http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/03.jpg
NEW STI Debuts at the LA Auto Show
Photos by Jeff Boggess


Speech given by Tim Colbeck
Vice President, Sales
Subaru of America


"What a great car! Here it is - the all-new 2008 Subaru WRX STI.

This is one very special piece of engineering. This car is a wolf in wolf's clothing. It's the pinnacle of everything we do at Subaru and a car that speaks directly to the heart of every driving enthusiast in this hall.

Today’s STI story began with the legendary 22b. The car that has been responsible for addicting thousands of enthusiasts to the endless pursuit of a turbo powered, all wheel drive rush.

And today, we take the legend to a new level with the completely new 2008 WRX STI.

STI is more than a badge. Like say GTI. For us, it's our performance division - Subaru Tecnica International. For twenty years, STI has engineered cars that outperform much more expensive products. STI products are truly race and rally bred.

We don't just talk about rally in our ads, we actually do it. In fact, Subaru just won the 2007 Rally America championship, and our driver Travis Pastrana won his second consecutive drivers’ championship.

Our STI engines are virtually unmodified for competition. So our street car is closer to our race car than most any brand. In fact, we've had our WRC champion rally driver Petter Solberg working directly with the engineers right from the start. He helped us with the all-new suspension and chassis design - something we call DC Cubed. It's an all-new approach to chassis development and that means this car will out-handle its predecessor right out of the box.

With its new chassis, the new STI delivers a better ride and keeps all four tires glued to the road letting the chassis absorb the bumps and the suspension focus on grip.

Rally drivers like Petter want a car that takes the beating for them and transmits information, not shock, into the cockpit. That means the new STI will swallow the bumps, live for the jumps and out run the competition.

And by the way - that's why this car is a 5-door with a wider track and longer wheelbase…and with shorter overhangs, it's the perfect design for rally. This car has the guts of a champion and it looks the part.

STI products stand out from the crowd. They are all about the engineering under the skin. And style that lives up to that engineering. In a sea of tamed-down design, STI has always stood out.

For 2008, the design is more elegant, but no less dramatic.

* Wide, muscular wheel arches
* 18 inch wheels
* a wider track,
* and an aerodynamic form that produces zero lift front and rear.

The STI has true road presence. Every design element has a function - every duct sends cool air to the brakes or radiator; or exhausts hot air from the engine.

STI isn’t afraid to wear its performance on its sleeve. Quite simply this car means business.

Like I said before, this new STI is a wolf, but it’s a wolf that you can control. Despite its power and presence, this car is sophisticated enough to get you to work every day, impress your boss at lunch, thrill your friends on the weekend, spend a night on the town, and demoralize the competition…every day, everywhere.

But we know why you came here today…

Last month we showed the Japanese spec STI to the world with
a 2.0-liter engine. Today we introduce the US spec car boasting 2.5-liters of turbocharged power. So, what are the magic numbers?

First - performance. The 2.5 liter turbo boxer engine comes with
305 horsepower and 290 lb.-feet of torque. That gets this car from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.

The torque curve comes on earlier and stays later to give you all the power you need, just when you need it.

All that horsepower and torque adds up to blistering performance all held down by Subaru legendary Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system.

It's coupled with a race bred suspension with inverted front struts, aluminum control arms, and a new double wishbone suspension.

Now let's talk about technology. The Subaru philosophy is to keep the driver in total control of the vehicle and the new STI comes with a host of technologies designed to do just that…but without getting in the way of the driving experience.

First, STI comes with front, center and rear differentials and the completely redesigned DCCD -- that's our Driver Controlled Center Differential, that delivers the torque where you need it.

It comes with 3 new automatic modes and six driver controlled manual settings. With this car you can jump in, set your diffs, and hit the dirt or the street and outperform just about any car on the market.

The car also comes with an all-new Subaru VDC system - specifically developed for the performance minded driver. This system provides three different modes including a special mode for the enthusiast driver - fully off.

Also standard is the Subaru Intelligent-Drive system or SI drive that offers three settings to get the most out of the engine in any situation.

Bottom line -- Power, Performance, Handling, Presence -- this car can do anything you ask of it.

With the DCCD, VDC and SI Drive, you can tailor this car to match your skill and your attitude.

As for pricing, the STI starts at $34,995. And at that price, we think the STI sets the performance and value bar in the segment.

Take one final look at that view (rear).

Isn't that great?

By the way, they say the designers spent extra time on the rear because that's the view most are going to have.

So, come up and take a look at the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI. But don't just look; make sure you get on the list to drive one as soon as you can. It's truly an unbeatable experience.

We've got Mr. Hiroshi Mori, project general manager for the STI...
as well as our CEO, Mr. Tomo Ikeda as well as other SOA executives to answer any questions you may have here in front.

Thank you for coming today and enjoy the STI!"


For more in depth specs of the STI Subaru

MY08 USDM WRX/STI Press Release (http://vocuspr.vocus.com/vocuspr30/Newsroom/ViewAttachment.aspx?SiteName=Subaru&Entity=PRAsset&AttachmentType=F&EntityID=104846&AttachmentID=425cde98-eda2-4172-a3a1-db1f48eebe54)
MY08 USDM WRX/STI Specs (http://vocuspr.vocus.com/vocuspr30/Temp/Sites/1571/454b218c7ec34953aad714f2a2fc5e1e/4%2008%20WRX%20STI%20specs%20V2-Revised.pdf)
MY08 USDM WRX/STI Features (http://vocuspr.vocus.com/vocuspr30/Temp/Sites/1571/88bdffdeeb09438d9f9974f17d936aa8/3%2008%20%20STI%20equipment%20v2-Revised.pdf)

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/01.jpg

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/02.jpg

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/07.jpg

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/04.jpg

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/05.jpg

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/06.jpg

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/08.jpg

Mmmm kinda getting used to the look now. Wide fenders FTW!

I guess this will probably end up being the official thread, so, enjoy this view from inside the car at Laguna Seca Raceway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwLDZ-am0dM

still don't like the new looks, can't beat the performance upgrades tho...Aftermarket Bodykits FTW!

Eh.......... It's alright... Still hate the new body style... the new interior is alright but too plain...

:unamused: Plastic painted to look like aluminum sucks.. but the rest of the interior looks decent.

Overall, it looks okay though. I'm looking forward to test driving this along with the G37, and EvoX as my next car.

I guess this will probably end up being the official thread, so, enjoy this view from inside the car at Laguna Seca Raceway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwLDZ-am0dM

Cool video ryan. were you the lucky one that got to take that lap?

-Jeff

Cool video ryan. were you the lucky one that got to take that lap?

-Jeff

Yup. That's me driving. It's just a warm-up lap, though. If you're familiar with the track, you can probably tell I'm loafing.

135i for 36k...

man tough choice.

Its starting to come together nicely, it seems. As was expected though, the $34,999 is probably going to steer a lot of people away.

Yup. That's me driving. It's just a warm-up lap, though. If you're familiar with the track, you can probably tell I'm loafing.

Definitely loafing... I run times like that in my 130hp 89 vw GTI :) Driven hard the car ought to be capable of times in the 1:40's, i'm guessing...

"305 horsepower and 290 lb.-feet of torque. That gets this car from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. "


Isn't that slower 0-60 than the current STi?

looks like mitsu may finally be getting a real run for it's money...

Yup. That's me driving. It's just a warm-up lap, though. If you're familiar with the track, you can probably tell I'm loafing.

:lol: i would be a little worried too. kinda like when subaru gave me a 08 wrx for a day. you spend half the time worrying about totalling it. hahaha :lol:

i think this car is starting to grow on me...

i think this car is starting to grow on me...

seeing it in real life will sell you. ;)

wow, looks amazing, surprizing that its not wrb though...but I like the color

the front of that car looks like a happy little kid :lol: so ghey :sadbanana: If i won that car i would sell it in a heartbeat !!!!!

very very nice, the new look is definately growing on me. hopefully by sometime next year i can get one. the new dccd modes sound interesting, and all the new specs are sweet

No STI spray on the intercooler?? bummerrrr...

wow, looks amazing, surprizing that its not wrb though...but I like the color

they actually had a wrb one there also.

Yup. That's me driving. It's just a warm-up lap, though. If you're familiar with the track, you can probably tell I'm loafing.


so how would you compare the 07 to the 08. power and handeling wise.

:D i kinda like it now

^^^^ I dont get it so someone is gonna pay 35k for that pt cruiser looking thing ???????

The new body style has grown on me, but some aspects of the interior just look really cheap:( love the black calipers though and a few things about the car but overall it makes the 06-07 body style much more attractive. 07 it is :devil:

..the speech sucked ..so does the new "Legacy Junior" :unamused:

Hope Subaru picks up the proverbial dropped ball soon.

