Autoblog

Current Subaru WRX and STI to stick around for a couple of years

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Etc., Hatchback, Subaru

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is on its way to a dealership near you, and you can pick one up starting in November. Should you prefer to go with something wearing a WRX or STI badge, you don't have to wait, but you'll just have to be happy with the current version, as Subaru is reportedly holding off on bringing revised examples of the hi-po Impreza sedans and wagons to market.

According to Car and Driver, Subaru plans to continue building the same well-liked Impreza WRX and STI until the new cars are ready, likely in a couple of years. The idea is to allow the revised Impreza to gain some traction before launching the furiously fast versions. Hopefully, the lag time between models will give Subaru boffins time to produce models worthy of wearing those special badges.

Current Subaru WRX and STI to stick around for a couple of years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Videos, Subaru, UK

Subaru at the Isle of Mann TT - Click above to watch video after the jump

Subaru has released an official video of the company's recent record-breaking efforts at the Isle of Mann TT. As you may recall, the official sponsor of the race dusted off an impressive elapsed time of 19 minutes and 37 seconds while averaging 115.356 mph. If that's not impressive enough, driver Mark Higgins cracked the 160 mph barrier while blasting through the island course. All told, the U.S.-spec WRX STI clipped through 200 corners, including one spot where the driver and co-driver nearly went tumbling at 130 mph.

Subaru says that the car was left mechanically stock save a few safety additions. A fire-suppression system and roll cage were added in the event of a hairy situation, as well as a set of competition seats and belts. Stouter Mintex brake pads were also fitted for the run, though the stock calipers and rotors stayed along for the ride. The WRX STI also boasted an even freer-flowing exhaust, and engineers nixed the speed limiter, which allowed Higgins to crank the turbocharged flat-four up to 162 mph. Finally, a set of Tein dampers helped the winged machine tackle the uneven pavement and massive jumps of the course. Hit the jump to see the recap video for yourself.

Continue reading Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run

Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru teases JDM-only Impreza WRX STI tS with carbon fiber roof

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Japan, Subaru

Our Japanese may be a bit rusty, but our eyes work just fine. So it was hard to miss this teaser image for an upcoming version of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI tS sporting a carbon fiber roof. When we click to the English-language portion of the site the image and information disappears, so we don't know what else to make of this STI tS and its lighter chapeau.

For the non-Subaru aficionados reading along, tS stands for "Tuned by STI" and we last saw the crew at Subaru Tecnica International apply wrenches to the Legacy. The resulting Legacy B4 2.5GT tS had us drooling and we expect the WRX STI tS to have a similar affect on our salivary glands.

[Source: Subaru]

Subaru teases JDM-only Impreza WRX STI tS with carbon fiber roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2010: Subaru tuners bring the goods

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:59:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru at the 2010 SEMA Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru promised a cornucopia of WRXs for SEMA, and it certainly has not disappointed. More than a handful of tuned up Subies are on hand at the automakers booth, and both sedan and hatchback body styles are represented. The two most well known vehicles are the ones you've no doubt seen in the news: Travis Pastrana's New Year's Eve Jump car and Nürburgring-blazing fastest WRX STI driven by Tommi Makinen. Four other custom 'Rexes round out Subaru's SEMA linep.

Kicker has designed an STI with a focus on audio performance, while K&N has brought one that emphasizes street performance. Get More G's teamed up with SPT to provide the go-fast treatment to a five-door WRX, and Subiefest Best of Show winner, Jamarri Whiteside, was able to display his 2006 Subaru WRX STI beneath the bright lights of the 2010 SEMA show. See them all for yourself in our high-res image gallery.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Subaru

SEMA 2010: Subaru tuners bring the goods originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cosworth says its new Impreza will have "supercar humbling" performance

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, UK

Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 teaser shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of years ago, any mention of engine maker Cosworth was often greeted with "Oh, that's right, Cosworth... I remember them." Now the 52-year-old English purveyor of finely engineered goods is back in Formula 1 in a big way, and it's got a Subaru planned that will make everyone take note. The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will have 395 horsepower (400 PS) and take 1.5 seconds off the WRX STI's 0-to-60 time: from 5.2 seconds to 3.7.

We've only got teaser shots for the moment, but this thing should sear the eyeballs in more ways than one when we finally see it. Follow the jump for a little more info, and whet your palate for the super Scooby, on sale in June and limited to just 75 units, with the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Cosworth Impreza

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Cosworth says its new Impreza will have "supercar humbling" performance

Cosworth says its new Impreza will have "supercar humbling" performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rear-Engine Rendering: Student-styled Subie is the hot hatch of dreams, nightmares

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Subaru, Specialty, Design/Style

Digimods Subaru Impreza - Click above to enlarge

In the real world of asphalt and hydrocarbons (yes, that's possibly redundant), the Subaru WRX STI is a common target for zealous mods. While much tuning can go on under the stock skin, which isn't exactly subtle on a Rex, it's de rigeur to go at the exterior with pieces of thermoplastic and visions of reshaping dancing in your head.

If you're not deft enough to translate inspiration to metal, or you don't have a WRX, or you just want to avoid getting gunk under your fingernails and cutting your hands all up while trimming out big pieces of sheetmetal, you can do it with bits and bytes instead. Of course, a digital mockup is a good way to test out ideas before taking the nipper to the roof, too.

Pete from Digimods has decided that the WRX could really use a rear-mounted engine, plenty more scoops, and a giant roof duct to supply air to the engine, and drown it if it gets taken out in the rainy season. It's a very nicely done rendering. Some will love, some will hate, all will likely have something to say. Have at it, kids!

[Source: Digimods via CarScoop]

Rear-Engine Rendering: Student-styled Subie is the hot hatch of dreams, nightmares originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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