Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Look
Motoring Channel Staff - 29/October/2007
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Tokyo, Japan — Update: The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show was the event that Subaru chose to unveil it's most powerful sports car, the rally-bred Impreza WRX STI.
Though we have had images of the 2008 model STI for a number of weeks now, Subaru is slowly drip feeding information to the media in order to generate more interest (and stories). What we now know is that the car has more power than ever before:
With a bone-crunching 227kW (308hp) from its 2.0-litre turbo engine, the 2008 WRX STI is the most powerful standard-issue STI model ever built. Sadly for almost every country except Japan, including Australia and North America, a different WRX STI engine will be used.
Update: Recent reports suggest the 2.5-litre version of the Subaru WRX STI will output about 218kW of power (296hp).
Powered by a 2.5-litre turbo engine, whose power figures have not yet been annoucned, most countries will have to wait for the next set of power figures. Sources have suggested that Australian deliveries of the new Subaru sports car will begin in late February 2008, gettng the jump on the Evolution X which is due in April.
Intriguingly, the new 2008 Subaru WRX STI has 19kW more power than the Mitsubishi Evo X's 208kW, but both cars output exactly the same amount of torque: 422Nm. While the Subaru gets more power, the Mitsubishi has a faster shifting dual clutch gearbox, and it will be fascinating to see which is quicker both in a straight line and through a corner.
Subaru is continuing the drip-feed method by not announcing performance figures for the 2008 WRX STI either, such as the zero to 100km/h sprint or top speed. We'll bring the news when we get it though.
Some other features that were exposed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show include the addition of an updated multi-mode Driver's Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which can be set at different levels to deal with everything from cruisey commuter traffic to intense track work.
Subaru also talks about the Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3) that "has been further developed for the WRX STI in order to maximise performance and driving pleasure and to ensure high levels of driver satisfaction through total control of the vehicle".
The new 2008 Subaru WRX STI weighs 1480kg, sits on 18-inch cast alloy rims shod with Bridgestone RE050A tyres (245/40R18) and comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Fans hoping for a Mitsubishi Evolution X rivalling dual clutch gearbox will have to wait another few years...
Previous Information: It's been a long time coming for the Subaru WRX STI. There have been numerous computer generated images and spy shots to keep avid fans on edge, and now Subaru has finally released official imagery of the 2008 Impreza WRX STI.
After a quick head count in the office, most agree that it's a nice looking motor, though there were a couple of staffers who said something along the lines of: "It's the worst looking STI ever created, and there's been some real stinkers".
Overall though, most of the guys we talked to think it's pretty hot, with a far more muscular look than the widely ridiculed Impreza and WRX hatchback models that Subaru has begun selling.
Unfortunately Subaru hasn't released for the full tech specs for the car, so we won't know if it's a match (on paper) for the new Mitsubishi Evo X until the 24th of October when the Tokyo Motor Show rolls around.
The things we do know is that it sits on 18-inch rims, gets a big rear spoiler, extended body work to improve down force and aerodynamics, and lots of STi badges. The rear end gets tough looking quad exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser to smooth out the air flow exiting underneath the car. It also gets 245/40 R18 tyres, which should improve grip levels by a fair margin.
Power is expected to be at least 208kW (280hp), but torque will be the interesting factor. Will it best the Evolution's 400Nm-plus output? We're guessing it will.
Japanese customers are rumoured to be getting a highly-strung, higher revving 2.0-litre boxer turbo engine based on the JDM Impreza WRX's turbo engine. American and European fast four lovers will get the 2.5-litre turbo boxer engine. The Subaru WRX STI will also get Subaru's Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) so that users can change the amount of torque flowing between the front and rear axles to suit the condition and/or frame of mind.
Australia often gets the Japanese version, but it's unlikely we'll see the 2.0-litre version - even though it would probably be more fun to drive. The Subaru WRX STi model is due in Australia sometime in 2008, when it faces off against a renewed Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
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Here's some of the information found in the official press release from Subaru Japan:
"The first-generation WRX STI model was based on the first Impreza WRX and was developed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), an FHI subsidiary specialized in motorsports activities. Since its introduction in 1994, the WRX STI has established a solid reputation as a high-performance sports model. In the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) that requires participants to compete with production-based models, Subaru WRX STI models have proven their credentials by bringing Subaru three consecutive Manufacturers' championship titles from 1995 to 1997.
"In this context, FHI plans to submit a Group N homologation application effective as of January 1, 2008 for the new WRX STI to FIA.
Design
"While retaining a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, the front and back fenders are prominently projected, creating a distinctive identity and gives the WRX a unique road presence.
"Aerodynamically improved body styling with a large rear spoiler optimizes the balance between the front and the rear quarter panels by reducing wind resistance. An aerodynamically curved form from the front bumper to the front fenders helps minimize lift forces and contributes to maintaining vehicle stability at high speeds. Engine compartment ventilation is provided on both sides of the front bumper and along the rear edges of the fenders.
"The strong front grille employs a sharp wing shape with metallic mesh, suggesting the car’s inherent sportiness. The rear garnish is painted in the body color, enhancing the widened body shape. The rear edges of the front fenders are embellished with STI logo plated in cherry red.
"The muffler comes with twin dual-tail pipes. Eye-catching 18-inch aluminum-cast wheels, distinguished by their five spokes and highlighted by dark-tone high-luster paint, are standard. These wheels enhance the vehicle’s bold and commanding presence while expressing high quality and streamlined beauty. BBS-brand cast wheels with spokes and sharp lines are also available as an option.
"Seven exterior colors are available: Obsidian black pearl; pure white; spark sliver metallic; dark gray metallic; lightning red; midnight blue pearl (only for the WRX STI); WR blue mica."
Packaging
"An extended wheelbase and widened track provide optimal dimensions for the new model to ensure its outstanding driving stability and straight-line maneuverability. (The wheelbase is wider by 85 mm, the front track is 40 mm wider, and the rear track is 45 mm wider, than the previous model.) The 5-door body style excels in balancing lift forces in the front and desirable downward forces in the rear, achieving optimal aerodynamic characteristics.
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