Subaru Impreza

	This latest special edition is based on the Impreza S204 revealed last year, but the RA-R is much more driver-focused

Owners of this incredible new Subaru probably won't tire of the searing pace - but they might get bored with telling people what it's called!

Meet the Impreza WRX STi Spec C Type RA-R - a limited-edition roadgoing model designed by Subaru's rallying division to be the ultimate Impreza for keen drivers. And in true Japanese sports car tradition, it has an epic name, too - one that's among the longest in the world.

Here's what it all means: WRX stands for World Rally Cross, and appears on all performance Imprezas. STi is made up by the initials of the company's motor­sport division, Subaru Tecnica Inter­national, while Spec C denotes the specification level of the newcomer and RA-R stands for Record Attempt-Radical!

And if the bootlid badge is difficult to grasp, so is the acceleration. The firm's engineers have tweaked the rally-derived 2.0-litre flat-four engine's turbo­charger and fitted a new exhaust system. The result is 320bhp and 432Nm of torque - enough punch for a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a 155mph top speed.

This latest special edition is based on the Impreza S204 revealed last year, but the RA-R is much more driver-focused. It gets special new springs, extra-thick anti-roll bars and Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers and huge 18-inch discs up front.

The biggest hints that the RA-R is different from any other Impreza STi lie in its white wheels, pink highlighted grille and the lack of a rear spoiler. There's also an underbody diffuser, which significantly improves high-speed stability.

Only 300 examples of the RA-R will be produced, with 50 of these painted Astral yellow. The model is likely to be priced at around £50,000.