Count me as skeptical that this "special edition" has anything "special" whatsoever.
Now, what would make an awesome Crosstrek special edition? How about dropping Subaru's 2.0T / 6MT powertrain in there? (And we all know it fits, because the current WRX sedan uses the same engine compartment as the old Impreza sedan/hatch, upon which this Crosstrek is based). And while we're at it, how about dropping the ride height by a couple of inches? And if the "Crosstrek Turbo/Sport" name doesn't have enough equity to drive sales, maybe Subaru could call it something else...how about "WRX hatchback"?
Or for a less-awesome alternative, Subaru could drop the 2.5L boxer in there. Yeah, that engine isn't a world-beater (I would know!), but it's fuel economy isn't appreciably worse than the 2.0L in the Crosstrek either. The extra torque would definitely help the Crosstrek when loaded up, and the 6th gear on the M/T would drop the highway speed RPMS that the author referenced (my Forester runs at just under 2400 rpm @ 100 kph, and ~ 2800 rpm @ 120 kph).