http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=123768?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..3 .*

Sorry if its a repost. My favorite part is at the end when he tells subie owners to grow up.

nice article. It best the EVO IX slalom by .3

Nice...they seem to like it. Braking performance is very good. The new STi looks better and better everytime I see it...

nice article. It best the EVO IX slalom by .3

70.7 vs 72.0 mph

I think you mean 1.3 seconds

It's a beast!

i'm sorry you're absolutely right. I'm tired

Don't you mean 1.3mph?


Interesting that it crushes the old model's slalom time, but was worse on the skidpad. Braking is improved too, but that's mostly due to tires.

Skidpad indicates less grip from the tires.

Slalom and braking, while heavily influenced by grip, are good measures of suspension, power delivery and brake bias. I bet if you adjusted more negative front camber you could get the braking and skidpad figures to more closely match those of the '07 model year while increasing the slalom figures even further.

What were the Edmund's spec for 1/4 mile time for the 07 models?

yeah, grow up kids!

Motive also has thier review posted:

http://www.motivemag.com/pub/feature/first_steer/Motive_First_Drive_2008_Subaru_WRX_STI.shtml

But the real highlight of the interior is a pair of fully manual rally-style sport seats trimmed in graphite-colored Alcantara cloth with black leather bolsters. Not only do they look amazingly apropos, they also do their job exceptionally well. The twisty roads of my initial drive had my kidneys plastered to the sides of the deep seats. The side bolsters provide plenty of lateral support, but perhaps more important for long trips is the fact that the bottom cushion is actually long enough to support the longer thighs of American drivers. Subaru thoughtfully included a manual height adjustment, but some drivers might also long for the ability to tilt at least the driver's seat for a cozier fit.


To the "seat rage" crowd - suck it. :devil:

im gonna say that guy is fat. ^^

nice review on the first one....
JOKE of a driver.. too funny.

To the "seat rage" crowd - suck it. :devil:

Just because some douchebag magazine writer likes them doesn't make them good. I've sat in an 08 STI and I thought the seats were a joke. I was happy to get back the loving embrace of my EVO's Recaros.

Love the Edmund's review - very concise and looks to be a good first drive (with real explanations of performance). Did they only fill up with 91 octane for this test???

Subaru recommends 93-octane fuel for the best performance — the 305-hp rating was earned using the stuff — but here in California we can only get 91 octane, the STI's minimum requirement. Clearly, a bit more improvement in acceleration is on the table.

Ian

Isn't the minimum octane requirement now 91 octane? I thought one of the benefits of the new car was the ability to make more power with a lower octane requirement than in the past.

Isn't the minimum octane requirement now 91 octane? I thought one of the benefits of the new car was the ability to make more power with a lower octane requirement than in the past.

Hasn't it always been

You guys beat me to making a new thread for the article!

I know there are some small errors in the article (GDB STI had RE070 tires and JDM GDB STI had twin-scroll already). I'll try to have them corrected soon.

I will have.

Hasn't it always been

No.

Premium unleaded gasoline (93 Octane) recommended

Note: To obtain maximum engine performance, premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI must be used. If premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI is not available, premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI may be used. Using premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI may result in reduced engine performance. See Owner's Manual for more detailed information.

Taken from subaru.com

how the heck are the tires making all that noise while he's sliding it around on dirt :lol:

That's just dusty tarmac.

So how much of a difference will an additional 2 octane be i wonder? Great Slalom numbers. Looks like the only place the Evo X beats the STI is the on the Skid Pad. Evo IX gives it more of a run for its money though minus the slalom

Isn't the minimum octane requirement now 91 octane?

It says 91 min on my gas cap and I have an 02. I was counting on that as being my "hasn't it always" perspective. As for 93 recommendation AFAIK thats been since 02 also.

But maybe we are seeing conflicting meanings?

