For the first ever, Subaru is offering its top-of-the-line Impreza WRX STI in two body styles with the return of the four-door saloon model that’s aimed directly at the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X.

In addition to the new sedan model that’s distinguished by a large rear wing, the 2011 Impreza WRX STI features a series of improvements including revised suspension tuning, lighter 18-inch wheels and cosmetic tweaks.

Up front, the revised Impreza WRX STI hatchback gets sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles, a newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out wing highlights.

The 4-door sedan model also benefits from newly designed wider rear fenders stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps.

Inside, the 2011 MYs feature dark cast metallic trim panels and a new audio system with single-disc CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS satellite radio.

To further improve handling, Subaru reworked the Impreza WRX STI’s suspension. Aside from the lower ride height, the 2011 models also feature new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe.

Both the front and rear suspension systems now employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model (21 mm vs. 20 mm in front and 19 mm vs. 18 mm in rear), while spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan and hatchback models are scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. later this summer.

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The good: Subaru has revealed a successor to its Impreza S203 and S204 special performance models with the new S205 that benefits from chassis, engine and styling upgrades. The bad: at least for now, it’s only available in Japan.

Billed as the top performance model of the WRX STI lineup, Subaru says that the R205 -where “R” stands for “Road Sport”- makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the “WRX STI spec C” model.

In the handling department, the R205 adopts STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone’s specially designed RE070 tires size 245/40 R18.

Stopping power is provided by a Brembo brake system with 6-pot calipers up front and 4-pot calipers at the back.

Subaru also tweaked the Impreza WRX STI’s engine by adopting an exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU, and a new sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. The result is an increased output of 325-horsepower and 431Nm or 317.9 lb-ft of peak torque.

As for the R205′s looks, aside from the different alloy wheels, Subaru added newly designed front under spoiler, rear apron and black roof wing, as well as specially colored front grille and side STI garnish.

In: Carscoop

Already available in North America and Japan, the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback will have their European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 17 through 27. Compared to their American counterparts, both models get a restyled front grille along plus redesigned lower part of the front bumper and larger exterior mirrors housing the turning signals.

The new Legacy Sedan and Station Wagon are 65 mm and 55 mm longer than their predecessors respectively while the wheelbase in both cases is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for greater rear legroom. In Europe the Legacy will be offered with two four-cylinder petrol engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter unit, and Subaru’s 2.0-liter turbo diesel boxer engine that makes 150 horsepower.

The fourth-generation Outback which is the crossover version of the Legacy Station Wagon featuring improved ground clearance and SUV-like protective body cladding will be sold in Europe with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel while certain markets will also get a range-topping 3.6-litre boxer 6-cylinder petrol model.

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If the overly secretive teaser image of the JDM 2010 Subaru Legacy that is scheduled to be officially revealed in the Land of the Rising Sun on May 20th wasn’t enough for you, Japan’s Car Mode magazine has a full blown photo of the Touring Wagon version in its latest issue. Stylistically, the differences between U.S market 2010 Subaru Legacy that was unveiled in New York and the JDM model are limited to minor details like the prolonged air intakes at the corners of the front bumper and the redesigned exterior mirrors.

 The Legacy Touring Wagon that is featured in these scoop photos is in effect an Outback stripped out of its ‘crossoverish’ doodads and plastic add-ons for a more conventional look. If you happen to prefer the simplicity of the Touring Wagon over the Outback then tough luck because while the Estate is scheduled for a European launch, Subaru has no plans of bringing it to the States.

In: Carscoop