Not long ago NZ Performance Car ran a feature on the history of the WRX in celebration of the model’s 25th birthday, but we found that one generation didn’t receive as much love as the rest — probably due to the older generations holding all the World Rally Championship prowess — and that was the third gen (2007–2011).
While our domestic examples were fitted with the EJ25, the Japanese-market WRX STis were fitted with the modern version of the forever-classic EJ20 powerhouse. Packing a single twin-scroll turbo, it boasted a respectable 227kW (at the crank), and 422Nm of torque, from the factory.
The example we’re looking at here is just that. With more than enough power for the owner on tap, they decided to focus on the aesthetic appeal instead. It’s a beautifully compact, curvy-in-all-the-right-places car, and it only required a few minor improvements — namely the wheels.
That’s where the team at Rota Wheels NZ (360link) came into play. After playing around with the full range and colour combinations to find the perfect combo, everyone agreed that the Rota Vector Pros were up to the job. Measuring in at 18×9.5 inches on the STi, they strike the balance between aggressive and refined very well, and the white on blue pops.
Don’t believe it? Check out the video shot by JB Films:
What more could you ask for out of the all-in-one drivers car? Daily driving duties, weekend patrolling, and a modern, elegant cruiser in the sunny months that looks every bit as aggressive and sophisticated as it drives.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on a set of Rota Vector Pros — which are available in white, flat black, and hyper black, with sizes measuring 18×8.5- and 9.5-inch, for both 5×100 and 5×114.3 stud-pattern vehicles — contact the team at 360link.co.nz.
