Subaru WRX WRP10
Pigeonhole: Pocket rocket.
Philosophy: Yet another limited edition WRX, but this time Subaru has added more than just decals.
Trivia: Subaru Australia has built 200 individually numbered WRP10s to celebrate Subaru's and Pirelli's 10-year partnership in world rallying, hence the name WRP10. Already the industry is calling it the Warp 10. The go-faster bits are fitted at Subaru Australia's STi rally workshop in Melbourne. At $48,490, the WRP10 fits in price and philosophy between a regular WRX ($39,990) and the uber-quick STi ($56,630).
The company says: "We are pleased to be able to offer a limited edition designed especially for the Australian market which showcases the very best our STi engineers can offer." That's funny ... I thought the STi was the best STi engineers could offer.
Who's buying it: WRX enthusiasts who want something special.
Why you'd buy it: Individuality and a bit more performance. You can't quite stretch the budget to the full-blown STi.
Why you wouldn't: The $8500 price premium over a regular WRX is likely to evaporate at resale time. It's difficult to notice the difference in performance between it and the regular model, the ride is less comfortable and, ironically for a car that's celebrating a tyre company's involvement, the Pirellis have noticeably less grip than the Bridgestones that are usually fitted to WRXs.
Standard equipment: All the usual WRX bells and whistles plus an engine computer upgrade kit, a sports exhaust, lowered suspension, lightweight wheels and Pirelli tyres.
Safety: Dual airbags and anti-lock brakes. Side airbags not available.
Cabin: Same as the regular WRX but with a brushed alloy badge with the car's number out of 200 down near the ashtray. It's a clean and simple design, but the materials are cheap by today's standards.
Seating: Superb sports seats hug the driver and front passenger.
Engine: Subaru says the computer upgrade increases power from the standard WRX's 168 kilowatts to 175 kilowatts. The engine feels stronger but it's hard to feel the difference in acceleration. You need a stopwatch to detect the saving of a few tenths of a second to 100kmh.
Transmission: The same five-speed manual fitted to the regular WRX, and that means notchy changes and an engine that revs at 3000rpm at 110kmh. Too high. It needs the STi's six-speed.
Steering: Sharp and responsive. A highlight.
Ride: A lowlight. With the suspension lowered 15 millimetres, the WRP10 is for hardcore enthusiasts only. It'll rattle your brain out on Sydney's bumpity-thump roads.
Handling: A disappointment. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system is so good that it will claw the WRP10 out of almost any situation, but the grip from the performance Pirelli tyres is worse in the wet or dry than the standard Bridgestones. I've driven a few cars with Pirellis of late and I'm beginning to wonder if they are more of a long-wearing luxury tyre than the performance tyre that their advertising suggests.
Brakes: Standard brakes but with red calipers. Look good. Stop brilliantly.
Build: No complaints.
Warranty: Three years, unlimited kilometres.
Security: Motoring writers hate the WRX's PIN-coded alarm (a four-digit code must be punched in before the car will start) but it's a necessary evil. The complex alarm (with an anti-car-jacking system) has all but halted WRX thefts and helped reduce insurance premiums.
Audio: Below average sound from the AM/FM CD player.
Price: The WRP10 (available only in metallic grey) is $48,490, which wedges it between the regular WRX ($39,990) and the STi ($56,630). Supply is limited but so is the appeal, so be sure to haggle.
Verdict: The WRP10 is for fully paid-up members of the WRX lovers' society. I reckon it would be a more attractive package if Subaru left the WRX's tyres and suspension alone and supplied the computer upgrade for only a modest premium.
Prices and details correct at publication date.