In reaction to those who deemed the previous generation of Imprezas as "bugeye", "peanut eye", or absolutely hideous, Subaru unveiled a bold new direction for 2006. The latest edition of the WRC-developed stomper debuted with a triple-section grille that represents the cross-section of an airplane (the historical background of parent company Fuji Heavy Industries) and a pair of headlights that looks strangely similar to BMW's latest designs.
Luckily for all of us speed-chasing rally wannabes, what didn't change was the heart and soul of the WRX. Turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine that rumbles as only a Subaru can? Still present. Confidence inspiring all-wheel-drive system? Check. Six-speed transmission with electronic driver controlled center differential? Here to stay. In fact, the biggest change for the Impreza WRX STi, besides looks, is the revised aerodynamics of the new body.
Blitz, the aftermarket manufacturer extraordinaire, is quite familiar with the WRX STi model. Just take a look at the Turbo June 2005 cover car, the Blitz twin-turbo STi. Featuring two K3-330R turbos and a beautifully fabricated maze of plumbing, the Tokyo Auto Salon demo car shamed Skyline GT-Rs, Lancer Evolutions and Silvias in the quest to garner stare after stare.
Built more for the street than the shows, this 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C has been tuned by Blitz with all the tricks and research data compiled from past projects. The Spec C moniker denotes that this STi was born as the fastest, most hardcore vehicle that Subaru produces. Race ready, the Spec C carries less weight, larger coolers and extra chassis reinforcement over the standard STi model. STi Spec C models can be easily spotted by their roof scoops and dark interior fabric, neither of which is available with the standard STi. Before you run down to your local Subie dealer with cash in hand keep this in mind: the Spec C is a JDM model only and will probably never be sold here in the US. Yup, we got screwed again.
Although USDM STi models use a large 2.5-liter engine, Japanese STis continue to use the high-revving 2.0-liter EJ207 motor. Completely different than the open-deck 2.0-liter engines found in standard '02-'05 USDM WRXs, the JDM EJ207 features a twin-scroll turbo, AVCS, a semi-closed deck design and a higher 8,000 rpm redline. The stock output for the JDM STi is rated at 276 hp at 6400 rpm and 311 lb-ft at 4400 rpm.
When beginning development on this Spec C, the first thing Blitz did was to rip out the stock turbo system. Boost is now fed by a Blitz K3-450R #8 turbocharger kit. Featuring a turbo developed with KKK Turbo of Germany, the prototype kit includes the up-pipe, downpipe, Blitz D47D wastegate and all required fittings. The stock intake tube has been retained by Blitz and is fit with a Sonic Power Air Cleaner intake system.