^^^^ I dont get it so someone is gonna pay 35k for that pt cruiser looking thing ???????

Gladly.

If you don't get it, you don't get it.

i really like it and im glad forged alloy wheels are offered but can anyone confirm recaro front seats. nothing listed on the standard equip sheet and can someone post pics of the USDM front seats.

thanks.

Fuel Economy
EPA city mpg 17
EPA highway mpg 23
Fuel tank capacity 16.9 gal

way to go subaru on giving us 5 more hp to the crank and worse fuel economy along with a bigger gas tank....

:banana::diaf::banana:joy!!

i really like it....id own one

It's funny that everyone talked so much **** about it..... And now they like it...:huh: bandwagon ftw???:unamused:

P.S. I'm not directing this to any one person in particular, it's just an observation.

It's funny that everyone talked so much **** about it..... And now they like it...:huh: bandwagon ftw???:unamused:

I've always liked it, even the WRX.

Hatchbacks kick ass! :banana:

I don't like the whole 5 door thing, an STi is supposed to have a trunk lid and a big old fin you know. Looks too much like a mazda to me, glad I bought the '07 model. I do however like the idea of 3 auto modes for the dccd and I like the instrument cluster and black calipers.

a few direct shots at the competetion...alright Subaru!

STI is more than a badge. Like say GTI.

We don't just talk about rally in our ads, we actually do it....lancer "rally edition"

By the way, they say the designers spent extra time on the rear because that's the view most are going to have.

Hahaha! We get S204 hazard switch! :lol:

I'm glad ALOT of people don't like it! Means I won't see that many cars like mine on the road! ;)

Hahaha! We get S204 hazard switch! :lol:

Clearly the feature that is going to sell this car. :p

I've always liked it, even the WRX.

Hatchbacks kick ass! :banana:

I agree about the sti since I first saw it. Hatches are great.
I don't like the lack of muscle (flares) the wrx got though. It looks too generic.

Damn! Bluetooth :banana:

sexy time!

Boy am I glad I have an 07. The interior in the 07, as far as the radio and the vent location is far nicer than this thing. Features don't seem to different, except maybe SI drive... I'm not impressed to say the least.

I agree about the sti since I first saw it. Hatches are great.
I don't like the lack of muscle (flares) the wrx got though. It looks too generic.

yeah the flares def. give it waaaay more character...but i still think even the wrx could look good with some simple aesthetic changes.

regardless, black dem tail lights the F#%$ OUT!! Hideous.

I'm starting to like it. At first I hated it, it is growing on me.

I was expecting a higher redline

if i had one id crack open the taillights and paint all that chrome **** black, full tint, OBP paint, lowered, stock wheels maybe gunmetal or same colour, definitely paint STI on that tmic, front lip, at least all that stuff.

if i had one id crack open the taillights and paint all that chrome **** black, full tint, OBP paint, lowered, stock wheels maybe gunmetal or same colour, definitely paint STI on that tmic, front lip, at least all that stuff.

+++++1

Sorry Subaru. For $35,000 dollars - there are plenty of much more deserving cars out there for our money! Im not going to pay that much for a hyped up 4 cylinder. There's a lot of 6 cyl cars out there that can do the job as well.

the fuel economy calculations were recienlty changed in an attempt to estimate "real world" driving. so most cars went down. or at least i remember reading something about that.

i dont remember when but i know i read they were changing the testing since there were complaints on people getting worse than the listed numbers.

FraternityofSTI.com

Don't everyone order a T-shirt at once. :banana:

I love it. I'd get one. Taillights are ass, but that's an easy fix.

Still has not grown on me, price does not help either.

NOOOOO they took out the push button start! :sadbanana:

Sorry Subaru. For $35,000 dollars - there are plenty of much more deserving cars out there for our money! Im not going to pay that much for a hyped up 4 cylinder. There's a lot of 6 cyl cars out there that can do the job as well.

I think once these are on the road and people start modding them, many views will change.

$35k is pretty high, even tho it's only 3k more than the current STI.

I like the 5-soor format, but the specs leave me completely underwhelmed.

every time I look at the new WRX/STi, I try to justify its weaknesses, and everytime I look at the new EVO X, I look for drawbacks.

Neither of these cars are in my future, but if I were in the market, I'd have a hard time justifying 35k for this car.

I was expecting more power :/

I think I'll add this to my xmas list this year!

It's got everything I wish I could have had in my STI. I'm not sure I'm crrrrazy about the new looks, but the interior is awesome as are all the nifty little features.

Diggin it. =) Not sure if I'll trade my '06, but maybe I'll just have to get a second STI. LOL :banana: :disco:

Like all the others. I hated it. But the last 3 months i luv it

I'll look into a used one a in a few years. The more that I look at new Lancers running around, the more I don't think I'll like the EvoX. The proportions just dont look as good in real life compared to the pics or the concept car.

Is it me or does it seem that with EVERY new Subaru there are the haters and the lovers. With the majority not liking them. I think that's what makes them fun ~~they are 'different' enough to make you notice them. But they really have the best performance for the money imho. I'm ready to put in my order........

Well, I'll certainly be picking one up, makes me wonder though what the price is going to be in Canada, it better be cheaper because im tired of having a higher dollar and still getting raped by greedy dealerships

I really really hated the body style when it first came out. But it has grown on me and sometimes im wishing i held out a few months. </3 the body style, but i Love the 5th door.

looks like mitsu may finally be getting a real run for it's money...

Please tell me you're joking :huh:. The new STi is uglier, slower and more expensive than its predecessor. It seems as if though though Subaru is trying to transition this car into a Legacy at some point.

i don't understand. the car doesn't have the charactistics that its supposed to have. the sti's were loved because of their brute. now its rounded out and all its muscle has been molded away. the interrior doesn't help this thing either. i could understand if this is the car they put out for high 20s but 35gs!!! looks like i'm gonna be saving a few more pennies for my 335. v6 twin turbo with more power/performance/lux/and especially, looks!

bring back the old sti......

btw, imo the bugeyes were the best looking ones to date.

pos (piece of ****) ill go with the evo

Those wheels are hot.

...looks like i'm gonna be saving a few more pennies for my 335. v6 twin turbo...v6 huh.:rolleyes: Anyways, I am here to say that unfortunately this new style is sort of growing on me. I actually want to get a set of those rims. 18 x 8.5 forged BBS FTW. I wonder if they will come in something other than silver?

^^silver arrow beat me to it.

sweet looking mazda

I like the look of the STi only. Though not my favorite Subaru body style (I rank it last) it still has some nastyness to it.:devil: Watching that video of it running at Laguna Seca made me realize that we will no longer see hoodscoops through the windshield:sadbanana::(:sadbanana:

sweet looking mazda

+1 :lol:

Soo...it has barely any more hp, a lower redline, LESS torque, worse gas mileage, a lack of an intercooler sprayer....and I'm not sure what the previous STI 0-60 time was but someone mentioned it was quicker than this new one.

What the hell happened?!

Not to mention it's uglier than the Mazda it's looks are so horribly based on annnnndd they bumped the price.

The only upsides I see are a possibly better DCCD, stiffer chassis and wishbone suspension. Weak.

Reeeaaal F*in Weak.

looks "insert favorite verb" gay ...like a pos focus or mazda 3

i don't understand. the car doesn't have the charactistics that its supposed to have. the sti's were loved because of their brute.

bring back the old sti......


+1

The new STI makes me sad :(

I don't want this pseudo- luxo crap in my STI, if that's what I was looking for I'd buy a fricken Legacy GT. The STI was supposed to be powerful, raw, brash and in your face. This abomination they are passing off as an STI is anything but.

I really hope the new STI does well, but honestly I think it will tank as it seems to me they are missing their target demographic with this car.

sexy time!


Very nice, I like you! Lol :)

i like it, but it just doesn't look like a rally car to me yet. looking at the pic with 22b in the background it's hard to see the evolution. the last few sti's looked like rally cars driving through special stage mcdonalds drive through and i always liked that about them. this one doesn't quite look the part to me but i imagine it will as the new rally season comes on and these are sliding around in the dirt with a bigger wing on the back.

Looks nice...

I think once these are on the road and people start modding them, many views will change.



AMEN!

"Functional front brake-cooling air scoops"

I wish I had that.

Wow thats just not doing it for me! not one bit! there is absolutely no flow to it at all, and look at the seats! My grandmas camary has more side bolstering than that thing! riiiight, i know i know, its more refined...well i didn't buy a rally car for the refined look last time i checked. This is a disgrace to the subaru community and the rally heritage of the STI....IMO

135i for 36k...

man tough choice.

