Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will submit a homologation application to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec C to race as a Group N vehicle in 2005^*. The application embodies the company’s plan to position this model as a key competitor in motor sport activities for 2005 and beyond.

      To enter FIA-approved racing and rallying championships that take place around the world, cars must be homologated according to the FIA regulations. Group N (production cars) is one of the rally and off-road vehicle groups set forth by the FIA. Defined as large-scale series production touring cars, Group N homologation imposes strict limits on modifications to production models and is known as the category that best reflects the performance inherent to the basic production model.

      FHI will produce more than 1,000 units of the Impreza WRX STi spec C during 2004, which is the minimum level of production required for Group N classification, and the company is planning to have the vehicle homologated before the 2005 rally season begins.

      Impreza WRX STi has long demonstrated its strengths in Group N class races; in fact, the top three drivers in the 2003 FIA Production Car World Rally Championship (PCWRC) for Group N cars were all driving the Impreza WRX STi. Now lighter and even more suitable for competition than the Impreza WRX STi, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec C is packed with new features and is equipped with a higher performance engine.

Major Features of the Impreza WRX STi spec C
	・	Compared to the Impreza WRX STi, Impreza WRX STi spec C is about 90 kilograms lighter through the adaptation of lighter glass, a trunk lid composed of aluminum, and thinner roof construction.
	・	A rear crossbar has been fitted to further improve body rigidity.
	・	The turbocharger in the Impreza WRX STi spec C uses precise ball bearings in the shaft to reduce friction, thereby offering a smooth and speedy turbo boost and providing ideal engine response.
	・	A large water reservoir for the intercooler water spray as well as an air-cooled engine oil cooler have been implemented to ensure stable engine performance.
	*	Applicable 17inch tire specification only