Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model at AutoExpress.
Mitsubishi and Subaru are entering round two of the newest battle for all-wheel-drive supremacy and AutoExpress has ringside seats. Both automakers are preparing hard-core versions of their turbocharged, rally-bred road rockets and that means more power, more aerodynamic mods and, in the case of Subaru, less weight.
The Lancer Evolution X MR is on the way, with a new fascia equipped with extra venting and a new air intake, while a revised rear wing, side skirts and blacked-out wheels complete the exterior makeover. Output is increased by 20 hp (in JDM spec) to 305 hp and the mid-range has been tweaked to provide more low-end torque, dropping the 0-60 time to under five seconds. The paddle-shifted SST twin-clutch transmission transfers over from the GSR model (likely with some software revisions) and the body has been stiffened to maximize the MR's handling.
Subaru is taking a different tack, keeping power upgrades to the STI's turbo'd 2.5-liter boxer to a minimum and instead focusing on weight reduction. The Impreza WRX STI Spec C will get a slightly revised aero kit, with a roof scoop (functional?), standard gold wheels, a lightweight roof, aluminum trunk lid, compact battery, smaller fuel tank and thinner compartment glass all around. All that work is expected to result in a 154-pound drop in weight, so the Spec C will tip the scales at just over 3,000 pounds.Subaru is also planning to equip the new Legacy with the STI's drivetrain, a revised suspension and slapping on an "S402" badge on the back, along with a sporting interior with more grippy seats. All of this is only for JDM consumption at the moment, but we'd expect to see both the MR and Spec C hit the UK next year, with sales in the U.S. of the MR coming around the same time.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2004m3driver @ Apr 30th 2008 12:40PM
Thats a nice approach Subaru is taking. I wish some other manufacturers would take note. cough*bmw
rouse42 @ May 1st 2008 8:04AM
and we thought the 135 was overpriced.
M1 for $57000? M1 CSL $65000?
David(Postal) @ Apr 30th 2008 12:41PM
so does the spec-c subaru have air conditioning?
Michael @ Apr 30th 2008 12:41PM
Subaru sti weighs almost 3400 lbs. How does dropping 150 lbs. equal 3000? Maybe they're UK spec cars.
I'll take the Subaru just for the fun of rowing my own gears.
Michael @ Apr 30th 2008 12:43PM
Well it says Japanese spec cars, that explains it.
Benfolio @ Apr 30th 2008 12:55PM
Legacy STi plz.
bilbo baggibs @ Apr 30th 2008 1:52PM
I know mannn please please. wtf is up with all the stale stuff sold here!
mk @ Apr 30th 2008 2:01PM
I have been CLAMORING for an S402 Legacy since before I bought a legacy.
Of COURSE it is only for JDM market, par for Subaru's course.
Damn. If I had the money, though, I would import the parts, and turn my Legacy into a Tuned By STI, or S402.
The 08 STI under the skin is FANTASTIC. it is just that the skin is so damn ugly.
In the Legacy's sexier 4-door form, (not the WRX 4-door abomination) the STI's drivetrain would be FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC.
S4, M3-4, G35-Sport or G35x (since you can't get both), or Lexus IS-F... NAH.
Legacy S402, HELLS YEAH, and then a motorcycle to boot, for the price difference under some of those other cars.
Brembos, BBS forged wheels on 5x114.3 hubs, Bilsteins/pink STI springs, STI bracing and anti-roll bars, SI-Drive, 6MT with DCCD, and 305 factory horsepower, just begging for STI stage 2 treatment...
The only thing better would be a turbocharged H6 under the hood. Perrin and Cobb have built a few prototypes, and get WELL north of 400hp and torque out of those.
Evo - not my cup of tea.
STI Spec C - nice for what it is, but not practical, on purpose.
Legacy S402... almost enough to make me go into debt for it. DAMN.
Brandon @ Apr 30th 2008 12:56PM
I world rather have the Lancer Evolution X MR ouut of the two .
pio!pio! @ Apr 30th 2008 1:13PM
what the heck is compact batter?
are they baking a tiny cake?
Alex @ Apr 30th 2008 1:17PM
I think they mean Phillies' shortstop Jimmy Rollins. He would be considered a compact batter.
SeattleJeremy @ Apr 30th 2008 1:18PM
Yes, the roof scoop will be functional, thus contuning a long history of functional roof scoops in Subaru's. Like the one found on this page
http://www.rallispec.com/prod_aero.htm
Guenther @ Apr 30th 2008 1:19PM
So with its diet, it still weighs more than the car it replaced? That PROGRESS!
Craig @ Apr 30th 2008 1:21PM
Is it just me or does that "render" look like it was made in MS Paint?
Franz @ Apr 30th 2008 1:31PM
I've always loved Spec C STIs, and I'm sure I'll love this one too. The Evo's revised front end is pure badass though. I didn't think the X could look any more pissed off.
TKOsoccer03 @ Apr 30th 2008 1:36PM
How about Mitsubishi actually build a car that can compete with the STi.. that would be nice.. they took a giant leap backwards with the new Evo. It's not as fast, and it doesn't handle as good as the IX.. lame..
STi is the better car, and will remain so without question with a new Spec-C.
Noah @ Apr 30th 2008 2:27PM
In the mags/internet reviews I've read (haven't driven myself), the new X, while not any faster, does inspire more confident handling. When pitted against the IX, some versions didn't go around a track as well, but they say it feels nicer to drive. I don't know what else to say. Maybe its easier for a newbie to drive.
On another note, does it seem like Subaru and Mitsu have traded their styles? Last gen, Mitsu lightened their vehicle, and now its Subaru thats taking that approach.
naggs @ Apr 30th 2008 2:51PM
it feels faster and more planted but it is actually a lot slower
fail
Franz @ Apr 30th 2008 3:01PM
It all depends on where these cars do battle. No doubt the STi has the Evo beat in all the typical contests (0-60, 1/4 mile, slalom and braking... and marginally so in the last two) but when Motor Trend pitted both cars against the clock at Buttonwillow, the Evo X was a full second quicker per lap than the STi. It's a more predictable and competent handling machine on the fly.
ghost @ Apr 30th 2008 1:49PM
Isn't the JDM STi a 2.0L?