Following yesterday debut of the new 2015 Subaru WRX STI, the car maker announced a limited Launch Edition version for the American market. It is limited to 1,000 units, each featuring the classic STI color combo with WR Blue Pearl body and gold-painted 18-inch BBS wheels to “appeal especially to loyalists,” according to Subaru.
2015 Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition comes with special interior colors and trim and gets a standard STI Short-Throw Shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission, a new flat-bottom steering wheel and whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats. What gives it more exclusivity is leather and Alcantara upholstery in blue and black with black stitching, and the Alcantara-covered center console storage box lid, also with black stitching.
The STI Launch Edition is also very well-equipped with standard features including LED low-beam headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer) and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with switches for audio and Bluetooth control. You also get a new audio system with HD Radio, USB, and MP3 capability, as well as a new multi-information central display with 4.3-inch LCD.
In terms of performance, there is no difference between the standard 2015 WRX STI and the Launch Edition, as both are powered by the same 2.5 liter turbocharged engine developing 305 horsepower, mated to the same short-throw six-speed gearbox and the same Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.