With a wider track and more power,
the WRX STI hatch is scorching hot
This is a
Japanese promotion video, which
shows the 2008 WRX STI in rolling motion
With 227kW of power the 2008 Subaru WRX
STI is the most powerful STI model ever built
Leather and alcantara Recaro bucket seats
are standard features on the '08 WRX STI
Subaru's Impreza WRX STI will be powered
by a 2.0-litre engine in Japan and a 2.5-litre
turbo boxer in Europe and North America
The WRX STI's 0-100km/h figure is
likely to be around 5.0 seconds flat
Quad exhausts look very similar to the STI
outlets seen on the Oz-only Subaru Liberty
GT Tuned by STI model, which we tested
The wider body gives the STI a far more
muscular appearance than the daggy WRX
The wider body gives the STI a far more
muscular appearance than the daggy WRX
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.
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.
"Shortening of the front and rear
overhangs has reduced yaw moments of inertia, and enabled highly stable
handling, while interior roominess has been preserved. The body
structure has been enhanced for improved performance and upgraded
specifications. However, the gross weight has remained nearly the same
as in the previous model through streamlined body construction."
Powertrain
"An electronically controlled
throttle enables finely adjusted control of the 2.0-litre turbo Boxer
engine and ensures acceleration that is linearly responsive to pedal
movement. The Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS)
hydraulically controls timing in both the intake and exhaust valves,
which helps improve low-end torque while providing a strong power boost
at high rotations.
"Dual AVCS also increases
combustion efficiency, thereby reducing exhaust emissions. Changes made
in the intake and exhaust ports promote smoother air in- and outflow,
contribute to enhancing power output, and improve combustion
efficiency, which reduces emissions and improves fuel mileage. In
addition, changes in the shape of the turbocharger compressor have
increased the efficiency of the air intake and enabled more responsive
and smoother acceleration.
"Also, the layout of the exhaust
pipes greatly facilitate overall air outflow by canceling interference
and increasing airflow between the exhaust port and the turbo charger
to deliver optimal torque and engine response at various speeds."
Drivetrain
"The front differential gear
adopts a torque-sensitive LSD (limited slip differential) that excels
in response to input torque; the rear differential employs the Torsen
LSD that supports distribution of torque. The SI (SUBARU
Intelligent)-Drive system offers three different modes of driving for
the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp. For example,
when a driver continues to heavily depress the accelerator pedal in the
Intelligent mode, engine output is automatically boosted to the level
of maximum torque."
Engine
