Autoblog

LA 2009: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition is sportier, less expensive

Drew Phillips — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

So often, the tag of "Special Edition" comes with a not-so-special price increase. Fortunately for Subaru fans, the newly-introduced Impreza WRX STI Special Edition is actually less costly. At $32,995 it's actually $2,000 cheaper than the base price of the standard STI.

Of course, buyers of the Special Edition will have to go without certain features, namely HID headlights, premium audio, and automatic climate control. It's not just a de-contented package, though, as the car also comes with the suspension from the spec C model in Japan that includes a thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer bushings and stiffer springs.

Initially, each car will be painted in Aspen white with the charcoal-colored 14-spoke wheels also cribbed from the spec C. Just 125 examples will be built in the first quarter of 2010, although Subaru says that more will be available later in the year in additional colors. High-res gallery below, pricing press release available after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition

Continue reading LA 2009: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition is sportier, less expensive

LA 2009: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition is sportier, less expensive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're one of the many enthusiasts on this side of the ocean who pine for a choice crop of hot hatches that never make it to the States, we've got some bad news for you: the Subaru Impreza STI Spec C -- a limited run of 900 units packing an assortment of enhancements to give it the edge over the stock versions -- is finally going on sale in Japan.

For starters, the whiz kids over at Subaru Tecnica International have reprogrammed the ECU and fitted smoother ball bearings for the turbocharger to boost output to 304 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. They've also retuned the suspension, reinforced the chassis, recalibrated the power steering's lubrication, fitted new rims on Bridgestone Potena RE070 rubber and reduced the curb weight with lighter body panels, windows, battery and tire kit. You can check out the images in the gallery below and all the details in the press release after the jump, but sadly that's about as close as you're likely to get without boarding a flight to Tokyo.

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C

Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: DC Shoes teases Ken Block's new gymkhana Subaru WRX STI

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Ken Block's new Gymkhana STI - Click above to jump to the teaser video

Autocross enthusiasts claim their form of motorsport is the most challenging in all of auto-dom. But chasing pylons around a parking lot is nothing compared to Gymkhana. Sometimes referred to as the "car rodeo", Gymkhana is practiced (in the same way that a marshall art is "practiced") in Japan, the UK, South Africa and right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. The idea is essentially the same as autocross, but with some drifting, turn-on-a-dime pivots and J-turns thrown in for good measure. It's what Subaru Rally Team USA driver and DC Shoes co-founder Ken Block, the new name behind the Dirt video game franchise, uses to keep sharp in between rally stages.

The car Block currently uses is a fire-breathing monster. Starting life as a previous-generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Block's Gymkhana car was originally prepared for the 2005 Gumball 3000 with 426 horsepower and adjustable suspension, then retuned for One Lap of America 2006 before being thoroughly revamped, complete with 529 hp Crawford rally engine, for rodeo duty in 2007. But for this year's circuit, Ken's got his crew working on an all-new beast. We'll have to wait until June 1 for all the details, but to keep out appetites whet, DC has released a teaser video, which we've posted for you after the jump. Thanks to Khanh for the tip!

Continue reading VIDEO: DC Shoes teases Ken Block's new gymkhana Subaru WRX STI

VIDEO: DC Shoes teases Ken Block's new gymkhana Subaru WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Nurburgring) - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Subaru has announced its participation in the 37th ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race (AKA the 24-Hours of Nurburgring) with a Subaru Technica International-modified Impreza STI. The WRX will be campaigning in the SP3T class (comprised of turbo'd cars with a displacement of 2.0 liters), with Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida, Naoki Hattori and Koji Matsuda manning the helm during the enduro.

According to Subaru, the team's objective is to "collect data and verify technical know-how" and use the knowledge it gleans from the race to improve the STI's development. The modifications are standard race-car fare, with a stripped interior and safety equipment, along with a number of body stiffening components and a "Flexible Tower Bar."

Subaru's set up a micro-site to track the team's progress and will supposedly have live timing and results when the event gets underway in May. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Nurburgring)

[Source: Subaru via WCF]

Continue reading Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru releases JDM-only 20th Anniversary Edition Impreza WRX STI

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Impreza WRX STI 20th Ann.