Yeaahh 36 for big-dog 1 series? try 40+ at the dealer.

the new body has some big changes and I hate the fact they wont be offering this in the sedan instead of the 5 door like the wrx comes in. I dunno if I like it yet, but after a few tuners slap on a 35r and some other mods I'm sure I'll fall in love haha!

started with the 22B?
hello? the ej20 had been in production for 8 years before the 22b came out in 9/97

how about
started with the legacy RS...
or
started with the impreza
or
started with the original sti version in 93

its starting to grow on me.. the tail lights are awe full the price is staggering ..

but at least they didn't do the plastic manifold

Anyone know if we got the twinscroll turbo?

"305 horsepower and 290 lb.-feet of torque. That gets this car from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. "


Isn't that slower 0-60 than the current STi?

the numbers are not true with most high performance cars. I would expect right around 350hp with the new sti... it will be right around the evo's performance... 0-60 times probably right around 4 seconds.. with a retune. it should be sub 4 second:banana:


i really like the look of the new car. I think its super sexy. i need to see it in the traditional blue and gold, and white and gold!

I guess this will probably end up being the official thread, so, enjoy this view from inside the car at Laguna Seca Raceway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwLDZ-am0dM

This is pretty cool. Is that car red?

Still ugly...:p

I remember when everyone was unhappy with the appearance of the 06 pignose. It took time for some to get used to it and I'm sure it will take time for people to get used to the 08'. My only complaint it that I thought STi = Big shopping chart wing with gold rims and a trunk. I guess that's not imagery that Subaru wants anymore but isn't that why we all bought STi's (besides power and performance reasons). My two cents....

Thats the ugliest corolla ive ever seen! oh wait a minuet......

Its amazing the power that sanctioned motorsports has on what we get from the factory. I believe I remember reading that a major reason for this re-design was that Subaru was no longer competitive in WRC anymore...with dominance from Citroen, Ford and others. This car was designed almost entirely for the purpose of putting Subaru back on top in WRC and to be able to compete with the other hatches that dominate now.

04-05 is the best so far we've had legally here, hands down. then the 07 limited.

the car is almost as ugly as the pontiac aztek.

135i is better in every way except missing AWD... 135xi will fix that hopefully.

the numbers are not true with most high performance cars. I would expect right around 350hp with the new sti... it will be right around the evo's performance... 0-60 times probably right around 4 seconds.. with a retune. it should be sub 4 second:banana:


i really like the look of the new car. I think its super sexy. i need to see it in the traditional blue and gold, and white and gold!

And you're basing this on what? Pure speculation? Hopes and dreams? They underrated the wrx 2.5L because they didn't want it to be too close to the performance of the STI... it doesn't make any sense that they would intentionally underrate the STI, which is supposed to be their front runner. The STI went from 300 to 293hp because of SAE changes, not because of subaru wanting to underrate their vehicle, so I'm sure the new one has about 12 more hp than the previous STI. I still don't love the looks of it, but that will probably not change like the majority of the flip floppers that can't decide whether they love it or hate it. I'm just not a hatch person, and even so this isn't that hot a hatch.

i never thought id ever say this...i miss the pignose...:sadbanana:

Wow thats just not doing it for me! not one bit! there is absolutely no flow to it at all, and look at the seats! My grandmas camary has more side bolstering than that thing! riiiight, i know i know, its more refined...well i didn't buy a rally car for the refined look last time i checked. This is a disgrace to the subaru community and the rally heritage of the STI....IMO

:eek::lol:

Also, speak for yourself on the "disgrace" part. I think that more people will appreciate it when they have a chance to touch or drive one. This car will do good for Subaru.

i think they could have done a lil better on performance

yes i suppose i was a little "harsh" throwing the disgrace out there...haha...but u get my point :lol:

I like it and I think I will continue liking it more and more. I just got an 08 Impreza 2.5i 5-door and there are things I like and things I don't when compared with the current body style. Personally I like the hatch but I know many won't.

With all this stir up with the new Impreza body style and how some people like it and some people hate it, the fact is that the car is going to perform, NO DOUBT! The new STI actually has slightly more HP than the latest version due to the new variable valve timing and the new/corrected SAE horsepower numbers. Plus it has a conventional manual 6-speed, which the EVO does not have. I'm not quite convinced that the DSG is going to be nearly as fun as a convential 6-speed in the STI. Not to say that DSG is a bad idea but I feel it's leaning too much like an automatic. And don't forget, the EVO has gotten bigger and has "grown up" too.

The price of $35k is a bit high but its said that the EVO is going to be around $32k so there is really not a huge difference.

Only when the new STI is tested will we find out, especially when it goes head to head with the EVO. Plus, give a little time to see what the tuners can do with it.

Cant wait to pick one up, or untill someone crashes one and i can put those ill brakes on my rsti....HAHAHAHAH just kidding, sick sick ride....

I thought I read before that the front lower control arms, hood, and IC weren't going to be made of aluminum?

I'm not a big fan of the Focus-like flares but a few tasteful mods and this thing is going to be a looker!

So when is it going to be avaliable?? I can't wait to see one in person, it looks awesome in the pictures and it should look even better in real life.

i think they could have done a lil better on performance

Blame the EPA :rolleyes:

the car is going to attract its own niche of owners who love it just like every other wrx nose style has in the past. I didnt like it at first but, like everyone it has grown on me. Still hate the hatch back, no reason why they couldnt make 2 versions.

Its amazing the power that sanctioned motorsports has on what we get from the factory. I believe I remember reading that a major reason for this re-design was that Subaru was no longer competitive in WRC anymore...with dominance from Citroen, Ford and others. This car was designed almost entirely for the purpose of putting Subaru back on top in WRC and to be able to compete with the other hatches that dominate now.

Regardless of the rules in motorsports, it wouldn't make financial sense for subaru to change the design of the product they are selling just so they could be more competitive in racing. Motorsports cost them money and help them sell cars, not the other way around.

As far as performance numbers go, the 2.5L wrx's went up in power and torque significantly over the 2.0L even though the change in power that Subaru admits to is much less.

The fact that it makes zero lift also impresses me.

I love the new car and will be saving for a 2008-2009 sti when I am finished with school.

And for those people talking about the sti's roots...
http://www.thatguycanhelladraw.com/subaru/86f_gf8.jpg

/\ now thats a sick wagon :)

I like the STi, but not the regular Impreza/WRX.

I like the emphasis on the STI roots....

This is pretty cool. Is that car red?

Yes, my first set of laps were in a red one.

pure sex....

Bring back the 22B please. It's one of the top 10 best looking cars of all time. The new STi will never make it into the top 10.

Someone said the 335i... I think potential.. was a V6. It's a straight six.

New STi is alright in my books.. it grew on me.

Completely aside from looks, that looks to be one beast of a car. I can only judge by the video, Ryan. The initial understeer looks to be a lot shorter in duration and the rear snaps out quicker. Mid corner stability and a nice torquey pull look to really improve the feel. I know you're loafing, but I didn't see radical shifting behavior like we've seen before in the older models. Does it have 4.11 gears in the 6spd this year?

Bitch and moan about the looks all you want, but I actually want one after seeing that vid. The chassis and steering look far less fussy, thought that steering still looks Americanized and heavy. Was steering heavy at all like the old cars?

Someone said the 335i... I think potential.. was a V6. It's a straight six.

New STi is alright in my books.. it grew on me.


i just went back and re-read....lol i don't know what i was smoking...i know its a straight 6, i dno why i said v6...my bad

BTW, as long as Subaru didn't radically change fuel management, you might see 400chp with E85 and an exhaust out of that car. The intercooler is bigger, and it looks like they went to an electronic A/C from that pic. If the P/S is electronic too, then that's much less drag on the motor.

Crybaby pansies in this thread are worried about looking cool. As a carnivorous performance nut, that car looks exceedingly promising.

After watching those same crybaby pansies whine and complain about how it doesn't look perfect according to them, will you ever ****???????????????????????????????

Yes we're all worried about looking cool. That's why we buy a Subaru.

Does it have 4.11 gears in the 6spd this year?

3.90 iirc. Unfortunately, I can't comment on anything other than straight numbers due to embargo rules.

IMO the new sti has more tuner potential then the new evo. i think the new evo is crap compared to the evo 9. the new sti will perform as well but they didn't quite hit the mark in the looks department. but im going to keep my 05 for 4 more years wait till the audi s8 is worth 50k or less. put 30k into it and rip everything out and have a high reving screaming 4.2 litre mid engine v8 with 1000bhp. seriously the new s8 is my next purchase, well as used one is ;)

Thank Gawd for the Forester XT Sport, still sports that unique edgey Subaru look. If only they would strap on that VF39, and tight'n up the suspension.

I'll have to see in person to pass final judgement, as of now its a big thumbs down.
:rolleyes:

Fuel Economy
EPA city mpg 17
EPA highway mpg 23
Fuel tank capacity 16.9 gal

way to go subaru on giving us 5 more hp to the crank and worse fuel economy along with a bigger gas tank....

