Cheaper WRX STi for 2010

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-special-edition-los-angeles-pricing/ said: So often, the tag of "Special Edition" comes with a not-so-special price increase. Fortunately for Subaru fans, the newly-introduced Impreza WRX STI Special Edition is actually less costly. At $32,995 it's actually $2,000 cheaper than the base price of the standard STI. Of course, buyers of the Special Edition will have to go without certain features, namely HID headlights, premium audio, and automatic climate control. It's not just a de-contented package, though, as the car also comes with the suspension from the spec C model in Japan that includes a thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer bushings and stiffer springs. Initially, each car will be painted in Aspen white with the charcoal-colored 14-spoke wheels also cribbed from the spec C. Just 125 examples will be built in the first quarter of 2010, although Subaru says that more will be available later in the year in additional colors. High-res gallery below, pricing press release available after the jump. Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition model at $32,995 plus $695 D&D. The new model is priced $2,000 lower than the base price of the 2010 WRX STI and will be limited in production. The vehicle features an upgraded performance suspension from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C and spec C wheels. The 2010 WRX STI Special Edition is aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance over the already extraordinary WRX STI. Suspension for the new version of this high-performance machine is adopted from the Japanese domestic market WRX STI spec C model, which adds a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear sub-frame bushings plus upgraded springs. The front springs are 16-percent stiffer, while the rear springs have been stiffened by 29-percent. Available in early spring, only 125 units of the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition will be painted in exclusive Aspen White. The WRX STI Special Edition will also be available in Obsidian Black Pearl, WR Blue Mica and Dark Gray Metallic colors. All models will be set off by the charcoal-colored 18 x 8.5 in. 14-spoke alloy wheels from the JDM WRX STI spec C. The WRX STI Special Edition was developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Compared with the standard 2010 WRX STI, the WRX STI Special Edition features halogen rather than HID headlights; a single-disc CD player / 4-speaker audio system instead of the 6-CD / 10-speaker system; manual air conditioning in place of automatic climate control, and side mirrors without integrated signals. All other aspects of the WRX STI Special Edition remain as on the standard model, including the 305-horsepower / 290 lb.-ft. 2.5-liter intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, 6-speed manual transmission and a high level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control systems. The car's bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects give the WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional. The Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI, offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential locking settings. The WRX STI is in addition equipped with limited-slip front and rear differentials. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system features three driver-selectable positions. On all WRX STI models, the 18-in. wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 Summer performance tires. The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Side-curtain airbags and front seat side airbags are standard. The Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

cool, now you can buy an STi and still have a GRM challenge car left over!

My thoughts exactly.

Gosh, the things we do without. I don't have "automatic climate control" on my current car. I don't think I'd miss it on that Subaru.

Why did I read the title as $2010?

$2K cheaper? Mommy and Daddy will like that.

Seriously...everyone I see driving one of these cars looks barely out of high school. Where do all these kids get $35k for a car?

Thats cool its a cheaper stripped out version with upgraded suspension. Just what the enthusiast wants right?

^^^yep. all i read in that release is good...good...good. lighter, stiffer, cheaper. too bad the wheels aren't wider. 18x9s would be nice.

unfortinatly they will probably only sell 2

In reply to Capt Slow:

Or mark up the price above MSRP since it's a special edition

We are lobbying for two already (We sell ScoodyRoos too).

Yay Subaru! If I got one, I'd put Club Sport graphics down the side

Sounds pretty neat, although it's interesting that a feature is the 1 mm thicker roll bar. Wow! 1 mm. How cool is that?

I'd like to see more companies sell their high performance models without the high dollar nonsense. I'm thinking M3 or 1 series, Z or Vette without the extras. I could even live with roll up windows, manual door locks and manual seats. I had a squeeze bulb window washer in my '66 VW bus. Cheap but effective. Of course the heater never worked.

miwifri wrote: I'd like to see more companies sell their high performance models without the high dollar nonsense. I'm thinking M3 or 1 series, Z or Vette without the extras. I could even live with roll up windows, manual door locks and manual seats. I had a squeeze bulb window washer in my '66 VW bus. Cheap but effective. Of course the heater never worked.

if you're lucky they disabled the heater, i heard somewheres that the heater boxes rusted out and would pump exhaust into the cabin.

A step in the right direction, but IMO a $33k car should have HID lights and climate control and stuff like that. At least they aren't like Porsche and BMW where the car with less options goes for more than the standard model.

It's not like HID lights, climate control, and premium audio add any weight. I'd pay an extra $2k to have that stuff along with the upgraded suspension and stuff from the special edition.

kreb wrote: Sounds pretty neat, although it's interesting that a feature is the 1 mm thicker roll bar. Wow! 1 mm. How cool is that?

Remember that sway bar stiffness goes up with the change in diameter to the fourth power. I don't know how big the stock bar is on an STi, but 1mm can be a significant difference.

Tyler H wrote: Seriously...everyone I see driving one of these cars looks barely out of high school. Where do all these kids get $35k for a car?

Of the 12 kids I know about my age with cars like that:

(5) Daddy buys it
(3) Loans out their shinyhappyperson
(2) Daddy buys it as a fun car for him, realizes he doesn't like to shift
(1) Inheritance
(1) Worked his ass off, and actually made the money

Removing the HID's is ridiculous. I doubt the other stuff saves any weight or really costs Subaru any less money.

Tyler H wrote: $2K cheaper? Mommy and Daddy will like that. Seriously...everyone I see driving one of these cars looks barely out of high school. Where do all these kids get $35k for a car?

my first car was an AW11 Supercharged MR2 i bought myself for $500, coolest car ever! That was highschool...

So they are making 125 of these cars for the entire country. Either they will sell out quickly and people will pay over the MSRP for the 'priveledge' or they will be hard to sell.

The spec sheet sounds great, but when it comes down to it IF I were looking at spending over $30k for a new fun daily driver (that's a big if) not sure I would want to pay that much to get less features. Of course, if I were going to spend that much on a new car I'm not sure I would buy an STI.

These cars (and Evo's) seem to be aimed at the very people who cannot afford them. (15-20 year old males).

I think they'll sell well. HID headlights? Automatic climate control? Premium sound? Who cares! It's $2000 for more performance. This is the STi market, not the Camry market. Heck, I'd take $2000 off to delete the useless toys even if the car was otherwise the same.

I think its still too expensive for the car it is.

Tyler H wrote: $2K cheaper? Mommy and Daddy will like that. Seriously...everyone I see driving one of these cars looks barely out of high school. Where do all these kids get $35k for a car?

those of us who pay for our own cars just get the WRX, which these days is damn near as quick...and still comes in a sedan :)

TJ wrote: So they are making 125 of these cars for the entire country. Either they will sell out quickly and people will pay over the MSRP for the 'priveledge' or they will be hard to sell. The spec sheet sounds great, but when it comes down to it IF I were looking at spending over $30k for a new fun daily driver (that's a big if) not sure I would want to pay that much to get less features. Of course, if I were going to spend that much on a new car I'm not sure I would buy an STI. These cars (and Evo's) seem to be aimed at the very people who cannot afford them. (15-20 year old males).

No, the initial run of white is 125 units. From what I understand the total build will depend on interest, but an uneducated guess will be 2500