[V70R]

Another variation on the Impreza theme - this time with 310bhp

Last week Subaru unveiled a special edition Impreza WRX STi to celebrate
Petter Solberg winning the Driver’s Title in the 2003 World Rally
Championship.

On sale in the spring and limited to 500 units, the ‘WR1’ – as it will be
called – will feature a power upgrade to around 310bhp plus a host of
technical and visual changes.

For example, the Impreza ‘WR1’ will feature a driver’s control centre-
differential (DCCD) via a switch mounted next to the handbrake.

It means the torque distribution between front and rear wheels can be
manually selected. This allows the choice, for example, between a sharper
cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running. The system
defaults to ‘automatic’ mode whenever the ignition is restarted.

Also new for the ‘WR1’ are special, Prodrive-developed uprated springs
and bump-stops with a 25 mm lower ride-height.

Other handling-enhancing features include 18 ins diameter P-FF7 (Prodrive
Flow Forming seven-spoke) alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero tyres.

Externally, the new ‘WR1’ will be instantly recognisable thanks to its
new Ice Blue Metallic paint plus driving lamps and a stainless steel mesh
grille.

Interior changes include anthracite instead of blue suede-effect seats, a
special gear knob, imaged carpet mats and a numbered tax disc holder.

Shared features with all Impreza WRX STi’s range from a six-speed gearbox
to Brembo brakes and front and rear ‘Suretrac’ differentials.

The new Subaru Impreza STi ‘WR1’ will enter dealer showrooms in April