12 more horsepower.

I likey. But for 35 large, we should've got the Recaro's and the push button start up.

I think once these are on the road and people start modding them, many views will change.

$35k is pretty high, even tho it's only 3k more than the current STI.

$34,995. - $33,495. does not equal $3,000.

http://www.themonkeystrunk.com/hostimage/sti/01.jpg


Not to mention the fact that the USDM STI will have a 6700rpm redline: combine that with 6 short forward gears and you're going to be very busy shifting.

Um, no it won't. It will have a 7000rpm redline like always. :rolleyes: We've already seen the pics of the 2.5L tachometer.


In light of the official pic above, I though maybe you could use some of this:

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l169/spencerforhire001/boudreauxs_butt_paste.jpg

3400lbs geesh they're just getting heavier and heavier...

I'm a little miffed at the pricing, but I suppose everything's just getting more expensive.

It will be a while before I can afford an Impreza in STi trim.

geez, I thought the hatch's supposed to be lighter:sadbanana:

but, personally I really like the concept of the hatch (unless they'll have a coupe, of course:rolleyes:). I HATE the front end, Hate it with a passion. But knowing Subaru, that'll change in a couple years;).

A few observations: seems they're using Dunlops on 18s nowadays instead of the Bridgestones, my guess is that they're quieter/softer.

Someone else also mentioned lower redline/bigger fuel tank ...etc.

Seems like refinement is top priority for Subaru nowadays, maybe it's because the limited versions of WRX/Sti were selling well. I think they're aiming for BMW in a way, but a BMW is much much more than a soft(er) car w/ performance. #s on paper isn't really the whole picture.

Anyways, at this point, I'm not happy with Subaru. I think they have the wrong strategies on products and pricing. They're becoming a different company than the one I bought my car from. Not sure I'll support their products if this trend continues...just my .02

To All:

It's 2001 all over again, EVERYONE HATED the Bugeyes when they first came out & fast forward to the present their "Classic".

Regards,
~Button

it looks like they went to an electronic A/C from that pic. If the P/S is electronic too, then that's much less drag on the motor.


hmmm, I think I see two belts...
but seriously, electronic p/s & a/c would help alot!

I am not going to pay $3000 more for that car. What does it do beter than the previous model. Well it will be a much beter grocery getter.

If that thing can handle as good as the outgoing MR then they made some improvements, but you guys know thats not going to happen.

So fir $3000 more we get a cheaper interior, crap seats and basically the same HP. Someone said the car is 22 LB lighter than the outgoing model, well thats no rel diffrence in weight. They hav done nothing more than charge us more money.

Man the 04-07 STi and 03-06 Evos look so much better than their successors.

Thankfully I got one.

Fuel Economy
EPA city mpg 17
EPA highway mpg 23
Fuel tank capacity 16.9 gal

way to go subaru on giving us 5 more hp to the crank and worse fuel economy along with a bigger gas tank....

LOL...the method used to calculate MPG was changed for the new model year.

I am not going to pay $3000 more for that car. What does it do beter than the previous model. Well it will be a much beter grocery getter.

If that thing can handle as good as the outgoing MR then they made some improvements, but you guys know thats not going to happen.

So fir $3000 more we get a cheaper interior, crap seats and basically the same HP. Someone said the car is 22 LB lighter than the outgoing model, well thats no rel diffrence in weight. They hav done nothing more than charge us more money.

Are you seriously just not paying attention. The outgoing car listed for

33495

The new one lists for

34,995

Do the math!!!

Plus when was the last time you payed sticker for a car. I got my 06 STI for 30,500.

Well I payed $31,500 for my STI and with Tax, Tag and Title I got it for $34,300. Loved the car but the suspension problems got to me.

I hope it sells well but I will never buy one. I would rather get the Mazda speed 3, it looks exactly the same and is a lot cheaper. This design is a huge step back IMO. I am sure that their focus groups showed that my opinnion is wrong though.

You whiners kill me. If the car sucks this badly, don't buy it. It's simple as that.

Wow. Amazingly dissapointing. I just don't get what Subaru is doing with itself. I can get over the looks... as with the pig-nose, it looks better in person (at least the WRX does, I've seen a couple of them around, and they're actually not all that ugly). But I can't get over the performance specs. At all. Compaired to the new Evo, it's just silly.

********08 STi*******Evo X
Redline***6700********7000, fuel cutoff at 7600
Disp. *****2.5L*******2.0L
HP******305@6000****300@6500
TQ******290@?******300@4000

And then Subaru feels the need to through in SI drive. For those that don't know, SI drive basically has "Performance" mode (read: what they rate the car at mode), "Normal" mode (read: slightly less then what they rate the car at mode) and "Wuss" mode (read: fuel economy mode). It doesn't do anything to boost performance, it only limits it to save gas. So basically, we get an extra half a liter to get the same horsepower and less torque with most likely worse fuel economy then the Evo X. Huh?

And as for adding three auto modes to the DCCD... hmmm... that sounds might familiar to the "Tarmac", "Dirt", and "Ice" modes that the Evo already has for its ACD. And VSC or whatever their acronym was for satilibty control? Great, sure, because we all wanted brake based traction control on our rally car. Mmhm. Ok, even if it might make the car understeer a bit less, the Evo's got it as well. But wait... the Evo has something that the STi does not (shocker, I know), it's got ACTIVE DIFFS IN THE REAR AS WELL. So, instead of having to slow the car down to increase traction via the braking-based stability control, it can simply increase torque going to the outside wheel (remember fokes, differentials transmit torque, not power. Power is always maintained reguardless of the limitied slip charicteristics of the diff) because of the Super Active Yaw control that's finally made it state-side.

The DSG system, whether you like it or not, does shift faster. I'd take it over a conventional manual any day. I really don't need to use my clutch foot that badly, I'd much rather be able to shift without loosing power, and in about 1/3 or less of the time, thank you.

So, let's get this right... the Evo costs the same, handles better (and always will handle better in this version, at least on tarmac, thanks to the magic active diffs of doom), shifts faster, has a better 0-60 now since the STI's has gotten slower, has a higher redline and thus has the potential to make more power then the STI can (the potential bit is important... there's nothing at all promising it will) on the stock bottom end due to the higher redline/fuel cutoff, it gets the same fuel economy, it arguably looks better although that is totally subjective, and it has a nicer interior.

Ok, explain again why Subaru feels they can just take the drivetrian out of an LGT, put it into an Impreza, change nothing else and say it's going to beat the Evo with a strait face?

that thing is the tits...i want one..but for $34k...no can do

Hey AruisDante, How much power you think that DSG is gonna hold before it starts slipping or craps out completely? The DSG tranny is gonna kill the aftermarket performance of the EVO. It's much cheaper to put a new clutch in a six speed to upgrade it.

You are also forgetting that the EVO doesn't have the 6 (or seven now) manual modes in their center diff, like our DCCD does. I'm also not convinced that you know what VDC really does, and Subaru (unlike Mitsubishi) has graciously given us the ability to turn ours off completely.

Did you also notice where the horsepower comes on in each car? The subaru makes torque and horsepower much sooner. So the evo has a 300rpm higher redline, but power comes on 500rpm later...well that explains why they need the extra redline.

You can speculate all you want, both of these cars have been neck and neck as far as performance comparisons since they came out, both companies have 'softened' up the cars to appeal to a broader market (a smart move from a buiisness standpoint). The evo isn't any more 'edgy' than the STI, they both look pretty soft. Subaru and Mitsubishi are (wisely) banking n the same thing, for every die hard enthusiast they loose (read, us), they will gain 2-3 people in the mainstream market. It sucks for those of us that love our cars for the edgy rally look and feel, but it's needed if these companies are to grow and continue to be able to offer these great cars to us. I would prefer this to them packing up and heading back to Japan with all the cool cars.

Man, life is so hard. The new STI is quieter, rides better, carries more stuff and still happens to be just as fast as the old car.

I hope Subaru brings us an RA-R version just to shut up everyone who complains that the new car is too livable.

Still a fan of this car!

But...the 5-spoke rims look a ton better...:banana:

Its starting to come together nicely, it seems. As was expected though, the $34,999 is probably going to steer a lot of people away.


Yah, wow, thats close to my 06 EVO a year ago.

I mean who would spend that mu....hey wait a second! :banana:

I don't like that front smily face grill. Paint that black and it would look better.

To All:

It's 2001 all over again, EVERYONE HATED the Bugeyes when they first came out & fast forward to the present their "Classic".

Regards,
~Button

Nah, the bugeyes are still ugly. The Classic Shape Impreza is the real 'classic'. ;)

Anyway, I like the new STI. +$1000 list for all the new gizmos? It's a ****ing bargain if you ask me.

