A touch of JDM suspension tuning flair will soon be making its way to the U.S.-market Subaru WRX STI lineup the form of the 2010 Subaru STI Special Edition -- a model developed by Subaru's famed Subaru Tecnica International high performance subsidary. If you aren't quick enough to get your hands on one of the first 125 units, don't worry: Subaru is making the STI Special Edition a regular part of the lineup after the special edition goes on sale in Spring 2010.
2010 Subaru Wrx Sti Special Edition Front Three Quarter View
To be officially unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the STI Special Edition is a slightly more enthusiast-focused machine that forgoes some of the usual creature comforts in favor of upgraded suspension components from the Japanese-market Subaru WRX STI spec C.
The STI spec C lends its stiffer rear sub-frame bushings, retuned springs, and 1-mm thicker rear stabilizer bar to the STI Special Edition. The WRX STI's 305-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer four is unchanged, and as you'd expect on a car like this, it's hooked up to Subaru's six-speed manual transmission. But the Special Edition forgoes the STI's HID headlights in favor of halogen units, its 10-speaker sound system is replaced with four-speaker unit, and manual A/C takes the place of the automatic climate control.
Passersby won't be able to discern the STI Special Edition by its 16% stiffer front springs or 29% stiffer rear shocks, but the unique Aspen White color should be a clue. If you can't tell the regular STI's Satin White Pearl from the Aspen White, focus on the 18-in. seven twin-spoke wheels. The charcoal-colored rims -- also taken from the spec C -- would be attractive in silver but are especially eye-catching against the white paint.
2010 Subaru Wrx Sti Special Edition Rear Three Quarter View
The rest of the package is standard STI spec, including the highly customizable powertrain and handling settings. The STI-specific AWD system lets the driver pick among three automatic performance modes plus six manual center differential locking settings. Stopping power is made easy thanks to four-wheel Super Sport ABS disc brakes from Brembo.
A base 2010 WRX STI starts at $35,690 (including destination) -- don't expect the STI Special Edition to stray too far above that mark. The car's exact price will be announced at the L.A. show. This model is set to become part of the permanent STI family and is probably as close as Subaru enthusiasts can expect to get to a U.S. version of the STI spec C.

2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition