Subaru S203

Polydor · Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:27 am Post subject: Subaru S203

Taken from the article....

http://www.subdriven.com/news/publish/Subaru_News/article_307.shtml

Subaru Technical International (Masaru Katsurada, CEO), a division of Subaru and Fuji Heavy Industries will release the latest version of their WRX STi, the S203, on January 11, 2005.

The S203is based on STi�s concept of a �global, pure sports sedan.� Using all the research gained from WRC competition, STi has built an Impreza WRX STi with better reflexes and even more comfort. The S203 is designed to be a joy to drive fast on any road, anywhere in the world.

The engine in the S203 brings with it even greater power compared to the WRX STi and this extra power is a result of a new, exclusive turbocharger, Sport ECU, balanced pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, and each engine is hand-assembled.

The S203 chassis uses exclusive 4-way adjustable struts and aluminum rear lateral links with pillow-block bushings as well as an exclusive rear stabilizer bar with special brackets. These new engine and suspension parts give the new S203 a feeling of high power and a solid, �stuck to the road surface� driving experience.

We have added special exterior touches that are designed to offer better appearance and greater function � a carbon fiber under tray front spoiler lip, a new 2-way adjustable rear wing, and 18-inch forged-aluminum BBS wheels.

We have equipped the interior with Recaro reclining front bucket sport seats covered in gray Alcantara material. With the S203, we have pursued building a sports sedan that not only offers first class performance and functionality, but also the feeling of high-class materials and true quality throughout.

SUMMARY OF EQUIPMENT

1. Engine :

- Improved for more power and torque by using S203-specific tuning equipment. Emphasis on strong, smooth torque band that extends into upper rpm range. Results are 320-hp and 422-nm of torque.

- Turbo is larger with has more blades and uses a ball-bearing turbine shaft. Turbine blades are re-shaped to provide less lag at low rpms and more power at high rpms.

- Engine management is provided by an all-new Sport ECU.

- New, flex-resistant silicone connectors are utilized for the intercooler and air intake side of the turbocharger. These provide better engine response under full boost as well as longer life.

- For better high-rpm rotation, smoothness, and longevity, pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft are balanced and each engine is hand-assembled.

- A new, higher-flowing and more efficient catalytic converter is utilized.

- A better flowing muffler is used to decrease exhaust resistance. It is made from titanium for a 5-kg weight savings.

- Engine uses an air-cooled engine oil cooler for increased engine longevity and performance under high stress driving conditions.

2. Chassis:

- Chassis is upgraded to match increase in engine performance. The excellent stability and handling of the regular STi is retained, yet we have added an amount of increased adaptability to comfortably handle any road condition, even winding roads with variable surfaces.

- Shocks are 4-way adjustable for damping, giving the ability to provide a comfortable ride in slow city driving as well as a firm and controlled ride for high speed driving.

- The adjustable shocks give the driver options for choosing different handling characteristics for different road conditions.

- Spring rates are increased 50% and the ride height has been reduced by 15mm. These changes provide quicker reflexes and more roll resistance.

- Increased handling stability and control are provided by new aluminum lateral link with pillow-block bushings.

- A thicker rear anti-roll bar with special brackets is used to offer better handling.

- We use Pirelli P-ZERO CORSA tires for excellent grip in dry and wet weather and also for longer life and better control.

- We�ve fit the S203 with 18-inch forged-aluminum BBS wheels that are 6-kg lighter than the 17-inch wheels found on the base model STi.

- Exclusive outer-ventilated brake rotors are used for increased brake-cooling and over all better braking efficiency.

3. Exterior/Interior:

- We�ve improved the function of the exterior and interior by pursuing the best and sportiest materials available.

- Straight-line high-speed stability is improved with a carbon fiber front lip spoiler that reduces front-end lift and keeps the tires better planted to the road surface.

- Attached under the front lip spoiler is a strip of rubber that additionally limits airflow under the body of the car and also minimizes damage to the spoiler should the front lip spoiler contact the road surface.

- An exclusive 2-way adjustable rear wing spoiler is used to reduce rear-end lift and to keep the tires better planted to the road surface.

- We have added special reclining Recaro front sport seats with gray Alcantara center surfaces to help keep driver and passenger firmly held in place during spirited driving. These seats are constructed with carbon fiber shells and therefore are lighter and stronger than the seats offered in the base STi.

- Gray Alcantara trim is used on door panels.

- The color black is used in the interior to convey a feeling of sportiness and consistency. Black floor mats are sued, and a black soft-feel coating is used on the center console, gauge pod, and side bench grille.

- Body colors are Crystal Gray metallic, Pure White, Solid Red, and WR Blue mica.

- S203s come with a silver mesh-type front grille.

- Equipped with S203 emblems, front and rear.

- Equipped with a 260 km/hr speedometer.

- Equipped with an aluminum shift boot trim ring with serial number.

4. Other Equipment:

- Driver-controlled center differential with auto-mode.

- Front helical limited-slip differential.

- Mechanical rear limited-slip differential.

- Rear anti-roll bar bracket with ball joint.

- Power steering oil cooler with cooling fins.

- HID low-beam lamps.

- Tinted windows.

- Heater controls with metallic ring.

- S203 plate and serial number for engine bay.

- Fog lamp covers with STi decals.

- Exclusive red hazard switch.

- Suede owner�s manual cover.

- Exclusive leather key chain with S203 serial number.

Subaru plans to offer a limited number of S203 Imprezas. The total production will 555 vehicles, and production will run from January 2005 to March 2005.

For more pics...see http://www.subdriven.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Automobiles/Impreza/Generation%203/STi%20203
Pricing (including sales tax) starts at 4,609,500 yen.

That's $271,857.60 TT before tax...duty and freight...

Where can I get one