I like the 5-soor format, but the specs leave me completely underwhelmed.

every time I look at the new WRX/STi, I try to justify its weaknesses, and everytime I look at the new EVO X, I look for drawbacks.

Neither of these cars are in my future, but if I were in the market, I'd have a hard time justifying 35k for this car.

...and that would be why you hold off 8-12 months and get a 'used' one in the high $20's...

Looks badass to me, I dig it. That charcoal color looks awesome. Wait 'til you see some lowered, it will make it look damn aggressive imo.
There's probably alot more power there with just a tune.
are the 13" front brakes bigger than past models? I can look it up but might get a quick answer here.

I don't like that front smily face grill. Paint that black and it would look better.

++1 to that. The chrome really needs to go. I think just putting a sport grille on the car, painting the chrome body color and blacking out the tailights (again, to get rid of the chrome) would go a LOOOONG way in making the car look meaner.

The new body style is slick. I dig the direction subaru is going with the wrx and stis. The front grille kills me but thats a 250$ fix.

Flame me now im sticking with my 06 STI and gettin the Evo X for my weekend car....

There i said it :diaf: can i go sit next to :devil: now?

For me a vehicle has to justify its $Price Tag$ by looks and performance. 135i looks and performs awesome but is just a few bucks higher than i wanna spend and i wouldn't take it to auto x. The new STI performs awesome on paper that we've seen thus far but falls on its face looks wise. A Hatch from a rally bred line of cars... subaru shootin their heritage in the foot? I think so...

I'm still very happy I bought the 07 and didn't wait for this. Aside from performance, I just couldn't justify 35k for this thing. I understand the wide base / low overhang and the overall potential of a dominating rally car. but I'll be happy with mine for quite a while.

"305 horsepower and 290 lb.-feet of torque. That gets this car from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. "


Isn't that slower 0-60 than the current STi?

yes unfortunately.....ftl:sadbanana:

A Hatch from a rally bred line of cars... subaru shootin their heritage in the foot? I think so...

you believe there has never been a hatch in rally?:confused:

Also for everyone complaining about weight, when the GD's came out, they weighed alot more than the GC's. They also were a much stiffer chassis. I see a trend...

And for everyone complaining about the performance numbers on paper... I think most of you are the type who go out and buy a car based on what someone says it can do. Then, you never take it racing and drive it to it's limit, you just get off knowing that you could. So please, stop complaining about performance you are never going to use anyways.

I wonder how Brembo feels about getting "STI" printed on the calipers? I know I have seen that on other STI JDM versions but never anything for us.

I see it as being my little brother...welcome to the family:banana:

Just a note for the crybabies...with regards to the 6700 rpm redline.. 3 points

1) How do you know the point between 6700 and 7000 is not yellow when lit up
2) If you have ever owned an STI, you know that revving to 7000 is NOT the fastest way to drive the car.
3) Its just 300 freaking RPM get a life and stop magazine racing. I think its hilarious that you people think your good enough to even notice 300 missing rpm. Never mind if the car is faster with a broader torque curve.

Think before you post.

"305 horsepower and 290 lb.-feet of torque. That gets this car from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. "


Isn't that slower 0-60 than the current STi?

Yep that correct

Looks like arse compared to the 22B. Amazing what 10 years will do.

the thing i don't get about why all you guys are bitching, is the hp/tq/0-60 specs you're all complaining about is going to change because you're all going to throw a turboback on it and get it tuned. Its trivial.... however the looks department of this new car suck a lot. I wouldnt want to be seen driving one.

Definitely loafing, I did a 1:21 in a formula ford.

Soo...it has barely any more hp,
12 hp more = barely??? subjective I guess
a LESS torque,
SAME TORQUE as 2007 ...but now available @ 4000RPM instead of 4400 RPM = IMPROVEMENT
worse gas mileage,
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-article_153/
2008 EPA fuel economy standards have changed. On average, from the 2007 to 2008 models, it's going to be a 10% decrease in change on most vehicles


a lack of an intercooler sprayer....
:rolleyes:


The more you know...:alien:

He we go, that'll be $250 dollars

http://www.zero2blur.com/08sti.jpg

wow, i've been out of the loop


double wishbone?!

there goes interchangable parts and backwards compatability.

but handling :D

i kinda like it; but i'd still take a gc over this

if not, an 06

gross.. i guess my car will go up in value because of that thing :) haha

Nice to see Colbeck sport a shorter cut than the last time.

Nicely done post. The car's certainly aggressive. Best of luck to the SWRT in their upcoming race season with the new car.

2008-styling looks Citroen-x-Mazda hatchbacks ... handling internals sound amazing. No STi looks better than the 2006 ... maybe the 2008 with tuning mods will keep pace.

the thing i don't get about why all you guys are bitching, is the hp/tq/0-60 specs you're all complaining about is going to change because you're all going to throw a turboback on it and get it tuned. Its trivial.... however the looks department of this new car suck a lot. I wouldnt want to be seen driving one.

Trivial unless you live in a state where emissions testing is done every year.

Is it me or does it seem that with EVERY new Subaru there are the haters and the lovers. With the majority not liking them. I think that's what makes them fun ~~they are 'different' enough to make you notice them. But they really have the best performance for the money imho. I'm ready to put in my order........

Different? The old body style was different. This looks like a mazda/pt cruiser/murano etc...

FUGLY!

I Love It... Cant Wait To See It In Person!!!

35k.... ouch.. kinda $$$... the BBS wheels fogs and NAV are all extra.

I was hoping no more then 34 w/ BBS and fogs. I was psyched at first estimates, but will most likely be reconsidering at a base of 35. My 04 I was able to get at 27k (new)... a ~10K jump in these gas dollar days is bit much IMO.

35k.... ouch.. kinda $$$... the BBS wheels fogs and NAV are all extra.

I was hoping no more then 34 w/ BBS and fogs. I was psyched at first estimates, but will most likely be reconsidering at a base of 35. My 04 I was able to get at 27k (new)... a ~10K jump in these gas dollar days is bit much IMO.

Comparing MSRP to sale price doesn't make a lot of sense.

I bet you will be get one of these for 34000 in 2009... unless they remain in high demand.

DO any of you even know what the sticker price of a 2006-2007 STI was? This car isn't that much more expensive...considering you get quite a bit more with it.

V6 BMW's, 135XI's, 135's for $36k....We must be the worst BMW store ever because these are surprises to us. I wonder why BMW hasn't given us the insider line on these products yet - and solid 1 series pricing.

Then we have the bench racers who can't extract 75% of the potential of a base Impreza complaining about the numbers the STI they haven't even seen yet puts out. I forgot why I stopped visiting NASIOC long ago...

DO any of you even know what the sticker price of a 2006-2007 STI was? This car isn't that much more expensive...considering you get quite a bit more with it.

I agree it appears to be a better refined car (+1), and I'm for the wagon style, and ya we get more, but IMO its at the sacrifice of the wheel pkg. And ya most modders will probably go and get their own wheels, but it just seems like Subaru is pushing the limits again.

So were looking at ~38k for vehicle w/ fogs and the BBS wheels. (this is a estimate of the BBS wheels).

pretty far from spec C now arnt we...

Trivial unless you live in a state where emissions testing is done every year.

Ok so get a catted downpipe still the results will change.

I'm looking at these specs and I'm looking at these 18x8.5" wheels with 245 series tires in stock trim. I slapped on some 8.5 wide SSR's on my '05 STI with 245 series Bridgestone 01-R's and I couldn't believe the difference a little wider tire made. My point being is... well how much wider is this thing than the outgoing STI? Is this thing not going to have some pretty improved cornering abilities? I don't know what the EVO X specs are suppose to be, but It looks to me they've taken the lateral G's up a notch with this new STI.

And as for complaints about power, and being .1 second slower to 60 mph. To that I say, it's not everything. When I did a Cobb Stage 2, the very first thing I noticed was not so much the added power, but the wide and early torque curve. So if this thing has torque coming on earlier and lasting longer, than it makes for a much better driving experience. I don't know about anyone else, but I spend a lot of times pegged at 3500rpm's on the freeway and a nice wide torque curve makes the car a lot more drivable (and fun) in typical driving scenarios. Not that I don't like to get my car off the line once in awhile, but I think they really addressed some key things here that are good improvements.

All in all, maybe not reason enough for me to trade in my car, but I think they've made sounds improvements.

As for the looks, well, I didn't buy a Subaru because I thought it was pretty, although I like the '05 look best (biased of course).

-James

i can't wait til this comes out. :D i'll be placing my order in July/Aug next summer!

already have an 07 and i like the hatch MUCHO BETTER as far as looks. but then again, i'm an LGT fan, not really an STI fan. so i suppose this appeals much more to me because of that.

