Subaru Liberty GT (STI tuning)

Subaru Australia is adding a new turbocharged Liberty GT to its performance stable with the introduction of a variant tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI).

Unveiled at the Sydney International Motor Show, the Liberty GT Tuned by STI features several engineering and cosmetic upgrades.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: “The Liberty GT Tuned by STI is the result of customer feedback, our strong relationship with Fuji Heavy Industries and Subaru Tecnica International in Japan, and the commitment and skill of our Australian engineering and development team based in Sydney and at Subaru Interactive @ Docklands in Melbourne.

“The team from FHI spent time in Australia working with the Subaru Australia engineering and motor sport team to produce a variant developed especially for the Australian market, and I believe we have come up with a very exciting and appealing package.”

Under the bonnet an upgraded Electronic Control Unit (ECU) increases peak power from 190 Kilowatts to 200kW and torque from 330 Newtonmetres to 343Nm in the manual and 180kW to 190kW and torque from 310Nm to 343Nm in the automatic. This represents more than five per cent increase in power across both transmissions.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: “Our tuned by STI special edition vehicles have been very well received by customers. This is reflected in both initial sales and, later on, in resale values for these premium sports vehicles.”

“We've created a niche for locally tuned performance vehicles. This has been made possible through continued support from Fuji Heavy Industries and our local engineers who spend months testing and perfecting these vehicles for Australian conditions.”

With a comprehensive list of mechanical and cosmetic enhancements, features include:

• An upgraded ECU producing 194kW of power at 6000rpm, up 10kW.

• Torque increased 11Nm to 350Nm, kicking in earlier at 2800rpm.

• Manual variants feature a six-speed STI short shift gear lever, while automatics have a revised transmission control unit (TCU) producing a faster, sportier response.

• 18 inch STI ENKEI lightweight alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres, increase road feel and provide ultimate grip, particularly in wet conditions.

• Bilstein sports tuned dampers matched to STI lowered springs, result in a firmer, sportier ride with improved handling.

• Pillow-ball bush suspension components by STI improve steering response, ride and handling.

• STI Brembo performance brake upgrade reduces brake fade and maximise stopping power.

• Two STI twin tip sports mufflers enhance exhaust flow, providing better turbo response and a sportier sound.

• Exterior upgrades include an STI front lip spoiler, with unique model badging.

• Sedans also feature an STI rear boot spoiler.

• Inside, supportive leather seats include an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with dual memory settings.

• Premium interior appointments also include a 14 speaker McIntosh sound system, with six stack in dash CD/MP3/WMA player.

• Subaru Intelligent Drive and a factory fitted sunroof are standard.

Liberty GT tuned by STI is available in two colours: Obsidian Black - with a limited number featuring charcoal wheels - and Brilliant Silver with brushed silver wheels.

Only 300 of these individually numbered Liberty's are being produced and will be on sale in April.

from worldcarfans.com