(Tue 22 Jul 08)

Subaru is about to launch two hot limited-edition versions of the Impreza, and also has a third which may reach the market within the next six months if there's enough customer demand.

That third car is the Impreza WRX STI 380S, which is officially being described as a concept, though it might become more than that depending on the reaction of the crowds at this week's British International Motor Show. Even if it goes on sale, it won't actually be a formal production model, since individual examples will be hand-built.

Part of the process includes a complete engine rebuild by Prodrive. The target power output is 375bhp, which would put this Impreza well ahead of the strongest Mitsubishi Evo. Other equipment includes uprated suspension, a new exhaust and 18" BBS alloy wheels in a choice of gold or silver. No price has yet been suggested, but this won't be a cheap car, though it will certainly be a very special one.

The Impreza WRX-S definitely isn't a concept. It's on sale at £22,495, and first deliveries are expected in September. Based on the standard <Impreza WRX>, the S benefits from a Prodrive-modified ECU and exhaust which boost the maximum power from 227bhp to 252bhp. That's not enough to improve the maximum speed, which remains at 130mph, but the 0-60mph time drops by 0.6 seconds to 5.5 seconds.

The WRX-S also comes with 225/40 tyres on 18" anthracite alloy wheels, STI body styling and a Momo Air-Race gearknob.

In between the two cars already mentioned comes the WRX STI 330S (pictured above). This one also benefits from the work of Prodrive, with maximum power up from the 296bhp of the regular STI to 325bhp (and produced 600rpm further down the rev range at 5400rpm). Top speed is still 155mph but the 0-62mph time drops to 4.4 seconds.

Like the other models, the 330S comes with 18" wheels, and standard equipment also includes Recaro seats, satellite navigation, Smart entry and a push-button starter. The price has not yet been confirmed, but Subaru reckons it will be about £30,000.

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