Celebration and disappointment -- that's what the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary edition brings to the party. Celebration because it marks two decades of low-mounted, boxer-powered, all-wheel-drive fun and disappointment because the Takumi concept we saw earlier this month - assumed to be a glimpse of the future Spec-C WRX - was just an early unveiling of this limited edition Impreza.

To make matters worse, the 20th Anniversary WRX doesn't get much in the way of modifications. The only substantive changes to the STI's dynamics come from a new set of coilovers with retuned springs and shocks to offer a more planted ride, along with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars and a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels to compliment the only available hue (white). Body mods are also kept to a minimum, with only a black lip spoiler and rear wing subtly proclaiming the STI's special status.

No special edition would be complete without the prerequisite badging, so in addition to leather Recaros with red stitching and a matching shift knob, a commemorative plaque on the center console and a new set of door sills are the only thing letting people know that the Impreza is one of the 300 limited edition examples. Oh, and there's a special red pouch for the key fob too.

Sales are beginning in Japan as you read this, carrying a price tag of 4,126,500 yen.

Gallery: 20th Anniversary Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Subaru releases JDM-only 20th Anniversary Edition Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Alex Nunez — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image gallery

I remember the last red Subaru I drove. I was in high school, and the car was my dad's - a new '88 GL wagon with an automatic and push-button 4WD on the shifter. I dug that Scooby. It wasn't powerful but it was fun -- especially when it snowed. Somehow I managed to avoid bouncing it off a lamppost while sliding it around corners. This had much more to do with luck than skill, as I was in high school and clearly an idiot. But I digress -- after all, this isn't about my dad's old GL. It is, however, about a red Subaru - the new Impreza WRX STI, to be specific. If this thing was around back during my neighborhood rally-pretender salad days, I'd probably just be getting my license back right about now.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Continue reading Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Battle Royale between new and old Evos, Imprezas

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Mitsubishi, Subaru

Best Motoring's Tsukuba shootouts regularly put all the others to shame. Sure, they might lack some of the high-dollar production quality of other motoring shows, but they make up for it with mesmerizing track sessions and entertaining commentary. Case in point, in the recent edition of the Japanese-language video series, they've pitted the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI against the Mitsubishi Evolution X with the five-speed gearbox. But to make it even more interesting, they included the SST-equipped version of the Evo X, an Evo IX MR GSR and the last generation WRX STI. The video shows where each vehicle excels and falters, with a few choice gems coming from the drivers like, "Ohhhh, undudasteero!" and "sido-by-sido."

The results may be surprising, but we won't spoil the ending. Check the video after the jump.

Thanks for the tip Ovidio!

[Source: YouTube via Zercustoms]

Continue reading VIDEO: Battle Royale between new and old Evos, Imprezas

VIDEO: Battle Royale between new and old Evos, Imprezas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Alex Nunez — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

Click image for hi-res gallery

The wait is finally over. Subaru has released official photos and initial info on the new JDM-spec Impreza WRX STI. Details remain scant, however, as Subaru only tells us that the new STI is powered by a 16v 2.0L boxer with a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 6-speed manual. SI-DRIVE, multi-mode Drivers Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) are also standard. All of these things have been widely speculated on and/or reported already. Specific power numbers are conspicuously absent, so we'll have to wait for the rest of it when the car bows in Tokyo in a couple of weeks. Based on what's already been leaked, look for 304 horses and 311 lb-ft of torque in the Japanese-market model. What's no longer a mystery is the car's appearance, which is muscular and aggressive -- a huge improvement over the base WRX. Head to the gallery below to see the car unmasked at last.

[Source: Subaru]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (JDM)

Officially Official: Subaru Impreza WRX STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru teases the Impreza WRX STI's tush

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:34:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

Click image for photo gallery

Subaru's not officially revealing the new Impreza WRX STI until October 24 (place your bets on who'll blow that embargo to smithereens before then), but it has released a teaser shot of the car's rear end. (We showed you the official teaser of the front end last week.) With the number of high-quality spy photos being churned out now, there's little mystery left anyway, but we'll take what we can get from Subaru. The new shot, as posted on the Subaru website, is very dark. We lightened it up a bit so you can better see the fender bulges, dual twin-tipped exhaust outlets, and the roof wing. Between this and the spy shots flying around, it's looking as if the STI will boast an appropriately muscled-up appearance compared to the far more reserved-looking WRX. It'll be shown to the public for the first time at next month's Tokyo Motor Show, and we'll be on hand for the festivities.

