This one Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C which is on sale stands out for several reasons, either because it is a special and more focused version — exclusive to the Japanese market — or because it comes equipped with… iron wheels, not very elegant and heavy. Weird is not it?
Compared to a conventional Impreza WRX STi, the Spec C stood out for being 90 kg lighter, with a suspension with different adjustments, stronger brakes and some modifications to its boxer 2.0 l turbo engine, 280 hp.
Justified modifications to make it more fit for competition, the reason for its existence, being a genuine homologation special, in this case, prepared to compete in Group N (Production). But when it was made known to the world, it came equipped with 17″ alloy wheels, in gold or silver.
Objective: compete
It is this purpose in competing that ends up justifying the presence of the iron wheels in this unit.
These were part of an optional competition package for the Impreza WRX STi Spec C, suitable for those who were going to effectively compete or race the car.
When opting for this package, a series of equipment/components such as air conditioning, electric windows, ABS and even sound insulation were removed. In addition, the trunk lid was exchanged for a lighter one, in aluminum, as well as the windows were exchanged for thinner and lighter ones.
And, of course, the alloy wheels were exchanged for iron ones, like the ones we see in the example in question.
The objective on the part of Subaru was precisely to allow the competition teams that the entire transformation and change from the road car to a rally car was an easier and less expensive process.
Thus, the Impreza WRX STi Spec C was in the “point” so that only the mandatory equipment for the competition, such as a roll cage, could be installed. Iron wheels would also be quickly replaced by competition-specific ones.
It's on sale
This rare Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C with competition package is on sale in Solihull, UK for around £29,000 (around €34,000).
It was recently imported from Japan and has 60,000 kilometers. Having been a special series exclusively for the domestic market, the steering wheel is on the right side.