Click the image above for more live shots of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
The Subaru Impreza STI just made its North American debut, and for those of us here in the States, life is good. Just like the JDM version, the STI benefits from a wider track and a longer wheelbase, but power is provided by Subaru's 2.5-liter boxer four making 305 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. The sprint to sixty will be dispatched in 4.9 seconds, and Subie execs are touting the engine's new torque characteristics as more tractable and effortlessly exciting. Aluminum suspension components partner with inverted struts to keep all four wheels planted and providing motivation, while a redesigned DCCD allows drivers to select six different differential settings.
Pricing has been set at $34,995 and Subaru began taking orders today. Check out Subaru's official press release after the jump and our gallery of high-res live shots below.
PRESS RELEASE:
SUBARU LAUNCHES NEXT-GENERATION IMPREZA WRX STI
• All-New Platform with Competition-Inspired 5-Door Body
• 305-HP Intercooled / Turbocharged Boxer Engine
• New Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive System and VDC
• New Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension and 18-Inch Wheels
LOS ANGELES. – Subaru of America, Inc. debuts the all-new 2008 Impreza WRX STI today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The ultimate performance Subaru is powered by a 305-horsepower Boxer engine and features a new level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control. The 2008 WRX STI is built exclusively as an aggressively styled wide-fender 5-door model with a design strongly influenced by the brand's competition heritage.
The 2008 WRX STI is the third-generation of the rally-bred supercar, which Subaru of America first launched to the U.S. market in 2004. Developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the WRX STI features an exclusive engine, drivetrain, suspension and interior.
The WRX STI's revised 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged Boxer engine, now with Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS), produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm, a gain of 12 over the previous model. The 290 lb.-ft. torque peak is the same as before but arrives at 4,000 rpm, which is 400 rpm earlier, for better response. Significantly, the more powerful 2008 WRX STI achieves the very stringent Bin 5 Tier 2-Federal (EPA) and LEV2-California Tier 2/Bin 5 emissions certification.
The Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive – which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI – takes driver-controlled response to another level for 2008. The DCCD system now offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to the six manual differential-locking settings. For the first time, the DCCD AWD system integrates the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, also with three driver-selectable positions.
The 2008 WRX STI offers five-spoke 18 x 8.5-inch wheels as standard. Also available are optional 18 x 8.5 in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels. All 18-in. wheels wear Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 tires.
New side-curtain airbags are standard, and the new Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
Even with the new, roomier 5-door body, special chassis reinforcements, new double-wishbone rear suspension and added safety features, the 2008 WRX STI (with the available BBS wheel package) weighs just 22 lbs. more than the 2007 WRX STI sedan. In addition, the 2008 WRX STI offers the added refinement instilled throughout the next-generation Impreza model line that was introduced for 2007.
The new suspension with special STI tuning along with the stiffer platform give the 2008 WRX STI the agile responses that have made this model a performance superstar. At the same time, the new WRX STI exhibits a more refined demeanor on any road. The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The braking system is enhanced in the new 2008 WRX STI with slightly larger rotors.
The bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, along with the rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects, give the new WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional. The standard high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams use manual height adjusters. Fog light insert covers add to the no-nonsense look, and fog lights are included with the BBS wheel option package.
Standard amenities include an automatic climate control system with cabin air filtration; a standard AM/FM premium stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers, plus a vehicle security system with engine immobilizer. The Radio Broadcast Data System can display a variety of information, including a song's title and artist. For the first time, the WRX STI is available with an optional navigation system, which integrates a vehicle information center. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. The WRX STI comes pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its model line. Subaru, WRX, Impreza and STI are registered trademarks of Subaru of America, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
nagmashot @ Nov 15th 2007 2:33PM
now I am curious if Subrau gets it mouth washed from Atuobloger for a $35K for the WRX STI like BMW recived some topics down the list for a $ 36k for the 135i where you get 2 cylinder more the same power...and in my eyes a much much better looking car
Todd @ Nov 15th 2007 2:39PM
Agreed, I'd rather spend a few more and get a base 135.
Will @ Nov 15th 2007 2:42PM
The STI is a heck of a lot more useful (read, AWD and hatchback utilty) than the 135i, and I disagree with your eyes.
Plus, the ludicrously expensive options are the reason AB harped on the 135, and the STI will probably only have satnav and wheel spec as potential expenses... although I wish the JDM Recaros were on the list.
Donald @ Nov 15th 2007 2:42PM
How about we agree none of these are the bargains they promised (or hoped) to be.
And neither car is very attractive. We can argue subjectivity all day long, but the Subbie is bland and the BMW is inelegant, to put it nicely. They may both be performance monsters, though.
nagmashot @ Nov 15th 2007 2:52PM
@Will more practical for what?