Thanks for the heads-up, Dustin!

[Source: Subaru]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Subaru teases the Impreza WRX STI's tush originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Subaru Impreza WRX STi caught undisguised on 'Ring

John Neff — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

click above image to view all of our Subaru Impreza WRX STi spy shots

Though Subaru engineers took careful measures to ensure their Impreza WRX STi tester wasn't spotted en route to the Nurburgring or at the track's staging area, eventually the car cover had to come off. It appears Subaru engineers were forced to unveil the production body of the new STi in order to test how the final form affects cooling. Though we just showed you this official teaser shot of the STi, these spy shots show the car outside in perfect light where every detail of the new design is cleary visible. Aside from some black tape, the blue STi underneath is practically naked. Note what appear to be air extractor vents or intake scoops on the sides of the front bumper, a design element we weren't entirely aware of before. We can also clearly see the rear wing now, which is less ostentatious than we were hoping. The STi has always been known for sporting an obnoxious rear wing, but it looks like that tradition will end with the 2008 model. KGP Photography took shots of the STi from nearly every angle, all of which can be viewed in our high-res gallery.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STi - spy shots

Spy Shots: Subaru Impreza WRX STi caught undisguised on 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru Impreza WRX STi: First official shot shows up

John Neff — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

click above image to enlarge

We've seen more spy shots of the upcoming Subaru Impreza WRX STi than we care to recount, but it looks like the first official image of Subie's road rocket has finally been leaked on the web. While there's been no confirmation from Subaru that this pic is the real deal, it has that official flavor that only press pics seem to have. Unfortunately, this particular pic is dark by nature and obscures many of the elements in which we're interested like the grille and lower front bumper. What we can see is gigantoid hood scoop, mega wide front fenders, and what appears to be a large rear wing out back. The official arrival of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi is imminent, as the debut will take place at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. Suburu will likely release its full batch of official images and specifications before then. Until then, chew on this.

[Source: Carscoop]

Subaru Impreza WRX STi: First official shot shows up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X previewed by Road and Track

John Neff — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Subaru

Road & Track has compiled all it knows about the next versions of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X into a tidy little article that currently resides on their website. It includes a lot of information from inside sources, as well as pics that we think represent the magazine's best guess as to what these two terrors will look like.

The new Subaru Impreza WRX STi will likely bow later this year and go on sale in early 2008. The design ethos for the STi is one of muscularity, and we have to say that R&T's rendering look sick, in a good way. Whatever qualms we had about the Impreza redesign melt away in the face of the STi's sheer kick-assness. Just like with the new WRX, mechanical changes won't be extreme, but will include a horsepower bump for the 2.5L flat-four up to 320 or so, with torque topping out at 320 ft-lbs. at 4,000 RPM. The only transmission will be a six-speed manual. The slightly lighter new STi should be able to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds flat. There are a few electronic aids, DCCD (driver's control center differential), but it appears the new STi will be more of a purist's machine than ever.

The new Mitsubishi EVO X, however, will be outfitted with all the latest acronyms, including AYC (active yaw control), S-AWC (super-all-wheel control), ACD (active center differential) and ASC (anti-skid control). All of those electrons will do their best to tame the 300 horsepower produced by the EVO's new 2.0L turbo four codenamed 4B11. Torque is expected to reach 300 ft-lbs. at a very useable 3,000 rpm, as well. Unlike in the STi, you should be able to order your next EVO X with either a five-speed manual or new 6-speed twin-clutch automatic called SST. R&T reports that it will be similar to Volkswagen's DSG, but likely better considering it's been in development more recently. We all know what the EVO X will look like, of course, having seen the Prototype X that Mitsubishi debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this year, but R&T also rounds out some production details in the car's appearance.

Click the Read the link to skip to Road & Track for the complete article with all the details they've managed to gather on these highly anticipated 2008 models.

[Source: Road and Track, illustration used with permission]

Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X previewed by Road and Track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments