Subaru plans on ‘Tatsu’ derivative winning support from those with rally recall.

ENTER the dragon: That’s the tone of the arrival of another limited edition of the Subaru WRX, in much the same guise as a preceding special the brand presented as a final effort.

Ten examples of the ‘Tatsu’ - which translates to ‘dragon’ in Japanese Kanji script - are being sold by Subaru New Zealand, five in six-speed manual and the remainder with the make’s constantly variable transmission.

The derivative that represents a next chapter beyond the two generations of ‘Saigo’ (the last) and Aka (red) version is presented, as they were - at the same price, $59,990, as the regular WRX.

Like previous limited versions, it stands out by presenting with some parts from Subaru Technical international, the performance division that used to involve with the brand’s World Rally Championship involvement, which 16 years ago, but steps up by reprising the special blue paint hue the competition cars had.

The STi refinements are mainly a body kit, black alloys and front drilled disc rotors on the manual. There’s no tweaking of the 202kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbocharged engine.

A sports mesh grille, STi strut brace, STi gear shifter, STi push button start, and black WRX and Tatsu badging also represent on the $59,990 edition. the key comes in a presentation box; each car has a numbered limited edition keyring.

Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper believes this WRX will especially appeal to Subaru motorsport fans on account of its WR (World Rally) Blue colour.

“Subaru has had a long and successful rally championship history, both nationally and internationally via the Subaru World Rally Team.”

A Kiwi synonymous with Subaru rallying in that period was Possum Bourne. 

“In 1996, the Subaru Rally Team Australia was born, with Possum as its driving force, and his incredible run of seven straight driver’s titles commenced.”

“The Subaru rally cars were predominantly and proudly decked out in WR Blue, which is what I believe will make the WRX Tatsu so appealing.”