Nov29
2008 Subaru's Impreza WRX STI
more civilized.
By JONATHAN WONG
One day after the world debut of the 2008 Impreza WRX STI at the Tokyo motor show ("Green Is for Grass," AW, Nov. 12), Subaru provided an opportunity to sample the all-new car on Fuji Speedway.Though our exposure was limited to right-hand-drive, 2.0-liter, 295-hp Japanese-domestic-market cars (a U.S.-spec drive is imminent), it's safe to say that the new car is far more civilized than its thunderous predecessor.At speed, the ride is quiet, but comfort comes at a price: The first turn revealed body roll we never would have expected from the performance flagship. Engine power remains fierce, with the turbo H4 revving smoothly to the 8000-rpm redline. Steering is nicely weighted and responsive, and the Brembo brakes are as impressive as the acceleration.Adding ride comfort is Subaru's ploy to expand the STI's market--the same strategy Mitsubishi is employing with its all-new Evolution ("Giant Leap Forward," AW, Oct. 1). However, performance is still the priority, and Subaru is adamant that the new model one-ups its predecessor with a new multimode center differential and dynamic control technologies. It took a few laps around Fuji before we found ourselves nodding in agreement, noticing a touch more grip as the aforementioned systems came into play. The adjustable center differential has three preset modes and a six-option manual mode to control the level of rear bias, with the most severe setting sending 70 percent of power to the back. Dynamic controls have three settings, including a mode that sustains power even when intentionally drifting the car. Together, the systems provide a high level of control no matter how hard the car is driven.The STI hits U.S. showrooms in January with a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer with a slight power advantage. The Recaro seats we enjoyed in Japan won't be offered stateside--they're incompatible with required U.S. airbag sensors. Look for complete details and driving impressions of the U.S. model in an upcoming issue.
SPECSON SALE: Now (Japan), January 2008 (United States)BASE PRICE: $34,900DRIVETRAIN: 295-hp, 299-lb-ft, 2.0-liter turbocharged H4; awd, six-speed manualCURB WEIGHT: 3263 lb0-60 MPH: 4.9 sec (mfr)FUEL ECONOMY (JAPAN): 25 mpg
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