DO any of you even know what the sticker price of a 2006-2007 STI was? This car isn't that much more expensive...considering you get quite a bit more with it.
sticker price MSRP for our 07 STI purchased in April 07 with only Gold BBS rims and stereo upgrade was $34700. so starting price with all that already included of $34995?? i dunno, seems about the same. now we can add more features like Nav, different rims, etc for a little more.

Bah, go back to LGT.com! :p

Bah, go back to LGT.com! :p

Iiiiii Love It

I miss the days when NASIOC wasn't filled with worthless posts, bug eyes ruined that.

Is this car worth trading my 2000 S4 in for? Dunno maybe. I'd have to drive it to know. Because you really don't know much about a car until you drive it.

Love the new car. Hopefully they will release a spec-c or tr version with recaros and stripped of some of the fluff. I could really go for a ~$30k 08' sti with steelies, stiffer suspension, no sound deadening, no cruise control, no stereo, no SI-drive, no nav and no power windows. Or something like that.

The grille is just plain hideousness. How did they come up with that?:huh:

12 more horsepower.

oh my bad I forgot that they downgraded the hp in the '07's.. hmmmm MAYBE THAT'S WHY I OWN AN '06! PIGNOSE FOREVER FTW!!!!

oh my bad I forgot that they downgraded the hp in the '07's.. hmmmm MAYBE THAT'S WHY I OWN AN '06! PIGNOSE FOREVER FTW!!!!

I have an '06 also. '07s are also pignose. All STIs are rated at 293hp/298ft.lbs. The 300hp/300ft.lbs. rating was with the old SAE testing methods.

seeing it in real life will sell you. ;)

Saw it, not sold.

Its amazing the power that sanctioned motorsports has on what we get from the factory. I believe I remember reading that a major reason for this re-design was that Subaru was no longer competitive in WRC anymore...with dominance from Citroen, Ford and others. This car was designed almost entirely for the purpose of putting Subaru back on top in WRC and to be able to compete with the other hatches that dominate now.

Wow, somebody gets it. Its great that everyone always talks about how such badass rally cars our Subarus are but when was the last time we won a championship? Things change people and this is probably a change for the better if it leads to championships down the road.



PS- Double wishbone suspension FTW!!!!!

So um...

...how long will it be before people start shoving the turbo diesels into this car? That's what I want to see.

i love the new style its really grown on me. the red sti ftw. lol damn that intercooler is massive.

Regardless of the rules in motorsports, it wouldn't make financial sense for subaru to change the design of the product they are selling just so they could be more competitive in racing. Motorsports cost them money and help them sell cars, not the other way around.

As far as performance numbers go, the 2.5L wrx's went up in power and torque significantly over the 2.0L even though the change in power that Subaru admits to is much less.

The fact that it makes zero lift also impresses me.

I love the new car and will be saving for a 2008-2009 sti when I am finished with school.

And for those people talking about the sti's roots...
http://www.thatguycanhelladraw.com/subaru/86f_gf8.jpg

It happens all the time and to your suprise they didn't tell you. Why? Because you don't matter. Here's an old skool NASCAR ditty, Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. Subaru as a company is balls deep in rally and being that most classes require homologation the only way to change the race car is to change the production car. Subaru doesn't spend an assload of money promoting rally all over the world to suck at it and still sell the same # of cars than if they had made a chassis change and were actually competetive. I don't really think the body style change will affect sales one bit and may even increase sales. They loose the "diehards" lol and pick up a broader base and still kickass.

Yup. That's me driving. It's just a warm-up lap, though. If you're familiar with the track, you can probably tell I'm loafing.

Yeah, there is a good chance I made a faster lap in my shifter cart in the
80's. But it was still fun ~ thanks! :p

Thing just weighs too much. Unfortunately so does the 135i.

I miss 22B.

It happens all the time and to your suprise they didn't tell you. Why? Because you don't matter. Here's an old skool NASCAR ditty, Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. Subaru as a company is balls deep in rally and being that most classes require homologation the only way to change the race car is to change the production car. Subaru doesn't spend an assload of money promoting rally all over the world to suck at it and still sell the same # of cars than if they had made a chassis change and were actually competetive. I don't really think the body style change will affect sales one bit and may even increase sales. They loose the "diehards" lol and pick up a broader base and still kickass.

You believe the WRC car has anything in common with a stock STi? Even if it did (I believe I read somewhere the only part shared was a modified floorpan), I don't think the change in chassis will affect their rally standings one bit. Prodrive has more problems than just that, but I'm not going to ramble on about a failed F1 program, or lack of a driver who knows how to help design the car. While I don't doubt that rally wins do help sell cars, my original point was that Subaru isn't going to change the design of their car sold to the public just to capture wins in a series where nothing is stock on the car in the first place.

Lotus Elise ftw and it's only $5k more...STI's new look sorta does grow on ya though.

Hey AruisDante, How much power you think that DSG is gonna hold before it starts slipping or craps out completely? The DSG tranny is gonna kill the aftermarket performance of the EVO. It's much cheaper to put a new clutch in a six speed to upgrade it.

You are also forgetting that the EVO doesn't have the 6 (or seven now) manual modes in their center diff, like our DCCD does. I'm also not convinced that you know what VDC really does, and Subaru (unlike Mitsubishi) has graciously given us the ability to turn ours off completely.


It's not the same DSG that's in Volkswagen/Audi. It's from a different manif. I'm sure Mitsu knows that there will be a LOT of people who tune that car well past the stock power levels, and designed the DSG accordingly. They CAN handle power. Just look at the Veyron.

Also, when was the last time you actually used the D part of DCCD? I know I only use one setting on it, and it's only in one VERY specific case (ice/think snow), where I keep it on two notches back from full lock because I like the predictability. But I'm sure that if Subaru/Mitsu made an auto mode made spcifically for ice/snow (which they do), it'd do a hell of a lot better of a job then I could at settting the correct lockup.

Did you also notice where the horsepower comes on in each car? The subaru makes torque and horsepower much sooner. So the evo has a 300rpm higher redline, but power comes on 500rpm later...well that explains why they need the extra redline.


I also notice the fact that it has half a liter less displacement. It would be interesting to see where it makes 290 Ft*Lbs. My point isn't that the Evo's engine is "better" per say then the STi's, it's just that with 25% more displacement, it should be making mroe then it does. If you look at power/liter, the Evo kills the STi. This means that the Evo's engine is more efficient then the STi's is. I was hoping that this time around Subaru would at least make an attempt to match the Evo in the Power/Liter department, then I would have nothing to complain about. But they don't. Instead they look at the Evo, see 300HP, and say "well, that's good enough for us too".


You can speculate all you want, both of these cars have been neck and neck as far as performance comparisons since they came out, both companies have 'softened' up the cars to appeal to a broader market (a smart move from a buiisness standpoint). The evo isn't any more 'edgy' than the STI, they both look pretty soft. Subaru and Mitsubishi are (wisely) banking n the same thing, for every die hard enthusiast they loose (read, us), they will gain 2-3 people in the mainstream market. It sucks for those of us that love our cars for the edgy rally look and feel, but it's needed if these companies are to grow and continue to be able to offer these great cars to us. I would prefer this to them packing up and heading back to Japan with all the cool cars.

I won't argue with this at all. Since the Evo VII, they've been getting softer with each year. Same with the STi since the '04. The difference is that Mitsu seems to be getting softer while still sticking to their performance/technological edge pushing roots, where as the STi just seems to be getting softer.

Just a note for the crybabies...with regards to the 6700 rpm redline.. 3 points

1) How do you know the point between 6700 and 7000 is not yellow when lit up
2) If you have ever owned an STI, you know that revving to 7000 is NOT the fastest way to drive the car.
3) Its just 300 freaking RPM get a life and stop magazine racing. I think its hilarious that you people think your good enough to even notice 300 missing rpm. Never mind if the car is faster with a broader torque curve.

Think before you post.

1) Because Subaru has said that it's a 6700RPM Redline.
2) Well, except in first gear. Optimal shift point for every gear after that varies between ~6700-6800RPM, with stock heads and AVCS at least
3) I notice 300 missing RPM all the time in 3rd or 4th gear when I get stuck approching a turn and have to just stop accelerating because I'm too close to shift but too far to break. It's not something you certainly need, but damn it can be anoying as hell not to have it. Also, it's 800RPM less then the Evo. That certainly makes a difference.


