Supercars.net

Subaru has 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 320 HP plus a host of technical and visual upgrades.

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.

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. 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.

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. WR1's extra power and torque are achieved thanks to a revised engine control unit (ECU), high-flow catalyst and sports silencer.

Story by Subaru Limited, Edited by Supercars.net