unit
with CD and MP3 compatibility, integrated ‘Bluetooth’ hands-free kit plus RDS
and ‘iPod’ adaptor
With its new, low
centre-of-gravity 281 PS horizontally-opposed engine, the latest STI has a 158.4
mph top speed and 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds.
The revised symmetrical all-wheel drive system has both front
and rear limited-slip differentials plus yaw-rate sensors for even greater
roadholding and interactive handling.
A new, improved version of the Driver’s Control Centre
Differential (DCCD), allows the driver to control the vehicle dynamics more
precisely.
Other STI features include a six-speed gearbox – now with a
slicker shift – and a switch to spray the intercooler with water to retain power
during high temperature/
altitude driving. Drivers can also preset a warning buzzer
and light to guard against over-revving the engine.
Managing Director of Subaru (UK) Limited, Peter Kinnaird –
the man behind the spec.D project – said: “This car is a steel fist in a velvet
glove, offering all the thrills of the regular Impreza STI but not shouting
about its abilities.
“There will always be a strong, enthusiastic following for
our more extrovert performance models but this new version will appeal to
customers wishing to remain low-profile while enjoying their driving.”
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