Subaru announced the introduction of two new WRX models at the recent British Motor Show, with both of them fettled by Prodrive to produce more power. A third model, based on the WRX STI and boasting 275kW, was shown off in concept form, although word about town is that it’ll eventually make it into Subaru showrooms in the near future.

The WRX-S is the baby of the bunch, and features a mild 15kW boost in power to 188kW thanks to some ECU and exhaust changes. Torque is up to 390Nm, while the 0-96kph sprint time has been reduced to 5.5 seconds. Styling has also been greatly improved over the base model WRX the ‘S is based upon, with an STI-type front grille, chin spoiler and rear wing jazzing up the aesthetics.

Next up the food chain is the WRX STI 330S, with 243kW and 470Nm available from its 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer four. As with the WRX-S, Prodrive have fiddled with the ECU mapping and exhaust system of the STI in order to release an extra 30 metric horsepower. Not only have they managed to free up some ponies, but Prodrive’s 90mm dual-exhaust system has also restored the much-loved ‘boxer burble’ that was lost during the WRX’s transition from sedan to hatchback.

On the inside, the 330S gets leather-trimmed Recaro pews, sat-nav and the same keyless entry and push-button starter of the JDM STI.
245/40R18 tyres keep the 330S glued to the tarmac, while special-edition 5-spoke 18×8.5-inch alloy wheels connect the rubber to the car.

Last, but certainly not least, is the WRX STI 380S. It was only a concept at the show, however Subaru have made it known that if consumer demand is there, they will eventually make the 380S a production reality. Being a concept, specs on the 380S are still fairly hard to come by, but you can expect around 280kW from the Prodrive-tuned motor as well as a fully competition-ready suspension when (and if) the 380S makes it off the production line.

For more information on the WRX-S, WRX STI 330S and WRX STI 380S concept, check out the press release below.

Press Release

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HAT-TRICK FROM SUBARU

* Three new high-performance Special Edition Imprezas
* 255 PS Impreza WRX-S at £22,495 OTR
* 330 PS Impreza WRX STI 330S for around £30,000 OTR
* Ultimate 380 PS Impreza WRX STI 380S concept

Subaru has scored a high-performance hat-trick for the British International Motor Show with the launch of no less than three new Special Edition new-shape Impreza models – two of which can be seen at the show.

All receive Prodrive engine upgrades plus comfort and styling tweaks, giving enthusiasts an unprecedented choice of sporty Subarus.

The 255 PS Impreza WRX-S costs a highly-competitive £22,495 while the 330 PS Impreza WRX STI 330S will be priced at around £30,000 (both on-the-road). First deliveries are expected in September.

Still in concept stage is the 380 PS Impreza WRX STI 380S which could become available within the next six months pending positive customer response.

Visitors to the show (July 23 to August 3, ExCeL, London) can see both the STI 380S concept and the WRX-S on Subaru’s stand N23.

Impreza WRX-S Offers More Power And Style
Based on the new Impreza WRX, the ‘S’ model offers £4,500 worth of extras for a £2,500 premium, costing £22,495 OTR.

Banbury-based Prodrive has re-programmed the 2.5 litre ‘boxer’ engine’s ECU (electronic control unit) and modified the exhaust system. This sees power leap from 230 PS at 5,200 rpm to 255 PS at 5,400 rpm while the torque improvement is even greater, growing from 236 lb.ft at 2,800 rpm to 287.6 at 3,000 rpm – a staggering 51 lb. ft more.

Maximum speed remains at 130 mph but the 0-60 mph time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.5 seconds. Naturally, in-gear flexibility is greatly enhanced.

The new Impreza WRX-S also boasts 18×7.5 ins anthracite GT1 alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, an STI front grille, STI front lip spoiler and STI rear wing and body-colour tailgate moulding.

Also standard is a MOMO ‘Air-Race’ gearknob while the colour choice is between San Remo Red, WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black Pearl and Satin White Pearl.

Standard equipment on the Impreza 2.5 WRX-S includes front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, leather-covered steering wheel, all-wheel drive, a rear limited-slip differential with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, 10-speaker, six-disc radio/CD player and xenon headlamps.

Impreza WRX STI 330S Brings Back The Burble
The new Impreza WRX STI 330S also benefits from a Prodrive Performance pack with modified ECU and exhaust system – this time with paired twin 90 mm diameter stainless steel exhaust pipes to bring back the burble so loved by ’scooby’ fans.

Power goes up to 330 PS at only 5,400 rpm compared to the 300.5 PS at 6,000 rpm of the standard model.

Torque is boosted from 300.2 lb ft at 4,000 rpm to 346.6 lb ft at a lower 3,400 rpm making for an even swifter, effortless driving experience.

Top speed is the same 155.3 mph but the 0-60 mph time drops from an already swift 4.8 seconds to only 4.4 seconds.

Expected to be priced at around £30,000 OTR, the new Impreza WRX STI 330S has an especially luxurious specification – even compared to the already well-equipped standard STI which costs £26,595 OTR.

Upgrades include leather-covered Recaro front seats, satellite navigation, Smart-entry and push-button start.

Visually, the new special-edition sports new five-spoke 18×8.5 ins alloy wheels wearing 245/40 R18 tyres. It will be available in the full range of STI colours.

Standard equipment on the Impreza WRX STI includes a six-speed gearbox, Si-Drive giving three different engine response modes, a Multi-mode Driver Control Centre Differential, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and – of course – symmetrical all-wheel drive with front and rear limited-slip differentials.

Show-Stopping WRX STI 380S Concept
Sure to be a crowd-puller is Subaru’s range-topping special edition Impreza WRX STI 380S which previews at the London International Motor Show.

Dubbed a concept, the STI 380S could reach dealers within six months pending positive response. Its final specification will be finalised following customer input and will be hand-built to order.

The STI 380S will include a complete engine rebuild by Prodrive with many up-rated components to reliably achieve the ta
rget 380 PS.

Improvements over the standard Impreza WRX STI will include uprated suspension and exhaust system plus an enhanced body kit.

Other visual changes will be the option of either gold or silver-coloured 18×8.5 ins BBS alloy wheels with 245/40 tyres.

[Source: Subaru, via Japan Car Blog]
[Images: Carscoop]