Special edition Subaru vehicles are somewhat common everywhere in the world but America. The U.K. has the WR1 and Litchfield Imports Type 25 and Japan has the Tommy Kaira M20b-2.2. Easy Street Motorsports plans to put its special edition stamp on the STi by using its status as a race team backed by Subaru North America and Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT). Together, they plan to bring their technical experience to the street with the Afshar Signature Series ESX/STi.
With Shelby, Saleen and Roush serving as inspiration, Easy Street Motorsports and its owner Ali Afshar set out to take an already world class sports car that is the Subaru STi and turn up the volume of all aspects of the driving experience.
Furthermore, the goal is to do so with full warranty coverage and 50-state legal status. "Basically, the Afshar Signature Series ESX/STi can sweep you down the quarter mile in less than 12.2 seconds and still carry your family to the grocery store," says Afshar. "It's a subtle, young and moderately dressed Porsche killer."
The biggest Easy Street tie-in is the STi's color scheme, which features bright red bodywork with white racing stripes; the same scheme Ali runs on his Sport RWD drag car.
The prototype pictured here was purpose-built to be featured in the Disney film "Herbie," slated for a Summer 2005 release, starring Lindsay Lohan, Matt Dillon and Michael Keaton. "Whether or not our ESX will be released on the big screen or end up on the cutting room floor, we will be releasing our limited-edition ESX on enthusiasts in early 2005," says Afshar. The plan currently calls for an initial run of 40 cars, badged, serial numbered and signed like other custom-manufactured models. An Afshar Signature Series ESX/STi can be ordered through select dealers nationwide. Current STi owners can have the conversion performed at Easy Street Motorsports.
This prototype is still under construction and should be completed by the time this magazine hits the stands. Completion will consist of additional components that are not yet on the vehicle and most importantly ... the aforementioned smog-legal certification.
"We have been trying very vigorously to make sure our ESX/STi meets all 50-state smog certification programs," says Afshar. "I think it's about time someone can get a built and/or boosted Subaru and not have to worry about it passing smog or breaking down. We have had great success in reliability and it's now time for us to offer something the whole Subaru community has been without; a full warranty and smog certification."
Beyond the eye-popping sheetmetal, the beauty of this package is that you get a car with perfectly matched, strip-proven power parts, a precision pre-tuned ECU controlling said parts and subtle touches that add more than a hint of exclusivity and status.
The sticker price of the Afshar Signature Series ESX/STi should start in the mid $40,000 to low $50,000 range. That's a lot of boost for the buck.
Specifications
Afshar Signature Series ESX/STi
Exterior
Bright red with white racing stripes. (The one pictured is the prototype with vinyl graphics. However, the 40 will have these stripes painted on.)
Custom mesh grilles
ESX badging
Interior
Red & black interior scheme
Dark-colored carpet (instead of blue)
ESX floor mats & custom embroidery (not pictured)
Boost and exhaust gas temp gauges in a clean dash bezel.Short-throw shifter
ESX fender/trunk badging
Audio/Navigation
A complete touch screen navigation, CD and DVD player are standard equipment.
Performance
425 engine horsepower
ESX/STi Stage IV performance package
Enhanced turbo
Upgraded intercooler
High-flow exhaust system
Fuel system upgrade
Enhanced air delivery
Enhanced engine cooling
Custom ESX/Ecutek ECU tuning
Suspension/Wheels/Tires
ESX by Arceo mesh 18-inch wheels (not pictured on car),
possibly an option.
BFGoodrich G-Force KDW tires (not pictured)
ESX color coated & badged front/rear brake calipers
Cross drilled rotors
Stainless-steel brake lines