The Subaru WRX STI Special Edition: More Sport and a Lower Price to Boost

It is not common for
a car to get sportier
and less expensive at
the same time! How-
ever, the 2011 Subaru
WRX STI Special
Edition does just that.

This Subaru costs
$32,995 and the stan-
dard STI costs $35,995.

What makes the Special
Edition outperform the
regular STI? The Special

Edition is equipped with suspension taken from the Japanese spec-C model,
which includes its shocks and springs and stiffer rear subframe bushings.
The springs lower the car by 1 millimeter and they are stiffer by 16 percent
in the front and 29 percent at the rear. The rear also has a 1 mm larger anti
roll-bar. These hardware improvements add up to better handling and
increased fun making the Special Edition rocket around the track.

The WRX STI is equipped with a 305 hp 2.5-liter flat four turbo engine.
Additionally, the car has large disc brakes at all four corners. Thus, the
brakes do not fade when working hard at the track.

On the inside, the WRX STI Special Edition is fairly spacious and comfortable.
And with its hatchback design, it accepts and carries cargo with ease.

So how did Subaru make the car perform better and reduce the price?
Well, the automaker eliminated the navigation system, the HID headlamps
and the front fog lights. Additionally, the 6-disc stereo has been eliminated
for a simple 1-disc unit. Last, but not least, the automatic control climate
system has been replaced by a manually operated air conditioning system.

Subaru believes that buyers can do without these additional cost parts
that do not make the car any sportier. Indeed, more automakers need
to consider 'lightening' things up and reducing some of their cars' costs.

The first 125 Subaru WRX STIs will be sold in Aspen White. Then the
Special Edition, which is distinguishable by its 14-spoke spec C wheels
and body color mirrors, will be available in Subaru's customary STI colors.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming STI sedan, which is based
on the new wide-body WRX that made its debut at the recent New York
Auto Show.

Getting something more for less money - it is indeed a breath of fresh
automotive air!

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.