Wednesday 7th November 2018

Subaru teases limited-run 'TC380' WRX STI

A 380hp factory special, 25 years after the Impreza first emerged? Consider us interested!

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Whether RB5, P1, 22B, WR1 or RA-R, special Subaru STIs always tend to have about 300hp. Some have a bit less, some have a bit more, but the consistency of Subaru power since the turn of the millennium has been remarkable. Some have used it to suggest the car hasn't evolved far enough, while others believe that the car perfectly suits that amount of performance. Point is that whatever tweaks might be thrown at a limited edition Subaru saloon in the 21st century, and it feels like there have been plenty, it's always going to have about 300hp.

Until now, that is. Because first details have emerged of an STI TC380 which, as you might have guessed, makes 380hp. Developed with Japanese rally driver Toshihiro Arai, the car is said to benefit from a new HKS turbo, cat and intake arrangement. That's in addition to a chassis brace, some carbon body bits and new Recaro seats.

All very promising, apart from just a couple of things. One being the lack of any further additional information or pictures at the moment. The other being a very limited run of just 50 cars, created solely for the Japanese market. Again. Orders are apparently open now, the TC380 priced at 4,965,840 yen, or about £33,500. Doesn't sound like very much for what should be the fastest NotImpreza yet. More details to follow as they're available, or have a look in the classifieds for a slightly more accessible fix of JDM Subaru silliness...

[wab172uk]

Just a shame there isn't an all new Impreza. One that is actually nice to look at. Then give it 380bhp and take the fight back to VW / Audi / Merc etc.

I actually liked the look of the previous gen Impreza. The one that became a Saloon from the hatchback. But the rear wing should have been standard. It was only that fact that the 2.5 engine was made of chocolate that I didn't even consider one.

[big_rob_sydney]

Out of the two cars pictured, I'd rather have the 22B thanks.

[redroadster]

Make it a hatch for 30 grand and would give the GTi brigade a headache ,last one looked beefy with flared arches read somewhere this might be happening price not confirmed though .

[Striple]

what does the TC bit stand for? touring car??

[Cambs_Stuart]

+1 for the 22b.
As for the New notimpreza I'd love one. As long as it hasn't got the 2.5.

[mrbarnett]

redroadster said:

Make it a hatch for 30 grand and would give the GTi brigade a headache ,last one looked beefy with flared arches read somewhere this might be happening price not confirmed though .

Arguably the Impreza lost its mojo the moment it became a hatch the last time around. The more recent WRX STi was a return to form (in both senses of the term).

[rossub]

Could have been oh so different if EU emission regs hadn't killed off the 2 litre EJ20. I'd happily have the UK hatch as a daily if it weren't for the 2.5 under the bonnet.

Happily the Jap market got to keep it though and this one will be the same.

[anonymous-user]

big_rob_sydney said:

Out of the two cars pictured, I'd rather have the 22B thanks.

Obviously!

I swapped my STI RA V6 for a g50 gearbox... Doh!

[AWG]

I do love a new Subaru but seriously

I know the 'Final Edition' at 150 units was for UK market and this is JDM but when a manufacturer says this will be the last one I can't help but wonder these days if it truly is...

[rossub]

AWG said:

I do love a new Subaru but seriously

I know the 'Final Edition' at 150 units was for UK market and this is JDM but when a manufacturer says this will be the last one I can't help but wonder these days if it truly is...

They haven’t ended production in Japan and as far as I know have no plans to do so.....

[C7 JFW]

I’d like a parts list to upgrade my 2016 STI.

I’d also like to know if it retains an air box, rather than using a cone filter.