Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon doesn't make sense
Subaru WRX STI Carbon - Click above for high-res image gallery
Subaru has announced a new version of the WRX STI that will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. We've looked at this one six ways 'til Sunday (maybe seven) and we still can't make sense of it. But, hear us out. One of the main knocks against the STI has long been that it's a little too porky. But, when you base a performance car on a plebeian chassis, that's the price you pay. Another knock is that the STI – while potent – is just not as hardcore as the Mitsubishi EVO, even though the EVO X is a little, well, less hardcore than the EVO IX. So obviously Subaru's going to address these concerns with a special, lightweight edition STI, right? Well...
Meet the WRX STI Carbon. It has a carbon fiber roof. And a five-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the Legacy – no manual. And... suede seats. Yup, that's it. Now, we like the roof, don't get us wrong. Removing weight and lowering the center of gravity is exactly what the STI needs. But, a slushbox? For reals? Subaru says the five-speed auto is there to offer, "distinctive driving pleasure to a wider range of customers." Ah, the old dumbing it down so you can sell more trick. Hey, it worked for Porsche (see: Cayenne).
Let's see here, the last time Subaru tried this maneuver was in 2008 with the GE/GH third generation WRX. That went so well that Subaru was forced to relaunch the car twelve months later and rename to the 2008 WRX as the auto-only 2.5 GT. In other words, we just don't get the STI Carbon. Maybe in a year's time, Subaru will be forced to rename it the Carbon GT. That would at least make some sense. Right?
Gallery: Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon
PRESS RELEASE
IMPREZA WRX STI CARBON (Display model)
Based on the Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line model with 5 speed automatic transmission that offers distinctive driving performance to a wider range of customers, the Subaru Impreza WRX CARBON features the use of carbon material in the roof to achieve both a significant weight reduction and a lower center of gravity. In addition, the suede fabric used in the interior enhances driving excitement and pride of ownership.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mehdi Cheddadi 1:37AM (9/30/2009)
BIGGEST FAIL IN THE WORLD
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Dustin 2:00AM (9/30/2009)
+1
slushbox in an upmodel japanese racer FTL.
Victor 2:14AM (9/30/2009)
Japanese market is mostly auto transmission. Besides, the JDM does not have a regular WRX.
daleam 3:09AM (9/30/2009)
That is one ugly ass car!
Berto 6:06AM (9/30/2009)
Seriously! An automatic? Come on! Fail.
What is going on Subaru, you used to be cool!
Look at what you're offering to us nowadays, from the bloated and unnecessarily larger Forester and Outback to this?
Remember how cool the WRX STI was?
Once again, damn you average consumer. Damn you.
BoxerFanatic 10:11AM (9/30/2009)
CALM DOWN folks....
It is a WRX STI Spec A (as in Automatic) with a Carbon Fiber Roof. They have had the Spec A for a year or two now... It is the "luxury" model.
It isn't replacing the regular WRX STI, nor the Spec C or D, or HIJ, or whatever else. It is certainly not an S205.
Maybe they'll be smart enough to offer the composite roof panel on the Spec C as well... which is the competition grade variant, IIRC.
Frankly, I just wish they would cut weight by offering a real COUPE body style, but that is just me.
JazzyCC 1:38AM (9/30/2009)
Not
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JazzyCC 1:38AM (9/30/2009)
For the ''That would at least make some sense. Right?'' part
ForgedInternals 1:41AM (9/30/2009)
bleh when Subaru said they would make more cars with Autos about a month ago this was the last thing I had in mind.
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Kaveh 1:42AM (9/30/2009)
I like that interior, that suede looks good.
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Kanos 1:42AM (9/30/2009)
1. This car would never come to America anyways.
2. I will take the dash and cf roof on my sti, the interior has needed a soft touch for a long time!
3. WTF Subaru, what happened to you!
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fmwso 1:58AM (9/30/2009)
I second that, come on Subaru you're disappointing us more and more. The current Legacy, for example is horrible.
Jet3Xi 1:44AM (9/30/2009)
Need a 7 speed DSG instead of the 5 auto crapbox....
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pheer6224 1:45AM (9/30/2009)
An autobox?!
BURN IT WITH FIRE.
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click_playaz 1:48AM (9/30/2009)
OH maybe Subaru misreport. I think they will use dual clutch. but manual is way better. Oh and what about Subieyota? I can't wait anymore. seems like information hasn't been leaked out.
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usmckozmo 2:25AM (9/30/2009)
Unfortunately, there is no DSG in the near future for any Subi's. Their road map is heavily laden with CVT's for low build cost/fuel efficiency (customer perception as well as gov. fuel mandate).
On the original story; It's sad that Subi is taking the "dumbed down" approach with their new models. (I just bought a 2010 Forester XT (Turbo)...not even offered in a manual!) I can see their thinking for the mainstream models, but this is just flat out dumb when applied to the STI. The STI is not a mainstream vehicle; its an enthusiasts vehicle. With any turbocharged powertrain a manual is needed to get the most power (and enjoyment) out of it.
Jordan 1:51AM (9/30/2009)
I own a 2009 WRX STI 305hp with the multimedia package.
I dont know why you call it porky? I dont feel it. I had a S2000 that i traded for this car and I love my Subaru. It is a very sharp car.
But then again you are the same guy that hates the 370Z so go figures.
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click_playaz 2:07AM (9/30/2009)
370Z? haha are u kidding me? 370Z is a sick car, even better than the Z4 in Top gear episode. and I love that car too much. If Supra won't show up next year, I will take the Z.
petee209 9:07AM (9/30/2009)
I own a '10 STI base model, I agree it is not a "porky" car.
Its curb wieght is ~3200 lbs, not that heavy by todays automotive standards.
I like how the article calls it porky and compared it to an Evo X even though it weighs 300+ lbs more than an STI.
TimO 1:55AM (9/30/2009)
It's like the guy that never got the memo that corduroy pants went out of style.
Subaru: everyone's running six speeds now. Get with the program. I don't care if the Mustang GT's only got a 5-speed. That doesn't make it ok.
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