Everyone knows that Subaru's Impreza WRX STi has been a celebrated World Rally Championship winner on and off since its debut in 1992 at the hands of greats like Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg. The car's reliability, its all wheel drive system, and near bullet proof EJ flat four power plant allow the former coupe, now 4-door saloon and hatch-back, to be easily driven flat out on any winding road on any given surface.

  Now, any Subaru enthusiast knows that the company has tendancy to produce limited editions of its STi and WRX Impreza rally-bred rockets at any given time. Unfortunately, if you live in the US you saw the likes of none of these. However, if you live in the UK well then you were graced with the likes of Prodrive's P1, the Richard Burns RB5 and RB320, the Series McRae, the Impreza Catalunya, and Petter Solberg's WR1. Well if you still live in the UK, and you're still in love with the company that made blue and gold a fashion statement, you're in luck. Behold the Subaru Impreza WRX-S and the STI330-S. 

Sporting big 18" allow wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero "Nero" 225/40 ZR rubber, STI front and rear spoilers, STI grille, and a Prodrive exhaust system, the WRX-S; though quite the head turner, is still a little brother trying to wear his big brother's clothes. The interior is nearly unchanged saved for branded floor mats and an aluminum Momo gear shift knob.

With a Prodrive Performance Package, the WRX-S gets a slight bump in overall horsepower; from 226.9 hp to 251.5 and a torque increase from 236 lb/ft to 287.6lb/ft. With near STI like numbers, Prodrive, who were consultants in the manufacture of both cars, says that the car gains better steering response and sharper turn in.  The question stands though, "How much will it cost?" and better yet "Will it make a US appearance?" To the first, good question, as of right now there's been no MSRP posted . . . at all. And as for it hitting the US market- Keep dreaming.

  The STI330-S (What the 330 stands for is anyone's guess, but who cares we aren't going to get it anyway) is an interesting piece of kit. Outwardly it has the same appearance as an STI, same grill, same hood, same bumpers, side skirts and spoiler. It looks entirely unchanged . . . or does it? Well you're right to a degree. The only thing that separates this STI from any other STI is that it has badging that say's "I am more than an STI. I am an STI330-S, and I have bizarre looking 5-spoke 18" alloy wheels." 18" allow wheels wrapped in . . . [fingertip drum-roll] . . . unknown tires.

  Inside, the 330-S features Recaro seats covered in both leather and alcantara, a push-button ignition, DVD SAT-NAV, and a 10 speaker audio system.That's about when I realised that this car is a pretentious phony. STI's aren't luxury cars they're supposed to be fear-less angry surface attackers.  This car wants very badly to be a BMW. And when shod in any one of its 5 exterior color options, the car screams out to the world, "Look at me!!! I'm quirky and clever! Behold my luxurious accommodations!"

   However, it does have an edge above its normal rally inspired brother, it was also blessed with a Prodrive Performance Package. The car received a horsepower bump from 295.9 to 325.5, and a torque increase from 300.2 lb/ft to 346.7 lb/ft. All of this exiting out a very large Prodrive quad exhaust. Meaning, it goes like stink, and costs an unknown price . . .

  Unfortunately though if I wanted a luxury performance car, I'd have a BMW or an Audi. Simply because they're cars that know what they are, and don't try to be otherwise. It's understandable that Subaru is trying to expand its customer base, but do they really need to try that hard?

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