AWD is a argument for daily use in bad waether regions but I for the pure fun to drive the RWD BMW is the much much much better choose ...if the WRX STI is realy faster on the track is not tested till today.. the 335i is at the track as fast as the old STI(Ring and Hockenheim Shorttrack)... so I see no reason why the new 135i should be slower as the new STI both share the same power same weight..STI has better traction 135i has lower drivetrain loose and more power at the wheels
mk @ Nov 15th 2007 3:46PM
you do realize one important thing...
DCCD negates your argument.
With the flip of a switch, the STI becomes Rear-wheel-drive. Flip back, and it is one of the best AWD systems on the market, today, or at any time.
STI comes nearly fully loaded at that price, I would guess that BMW's price is base, and that most things are optional, as they are on the 3-series, if not moreso.
The BMW is slightly better looking, just by nature of being a coupe. Neither one is winning beauty contests with their pug-noses.
The STI engine is stone reliable, and tuneable for far more power. BMW might be tuneable, but time will only tell how reliable, or expensive to repair it will become. BMW is usually very good at engine design, but not cheap to repair, if something does go wrong.
I hope they lower the price of the Legacy GT spec B in light of the exact same price point for the STI with the DCCD, better brakes, wheels, and Higher power output.
Now, if they were to configure the Legacy GT spec B EXACTLY THE SAME as the STI for the same price, with those upgrades in the nicer looking sedan body (already has Bilsteins and 6-speed installed) and gave it the WR Blue and Lightning Red paint options... and the STI badge, I might trade my red legacy GT for one of those.
The STI drivetrain is wicked-cool, but I am not trading my Legacy for a new WRX/STI, looking the way they do.
Will @ Nov 15th 2007 8:06PM
Back to nagmashot- It's a five-door hatchback. By its nature you can stuff more stuff in it. A car that can get from nil to 60 in five seconds, in the rain, with my bike in the back, sounds like a pretty good performance/utility compromise to me.
I currently drive a coupe, and do usually prefer the sleek look of a two-door bodystyle. I just really see no comparison between the 135 and STI beyond the price point in this case. Completely different product positioning and target markets. As for me, I'll take utility and proven performance credibility over luxury and brand posturing.
MikeW @ Nov 15th 2007 8:31PM
What?
Subaru doesn't have any system to lock the center differential and simultaneosly decouple the front driveshaft.
There is no rear drive setting the DCCD.
Subaru doesn't have a torque vectoring rear differential like the EVO does, but the evo doesn't claim that its center differential is statically rear biased. only 50/50 vs. subie's 41/59 f/r.
Danny Boy @ Nov 15th 2007 2:34PM
still fugly
Dave @ Nov 15th 2007 3:38PM
Yup. This thing makes Azteks and Jeep Compasses look good by comparison.
Bryan @ Nov 16th 2007 12:28AM
I've said this once and I will say it again, they screwed it up by making it a hatch. I think they should have kept the sedan standard and had a hatch for the people that want them. If they made an STi version of both they would kill the competition. For my money I would rather have the EVO, and I'm a Subie fan.
evlmnky @ Nov 15th 2007 2:40PM
Can we get some interior shots?
I'd still like to know if it comes w/ Recarros or those bobo recovered WRX bucket seats...
06wrc @ Nov 15th 2007 2:41PM
why 4 exhaust tips? although it is channelling that bmw m-coupe look, it is just flat pointless, especially with the single turbocharger. i love my scooby, yet the new evo looks better every time i see this thing
Delorean2006 @ Nov 15th 2007 2:49PM
Looks better than the regular WRX but I still think it looks really ugly
Alex @ Nov 15th 2007 2:50PM
my - I stress it, MY ranking of performance cars at this price point is:
Evo X > STI > 135i.
evlmnky @ Nov 15th 2007 2:53PM
I loved the previous STi but given this new model I have to agree w/ you.
Mitsubishi did a fine job w/ the new Evo.
UoMDeacon @ Nov 15th 2007 2:58PM
My problem with these 3 new cars is the greenhouse is so high, the new Lancer especially. While I'm sure this makes for better interior space/comfort, IMO it really throws off the shape of these cars.
naggs @ Nov 15th 2007 10:54PM
subaru used to be in my top 5 carmakers. now they rank somewhere between toyota and chrysler.
mitsu has a golden opportunity to replace subaru, if the lancer ralliart is as good to drive as the old wrx, it will destroy the new wrx in sales
X-Tuned @ Nov 15th 2007 2:53PM
Why does this look like a Crossover. Just ain't feelin' this.
Patrick @ Nov 15th 2007 3:10PM
Now why the fuk is the sti going to be 35K US when its already been confirmed that it will be 60K AUD when it lands on my shores in Australia. 1 USD = 0.92 AUD at the moment.
Now thats truly BS imo.. Suburu Australia should be ashamed of themselves.