Car of the Day:August 20, 2012

Today's car of the day is Carisma's 1996 Subaru Impreza WRX STI V-Limited Coupe.

The Subaru Impreza is a compact automobile, manufactured since 1992 by Subaru, the automobile division of Japanese transportation conglomerate, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI). Subaru introduced the Impreza as a replacement for the Leone / Loyale. Now in its fourth generation, Subaru has offered four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body variants since 1992; the firm also offered a coupe from 1995 for the first generation only. Mainstream versions have received naturally aspirated "boxer" flat-four engines ranging from 1.5- to 2.5-liters, with the performance-oriented Impreza WRX and WRX STI models uprated with the addition of turbochargers.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza

The name is almost as impressive as the diecast. Subaru Impreza WRX STI V-Limited Coupe. This true 1/64 scale model features a metal base, simulated rubber tires, two-tone interior, and plastic lenses for the headlights and tail lights. The blue paint and blue seat inserts indicate this model represents the V-Limited edition of the Impreza WRX STI. Carisma was a small Japanese diecast company, which only produced two models (this Impreza and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sedan). Both models have excellent detailing and build quality. Carisma later became the brand Auto Rozza (unknown if just a name change, or a change of ownership), and a newer generation Impreza was produced under the new name, before Auto Rozza also disappeared from small-scale.

Introduced in November 1993, the Impreza was offered in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) versions and as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. In late 1995, a two-door coupe was introduced. In 1994, Subaru introduced Subaru Tecnica International (STI) versions of the Impreza WRX in Japan. These models were upgraded from the standard WRX in many categories, including blueprinted performance-tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions. The STI versions of the Impreza were immensely successful in rallies and popular among street racers but were only sold in the Japanese market. Compared to the WRX, the STI had mostly mechanical modifications.

The 1996 model year WRX debuted in January 1996. The WRX design received minimal mechanical changes, but a WRX V-Limited Edition was introduced to celebrate the success of the Impreza WRC car in the FIA WRC. The V-limited cars are painted in World Rally Blue. A WRX STI V-limited edition was also produced. The interior is colored blue on the seat inserts and carpeting. 1,000 WRX STI Version 2 V-limited were produced.