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INGs a well known bodykit manufacturer from Japan has unveiled a bodykit for the new generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The latest kit is part of its N-SPEC series of bodykits, which includes a kit designed specifically for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

In addition to tuning cars, ings is also involved in the Japanese Super Taikyu racing series, and the N-SPEC series of bodykits are derived from the race cars used in the competition. The kit for the Impreza WRX STI consists of a custom front bumper matched to a new grille to give the car a more aggressive face while increasing downforce. Custom front canards accompany these modifications, while custom sideskirts and a new rear bumper can also be found on the ings-prepped Impreza WRX STI. A pair of fog lamp also available for the car as well.

All the bumpers and side skirts are either available in fiberglass or 'hybrid aero' fiberglass material. Hybrid aero fiberglass retains the positive characteristics of traditional fiberglass, including lightness and strength, as well as adopting traits such as flexibility and durability usually associated with materials such as plastic or urethane. For the front canards and the custom front grille, both are available in either lightweight carbon-fiber or more affordable fiberglass. Each piece of the kit can be bought separately, but the custom front bumper, sideskirts and rear bumper can be bought as a three-piece aero package from ings. The price for the kit in fiberglass is ¥188,000 ($2,080), while the price in hybrid aero fiberglass is ¥218,000 ($2,410).

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.

Subaru Tecnica International also known as STI has announced that it will participate in the 37th ADAC Zurich 24 Hour Race or also known as 24 Hours of the Nurburgring which takes place on the 21 – 24 May 2009. The car will powered by a horizontally opposed 4-cylinder EJ20 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo engine coupled with Symmetrical AWD at the 24-Hour Nurburgring race.

In order to participate in the race, Subaru equipped the Impreza with Flexible Tower Bar along with a variety of original chassis and body stiffener and components. The car is also fitted with weight-reduction and safety equipment parts.

The ADAC Zurich 24-hour race takes place at a 25.378 km course which is the largest endurance event in the world with more than 200 cars participating. According to Subaru, the purpose for participating in the race is to collect data and verify technical know-how and also for future STI vehicle development.

Fans of Subaru will be happy to know that the Japanese firm's STI motorsport division will take part at next month's 24-hours of the Nurburgring endurance race with a specially-prepped Impreza WRX STI hatch that will be campaigning in the SP3T class for cars with 2.0-liter turbo engines. Among other improvements, the race-spec Impreza WRX STI features numerous body stiffening components, the necessary safety equipment and weight-reduction measures.

Behind the steering wheel of the Impreza WRX STI will be four professional Japanese drivers: Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida, Naoki Hattori and Koji Matsuda