In memory of former World Rally Champion Richard Burns, Subaru has announced a special edition Impreza WRX STi. The RB320 will cost £29,995 - or £3,500 more than the standard version - and will feature the Prodrive Performance Pack, bespoke 18-inch alloys and a specially developed Prodrive suspension setup. That amounts to a total of around £6,000 worth of extra equipment.

The RB320 will only be available in Obsidian Black and will feature a distinctive chromed front grille, a front lip spoiler and quick-shift gearchange, as well as RB320-branded floor mats, exterior badges and gearknob.

The addition of the Prodrive Performance Pack boosts power to 316bhp at 6000rpm and torque to 332lb.ft at 3700rpm. Thanks to the boost, 0-60mph will take just 4.8 seconds and 0-100mph 12.2 seconds.

Early buyers of the Impreza RB320 will be invited to a special launch event at Prodrive's Warwickshire test track in March next year. Not only will those attending be able to take early delivery of their own cars, they will also have the chance to drive a demonstration STi on the track and meet celebrity rally drivers.

Some of the proceeds from the RB320 will go to the Richard Burns Foundation, which helps those suffering from serious injury and illness. Subaru rally driver, Richard Burns - holder of the FIA World Rally Championship driver's title - died of brain cancer in November 2005 at the age of 32.

Will Nightingale - 15 Dec 2006