Subaru has made an early 2007 impact with the launch of a tuned by STI limited edition version of its popular Impreza WRX.

Priced at $46,990 the Impreza WRX tuned by STI includes more than $12,000 worth of extra equipment for only $7000 more than the standard Impreza WRX.

Enhancements include a tuned Engine Control Unit (ECU), Pirelli tyres, Enkei alloy wheels, leather trim and sunroof.

Improved engine performance has been achieved by recalibration of the ECU and is combined with a low back pressure exhaust muffler.

Peak power is up 10 kilowatts to179kW, while throttle and torque response is significantly enhanced with torque up 20 Newtonmetres to 340Nm, peaking at 3200rpm.

The combination of a more linear throttle output and improved torque curve means the Impreza WRX tuned by STI is very responsive - this was a project priority for Fuji Heavy Industries’ Subaru Tecnica International (STI) engineers.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: “This locally tuned variant has put a priority on low down engine performance.

“We’ve used specialised STI engine tuners from FHI to tailor this car to suit Australian conditions and provide an exhilarating, high performance package.”

The addition of genuine STI sports parts including sports suspension, lowered springs, tuned struts, larger front stabiliser bar, more effective rear stabiliser bar mounting and pilot ball rear suspension arms results in sharp, responsive handling.

Lightweight 18-inch STI Enkei alloy wheels with wider Pirelli P-Zero Nero tyres complete the handling upgrade.

Aerodynamics are improved with the addition of an STI front lip spoiler which reduces lift and drag.

Combined, the technical and aerodynamic enhancements make this car significantly more aggressive than a standard Impreza WRX.

Interior upgrades include leather trim, aluminium gear knob and short shift gear linkage to significantly improved gear shifting.

A factory fitted electric sunroof continues the premium interior appointments.

All vehicles feature specially designed, individually numbered “tuned by STI” badges.

Available as a manual sedan in WR Blue with shadow chrome wheels, or Obsidian Black with charcoal wheels, only 200 are being built.