Subaru New Zealand has announced it will mark the end of the line for the current WRX with not one, but two new special editions.
The first is the final run of cars in the batches of powered-up specials it has been doing for the last year and a half, starting with the black Ace of Spades. This was followed by the orange Crouching Tiger, the white Blizzard and finally the blue Nemesis.
All the special edition cars featured broadly the same specs, with a power increase to 211kW and torque of 370Nm, as well as a range of STi mods, like strut braces, spoilers and body trim.
The latest limited run of only six cars will be called the N1WRC in a tribute to the Impreza Colin McRae drove in several rounds of the 1996 WRC that bore that on its number plate.
McRae’s WRX bearing the N1WRC number plate won the Acropolis, San Remo and Spanish rounds of the series and finished third on the Swedish Rally.
“These limited edition have reinvigorated our WRX sales,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand.
“They offer more performance potential than a standard WRX and a longer list of standard features and equipment at a value for money price. This model in particular will have a special meaning for those driving enthusiasts that have respect for the heritage that surrounds Subaru and the World Rally Championship.”
The N1WRC comes in WRC blue paintwork is offset by traditional gold 17 inch alloy wheels as used by the rally team with blue side mirrors and STi boot lid spoiler. It will also features up-rated STI springs, lowering the car by 20mm., as well as a STi strut tower brace.
Inside, the N1WRC scores Recaro sports seat with blue Alcantara trim and leather upholstery with a unique “WRX” motif stitched into the seats, and a leather covered steering wheel and alloy sports pedals.
The N1WRC will sell for $54,990, while the entry level WRX is $49,990 and the STI is still available from $69,990.
Subaru has also given the entry WRX a boost for the last time before it is replaced by an all-new model.
Called the “Version Z”, it will come standard with the 17-inch black alloy wheels, STi rear spoiler and full leather upholstery that have featured on the range of special editions mentioned earlier.
Still priced at $49,990 the Version Z retains the standard level of WRX tune – with 195kW of power and 343Nm of torque – and is available in the full range of WRX colours.
Wallis Dumper, Managing Director of Subaru said, “For those drivers, who prefer well refined product, there can be no misunderstanding about what great value these 2014 WRX models present. WRX Version Z may well become one of those special models enthusiast drivers covet as they truly are, the end of an era.”
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