And as for complaints about power, and being .1 second slower to 60 mph. To that I say, it's not everything. When I did a Cobb Stage 2, the very first thing I noticed was not so much the added power, but the wide and early torque curve. So if this thing has torque coming on earlier and lasting longer, than it makes for a much better driving experience. I don't know about anyone else, but I spend a lot of times pegged at 3500rpm's on the freeway and a nice wide torque curve makes the car a lot more drivable (and fun) in typical driving scenarios. Not that I don't like to get my car off the line once in awhile, but I think they really addressed some key things here that are good improvements.
-James

You do realize that if the torque lasted longer, it'd make more power, correct? HP=TQ*RPM/5252. Come on now fokes, basic physics. This engine really isn't all that much different from the one before it. It's going to behave pretty much the same way as it did in the LGT and as the 07 STi's did.

You believe the WRC car has anything in common with a stock STi? Even if it did (I believe I read somewhere the only part shared was a modified floorpan), I don't think the change in chassis will affect their rally standings one bit. Prodrive has more problems than just that, but I'm not going to ramble on about a failed F1 program, or lack of a driver who knows how to help design the car. While I don't doubt that rally wins do help sell cars, my original point was that Subaru isn't going to change the design of their car sold to the public just to capture wins in a series where nothing is stock on the car in the first place.

You have to remember that Subaru also has a very active Group N/PWRC and Rally America contingint. Those cars are VERY similar to the stockers, at least compaired to a WRC car. And yes, Subaru will change the mass market car to win more rally races. Just there are limitations on what they will change. The fact that the STi is a hatch only is, were I to guess, a decision based on their rally program, as they use the Spec C for rally homologation, which will obviously now have to be a hatch. Hatches are good for racing for many reasons, but that's a completely different story.

that car is bad a$$

Here's the evidence to support my claim about the shift point thing. And because I think it might help a LOT of you understand what effect power and torque have on acceleration (here's a hit... power is everything).

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4JQQ4T9O

It's an excell file that I made that will calculate a nice little graph of acceleration in G's vs. speed per gear, given the imputs of weight, power@RPM, max RPM and max speed in each gear. It'll currently support any RPM range up to 7000. Yellow boxes are editable, blue are not. Note that this is a pure theoretical max acelleration, it does not take into account wind resistance (which would affect the higher gears a LOT), friction, etc.

Here's a picture of what its output looks like. The graph is for my car. Values below 3000RPM are estimated, because my dnyograph didn't go down that far. Each segment on the lines is 250RPM.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/Aruis/acelleration.jpg

You believe the WRC car has anything in common with a stock STi? Even if it did (I believe I read somewhere the only part shared was a modified floorpan), I don't think the change in chassis will affect their rally standings one bit. Prodrive has more problems than just that, but I'm not going to ramble on about a failed F1 program, or lack of a driver who knows how to help design the car. While I don't doubt that rally wins do help sell cars, my original point was that Subaru isn't going to change the design of their car sold to the public just to capture wins in a series where nothing is stock on the car in the first place.

Group N and group A WRC cars are required to use the production chassis. If you had a clue you would know that WRC cars aren't tube chassis cars but factory chassis cars with hella re-inforcement. I know certain models (probably RA spec C) even came with stitch welded chassis from the factory and why you may ask. To be that much closer to a rally platform. Gee, the USDM is 2.5L and the JDM is 2.0L. You ever wonder why? Because FIA dictates WRC cars must have 2.0L engines so you have to make so many like that from the factory. WRC cars have a ton of crap done to them to make them WRC ready but they are still more closer to production cars than NASCAR. Look at most of the other top WRC teams out there and tell me the difference you see between the cars that win and the current Subaru.

Being patinet and staying informed are the hallmarks of the wise. This forum is a great soucre of information,but far too saturated with worhtless commentary.

With that said i'm glad to see subarus keep evolving, there have always been multiple improvements with each new model. i for one am glad to see the new performance cars (STI, Evo, GT-R, 911, 3 series and others) using technological developments in different ways trying to achieve the same basic results; bringing the best drivers cars to the masses instead of just "safe" transportation appliances.

my WRX is helping me become a better driver. this is a great time to be an enthusiast, with so many manufacturers gladly giving us the oppurtunity to have the best cars ever offered the to public.

I Love the STI, Evo and so many other cars for what they are, incredible machines. much respect to those who share it.

I'm glad ALOT of people don't like it! Means I won't see that many cars like mine on the road! ;)

I saw a lot in the Mazda dealership...

Oh wait.

id rather have the 22b thats on the screen in the one pic.. :) but its growing a little on me. the peanut eye grew on me a lot since it came out, so maybe this will too.. but still gc ftw!

135i for 36k...

man tough choice.


Not a tough choice for me... 135i all the way. It is the reason I didn't buy a new Suby.
:D:devil:

Flame suit ON. :diaf:

im getting to a point of not wanting to read threads on the 08sti anymore..
this board is filled with babys and people with weak points and thoughts...
so, so annoying. . .

*looking forward to the new sti.. i didnt buy my 06 based on looks.
set up correctly, it will outhandle my 06 and yes...... even look better.. also, i have never once thought it was overpriced.

At all. Compaired to the new Evo, it's just silly.

********08 STi*******Evo X
Redline***6700********7000, fuel cutoff at 7600
Disp. *****2.5L*******2.0L
HP******305@6000****300@6500
TQ******290@?******300@4000


Where did you get the specs for the Evo? The Canadian spec sheet shows:

291HP @ 6500 and 300LB-FT @ 4000.
Also the redline is 7000 on the Evo.

The STI is:

305HP @ 6000 and 290LB-FT @ 4000.


So, let's get this right... the Evo costs the same, handles better (and always will handle better in this version, at least on tarmac, thanks to the magic active diffs of doom), shifts faster, has a better 0-60 now since the STI's has gotten slower, has a higher redline and thus has the potential to make more power then the STI can (the potential bit is important... there's nothing at all promising it will) on the stock bottom end due to the higher redline/fuel cutoff, it gets the same fuel economy, it arguably looks better although that is totally subjective, and it has a nicer interior.


Your logic is very alien. You know for a fact that the new STI handles worse than the Evo X? Honestly, I don't care if the Evo X comes out on top, but it is so funny when people compare two cars and claim victory for one when neither have been released yet. There are no performance numbers for the STI.

Don't forget that the Evo has always come with better tires than the STI (235 Advans vs 225 RE070s). In 2005 C&D did a test where they put both cars on the same tires and guess what? The STI edged out the Evo. Tires make a HUGE difference in performance.

Also, how can you claim the Evo has more tuning potential when the engine is brand new? I'm sure it will be a great engine, but it certainly isn't the 4G63, so the aftermarket is going to take a bit to catch up.


Ok, explain again why Subaru feels they can just take the drivetrian out of an LGT, put it into an Impreza, change nothing else and say it's going to beat the Evo with a strait face?

Gee, I don't know, DCCD, 6spd, more powerful engine, wider tires, Brembos, uh, stiffer chassis, better cooling, yadda yadda. How about we wait for the mags to test the Evo and STI side by side before claiming things as fact?

I wanna see one in WRB with those wheels in gold.. And without foglights.. and the grill outline either painted black or removed.. Do something about the taillights. And put brembo back on the calipers.

Just doesnt look aggressive enough for me. Like others have said.. Looks too much like every other hatch on the market. SOMEONE PLEASE PHOTOSHOP US A COUPLE SIDE-BY-SIDES WITH OTHER HATCHES!! (i.e. mazda 3, old focus, golf, etc.)

Honestly though, what I cant wait for is the first person to swap any STI motor into the new sedan. And do that up right.. OMG would look so much better..

Tehe, just my opinion..

Just doesnt look aggressive enough for me. Like others have said.. Looks too much like every other hatch on the market. SOMEONE PLEASE PHOTOSHOP US A COUPLE SIDE-BY-SIDES WITH OTHER HATCHES!! (i.e. mazda 3, old focus, golf, etc.)


This is getting old. If the new STI looks like a Mazda 3, Focus, and Golf, it stands to reason that a Mazda looks like a Focus, a Focus looks like a Golf, and a Golf looks like a Mazda. If all these hatches share similar traits, what does that tell you? It tells me that hatches tend to share common features and lines related to the hatch form. Many sedans share similar features too. For instance, the Evo X looks like an Alfa Romeo/Audi/Volvo.

I don't see any other hatch on the market right now that has massive fender flares, a hood scoop, brake ducts, side vents, and a quad exhaust.

I was expecting a higher redline

From what I've read:-
Jap spec revs higher (2.0), US spec more tourque low down (2.5).
All intentional because the japanese like high reving engines, and
Americas like tourquey engines.

