Subaru will showcase several custom cars on its display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week. Among the cars will be record-setting pro rally WRX STIs, all-new 2012 Imprezas showing off dealer-installed accessories, and some Subies tuned by the aftermarket.
Mark Higgins’ WRX STI
Mark Higgins set the fastest lap time around the Isle of Man in a production U.S.-spec WRX STI with the stock 305-horsepower boxer four cylinder with speed limiter removed. Now, that car makes its way to the SEMA show floor. Other than a slew of race safety mods (Lifeline fire suppression system; Hockley Motorsports roll cage, motordrive competition seats), upgraded brake pads (from Mintex), open exhaust, retuned springs and dampers (necessary for numerous high-speed jumps), and street legal Pirelli® P Zero Trofeo tires, the car was essentially stock.
Subaru Rally Team USA Driver David Higgins’ Rally America Championship WRX STI
The car David Higgins won the 2011 Rally America Championship in will join his brother’s Isle of Man record-setting WRX STI on Subaru’s SEMA stand. Higgins took three first place wins and two second place wins during the 2011 season. The car also set the new record at the Mount Washington Hillclimb earlier this year. This car features major modifications to key systems including suspension, wheels and tires, brakes, drivetrain, interior and exterior. The car has been stripped of any nonessential parts and fitted with go-fast engine goodies and aerodynamic upgrades.
Subaru Performance Tuning 2012 WRX STI 4-door
The Subaru Performance Tuning 2012 WRX STI sedan features accessories from Subaru’s in-house performance tuning division SPT. Most options are cosmetic (SPT billet oil cap; carbon fiber trim on B-pillar, trunk, side sill plates; and exhaust finisher). The car rolls on 19-inch 19 X 8.5″ Volk Racing G12 wheels wrapped in Yokohama® ADVAN Sport 255/35/R19 tires. SPT provides strut tower and lower chassis braces that tighten up the chassis to maximize the potential of the Cusco Zero-2E coilover suspension kit. Brakes have been upgraded with a Brembo “Gran Turismo” 4 wheel brake kit. The drivetrain gains an SPT performance exhaust and SPT turbo heat shield. An SPT boost gauge joins an audio upgrade complete with Kicker subwoofer.
Kicker Audio 2012 WRX STI 5-door
Kicker Audio will showcase a 2012 WRX STI in Subaru’s booth. The custom audio system sports a Clarion receiver with front aux input, front and rear USB ports for music players. The audio system is also Bluetooth, Sirius, and XM ready. Kicker has added six component speaker systems, two 6.5-inch woofers, and eight Solo-baric L& 12-inch subwoofers powered by 10 Kicker amplifiers. The car hunkers down on Eibach lowering springs and 18-inch Konig Black Lightning wheels wrapped in General Tires Exclaim UHP 225/40 R18 tires.
Subaru 2012 Impreza Sport 5-door accessory vehicle
Subaru has outfitted the all-new five-door Impreza with several dealer-installed accessories including auto dimming Homelink mirror, cargo tray and floor mats, and other convenience items. The factory speakers have been upgraded to Kicker Audio and a powered 10-inch Kicker subwoofer. It also features some SPT underhood accessories. Exterior items are also present: silver mesh grille, spoiler, and side strakes; window deflectors; splash guards; and Yakima bike carrier and wheel holder. The whole car has been wrapped in a Brushed Titanium 3M Scotchprint textured wrap.
Subaru 2012 Impreza 4-door accessory vehicle
The all-new four-door Impreza gets the same auto dimming mirror but gains SPT carpeted floor mats and side sill plates. Its speakers have also been upgraded by Kicker Audio. On the outside the sedan sports Satin White body side moldings, splash guards and trunk spoiler; a moonroof air deflector and rear bumper paint protection film.
Subaru 1986 XT Drive magazine restoration project car
Last but not least is Drive magazine’s 1986 Subaru XT restoration project car. The car’s 0.29 drag coefficient made it the most aerodynamic car on the market when it arrived on the scene in 1985. The car was restored back to factory spec with as many OEM parts as possible. Many parts were hard to find or discontinued and so many of the car’s pieces were refurbished back to new.
“SEMA continues to command the attention of the aftermarket tuning world and is the perfect place to showcase our latest SPT parts,” said Gary Palanjian, Vice President, Parts and Service, Subaru of America, Inc, in a prepared statement. “With the upcoming launch of the all-new 2012 Impreza, Subaru has a great opportunity for Subaru Genuine Parts and SPT accessory sales.”