I gotta say the new STI does look a lot better than the regular WRX but I just can't get used to the new look of the WRX's, I think the 07 looks better

it kinda reminds me of the z3 m coupe with 5 doors instead of 3. must be the flares

I was looking to upgrade from my 350Z and was leaning towards the STI or just a new WRX for a project car. Getting older makes rear seats and a trunk more appealing than I ever thought they would be. With that being said, I was impressed with the road manners and comfort of the new model. Unfortunately the WRX moved up a price point without offering a lot of the features I would expect at that level, mainly a 6spd, an increase in power on a newer model, and the overall fun the old WRX offered. The STI is still an absolute blast to drive with enough speed to tickle your backside as it slams you back. However, again, at the new price point there are other options with similiar power, performance, but with more features and MUCH better styling. The 135i or G37 will likely get my vote and check inlieu of going back to Subaru, which I had really hoped would lure me back. I know us suby lovers have traditionally ignored the fact that our vehicles were not the prom queen, but we have all wanted and wondered why a better looking model didn't evolve from one model year to the next. The die hards will stay and defend their love, but unfortunately I am turned off by companies that ignore their root customers and in this case, actually seem to steer away from the hardcore enthusiasts that revitalized their brand, which was virtually unknown before. Give us a body that is at least tolerable, some recaros, and at least a modest bump in power to know you are constantly engineering product upgrades for your customer and maybe one day I will be lured back.

Fuel Economy
EPA city mpg 17
EPA highway mpg 23
Fuel tank capacity 16.9 gal

way to go subaru on giving us 5 more hp to the crank and worse fuel economy along with a bigger gas tank....

A couple things to keep in mind, in 2007, the SAE's new horsepower rating system dropped the STI's horsepower rating from 300hp down to 293hp, so technically Subaru is giving us an extra 12bhp.

Also, in 2008, they changed the way fuel economy is rated, most companies took a 1-2mpg loss in their rated fuel economy. So really, I would bet you're going to get about the same mileage in the new STI as the out-going model, they're just rated differently.

A couple things to keep in mind, in 2007, the SAE's new horsepower rating system dropped the STI's horsepower rating from 300hp down to 293hp, so technically Subaru is giving us an extra 12bhp.

Also, in 2008, they changed the way fuel economy is rated, most companies took a 1-2mpg loss in their rated fuel economy. So really, I would bet you're going to get about the same mileage in the new STI as the out-going model, they're just rated differently.

^^^Exactly.

I have a new 2008 2.5i 5 door (***** version of this car) and I'm rated at 27mph highway.

Got 30+ on my way to Bloomington, IN once I got out of Chicago. Or so the fuel stat readout told me.

I don't care for the looks much but that didn't stop me back in 02. I thought the car was hideous but couldn't resist the amount of performance for the dollar.

I was reading the spec sheet and noticed steering angle input sensor, VDC stability and traction control system with yaw sensor. Is this similar to the active yaw control that gave the handling edge to the EVO in the past or just a small step in that direction? I haven't had much time to visit the boards in a while so sorry if I'm a little behind.

Some of the new changes to the chassis and drive train sound appealing and IMO should be worth the extra $. Add some power, sticky tires, suspension modifications, some minor cosmetics and you'll have a fun car that looks OK. Wait for a few more Subaru model changes over the years and it might not look that bad at all. ;)

I guess I'll have to wait and see what the Stig can get out of it at the TG track before I make a decision.

I'll look into a used one a in a few years. The more that I look at new Lancers running around, the more I don't think I'll like the EvoX. The proportions just dont look as good in real life compared to the pics or the concept car.



The hatch WRX looks plain and like a grandma car. especially in soft colors.

The hatch STI looks mean and aggressive,



the same will hold true for the lancer vs the EVO X. If you ever saw and EVO and a lancer at the same time you would definitely appreciate the EVO a lot more.

I used to have a ralliart lancer(it was my first car and i didn't much about cars at the time. if i had the knowledge i do now back then i would have got a wrx) then my buddy bought an EVO. i put the ralliart up for sale immediately. Right now i'm driving a GST that takes the EVO but that is up for sale and as soon as it sells i'm driving to NY to pick up my '01 RS with a wrx RA engine in it!

I'm curious to see where the STI ends up in 2 years... right around the time i FINALLY graduate college.

Where did you get the specs for the Evo? The Canadian spec sheet shows:

291HP @ 6500 and 300LB-FT @ 4000.
Also the redline is 7000 on the Evo.
The STI is:

305HP @ 6000 and 290LB-FT @ 4000.


Redline on the Evo is 7000. Fuel cutoff (hard redline) is 7600. Hence me distinguishing between the two.





Your logic is very alien. You know for a fact that the new STI handles worse than the Evo X? Honestly, I don't care if the Evo X comes out on top, but it is so funny when people compare two cars and claim victory for one when neither have been released yet. There are no performance numbers for the STI.

Don't forget that the Evo has always come with better tires than the STI (235 Advans vs 225 RE070s). In 2005 C&D did a test where they put both cars on the same tires and guess what? The STI edged out the Evo. Tires make a HUGE difference in performance.


Very true. Tires are arguably more important then suspension. However, in 2005 - or any Evo till the 10-, USDM Evo's didn't have Active Yaw. And was it an Evo 8 they tested, or an Evo 9? Because Evo 8's didn't have ACD either (well other then the MR). Top Gear tested an Evo 8 FQ400 against a Murcielago. The FQ400 wiped the floor with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZWJjC648I





Also, how can you claim the Evo has more tuning potential when the engine is brand new? I'm sure it will be a great engine, but it certainly isn't the 4G63, so the aftermarket is going to take a bit to catch up.


I ment purly mathmatical. Again, HP=TQ*RPM/5252. 7600>6700 (or more likely 7000, as that's probably where the fuel cutoff is on the new STi, like 7250 was the cutoff on the old one), so in theory, it has the potential to make more power on the stock bottom end, if you can make it breath. Of corse, we have no idea how the new bottom end of the Evo will handle power, if it will be as bulliet proof as the outgoing 4G63.



Gee, I don't know, DCCD, 6spd, more powerful engine, wider tires, Brembos, uh, stiffer chassis, better cooling, yadda yadda. How about we wait for the mags to test the Evo and STI side by side before claiming things as fact?

Uh... the Evo has brembos I was fiarly sure. Chassis stiffness is probably about the same, as that's where most of the pork comes from in the new Evo. Better cooling? That's probably more speculative then anything I said. DCCD... again, what good does that do you, really? There is a reason they had to add three auto modes to it. 6-speed? Thats subjective. The DSG shifts faster and, from a purly perfromance standpoint, is a vastly superior transmission, it's just a qustion of if it can handle power. If you absolutly must shift your own gears, then that becomes a personal opinion, like looks.

I didn't claim anything as fact. What I clamed was that Mitsubishi in the Evo X has delivered a car that is leaps and bounds better then the one it succeds. Subaru, at least on paper, has only delivered a car that is incrementally better. I'm not saying that Subaru hasn't done well. I'm saying that they should have done a lot better.

Redline on the Evo is 7000. Fuel cutoff (hard redline) is 7600. Hence me distinguishing between the two.


Where did you read that? When a manufacturer lists a redline, it is usually the hard redline, at least with most cars I've seen and have owned. I would love the new STI's 6700rpm redline to actually be a "soft" redline.


Very true. Tires are arguably more important then suspension. However, in 2005 - or any Evo till the 10-, USDM Evo's didn't have Active Yaw. And was it an Evo 8 they tested, or an Evo 9? Because Evo 8's didn't have ACD either (well other then the MR). Top Gear tested an Evo 8 FQ400 against a Murcielago. The FQ400 wiped the floor with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZWJjC648I

I think everyone has seen that video but don't forget that is a modified non-factory Evo. It might have a warranty but it is tuned by a performance shop in the UK. The Litchfield Type-25 is also a crazy wild beast with awesome handling.

I also wouldn't use Top Gear as the definitive source for motoring comparisons. It's a great show but they also focus on entertainment too. :)


I ment purly mathmatical. Again, HP=TQ*RPM/5252. 7600>6700 (or more likely 7000, as that's probably where the fuel cutoff is on the new STi, like 7250 was the cutoff on the old one)


My STI would not rev past 7K (seen this in my datalogs) and the tachometer seemed to read a bit higher than the datalog. For instance, where I would shift at 6800, the datalog would show something like 6600. So 7K RPM was the useful redline in the STI, not 7250.

As for power, you can't just go by pure mathematics. I understand what you are saying about potential, but it depends on having the right setup to actually generate sufficient torque up in that range. If the STI has a 7K redline and the Evo X has 7600 (assuming what you are saying is correct), 600 RPM isn't going to make a big difference.


, so in theory, it has the potential to make more power on the stock bottom end, if you can make it breath. Of corse, we have no idea how the new bottom end of the Evo will handle power, if it will be as bulliet proof as the outgoing 4G63.




Uh... the Evo has brembos I was fiarly sure. Chassis stiffness is probably about the same, as that's where most of the pork comes from in the new Evo.


Sorry, my last comment was a bit confusing. Here is what I was responding to:


Ok, explain again why Subaru feels they can just take the drivetrian out of an LGT,