(only up to 90 oct in AK BTW)

While I still dislike the interior & exterior styling and the lower redline is a bummer, it looks really tough to beat as an all-rounder...

Nice job, Subaru.

EDIT: If I do snag one in '09-'10, my first mod will be to swap the stock wheels for some lightweight 17's.

Good numbers to start. The slalom speed is crazy fast. The skid pad is a bit low, but Im wondering what setting the VDC and DCCD was in. The default setting is not going to be the best for performance driving. Those numbers may come up if properly tested.

They also mention the old cars "Bridgestone Potenza RE050s" may have more grip.

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $39,440

wow

hasnt the sti always had a 6500 / 6700 redline ? the 2.0 had the 7000 / 7200

Love the Edmund's review - very concise and looks to be a good first drive (with real explanations of performance). Did they only fill up with 91 octane for this test???

Ian

91 is all you can get in CA unless you buy race gas.

hasnt the sti always had a 6500 / 6700 redline ? the 2.0 had the 7000 / 7200

7000 for the US, 8000 for Japan.

Skidpad indicates less grip from the tires.

Slalom and braking, while heavily influenced by grip, are good measures of suspension, power delivery and brake bias. I bet if you adjusted more negative front camber you could get the braking and skidpad figures to more closely match those of the '07 model year while increasing the slalom figures even further.

Exactly. The skidpad, in my opinion, has always been more a test of tires than overall chassis. The RE070s were an insanely sticky tire, probably only bested by the Evo's Yokohama Advans. The fact that this car is faster in the slalom excites me as it tells you a lot more about the car.

That was a pretty darn good review too, well-written and touched on all the aspects that make the STI so appealing. Anyone else notice that the test weight was listed as 3351 (same as the old 07)? Is this an error?

Great Video thanks for sharring

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $39,440

wow


... with the Navi.

And sure enough, those sexy Recaros had to be sidelined in favor of making the STI a safer vehicle.

Wow, that's some impressive numbers. 60-0 braking in only 106ft and a slalom of 72 mph is just stellar. It sounds like the tires suck but that's a fairly easy replacement. Nice review.

"There's more chassis composure, too. The STI still isn't quite as pin sharp as an Evo, which is fine because it isn't one. Every Subaru has always felt like it was set up for a gravel stage, with more weight transfer-induced body motion than its competition. This results in a shade less precision but a more tolerable car for daily use. The driving experience in the new STI doesn't deviate from this essential Subaru character."

Thank GOD someone can express this properly in an article for the general public.

I hope all the "evo's are the b3st" people read this and shut up already.

Mike...

Very nice article! Finally someone that can do an actual real review.

Very nice article! Finally someone that can do an actual real review.There are press embargos set for each stage of a car's unveiling. Other reviews should show up as soon as publications hit the newsstands.


[edit] For instance, these were just released:
Motor Trend WRX STI test (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0802_2008_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti/)

Popular Mechanics WRX STI test (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4234646.html)

Keep in mind that all these performance numbers are taken with a car kitted with the BBS option wheels. I bet that the STi with the standard 5-spokes will perform noticeably worse since the 5-spokes are 7lbs heavier per wheel!!!

There are press embargos set for each stage of a car's unveiling. Other reviews should show up as soon as publications hit the newsstands.


[edit] For instance, these were just released:
Motor Trend WRX STI test (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0802_2008_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti/)

Popular Mechanics WRX STI test (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4234646.html)

any notable differences in the Popular Mechanics test....I can't access the link till I get back in the states....crazy govt computer restrictions:sadbanana:

There are press embargos set for each stage of a car's unveiling. Other reviews should show up as soon as publications hit the newsstands.


[edit] For instance, these were just released:
Motor Trend WRX STI test (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0802_2008_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti/)

Popular Mechanics WRX STI test (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4234646.html)

This picture from the Motor Trend review makes the interior look pretty nice:

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_34z+2008_subaru_impreza_WRX_STi+interior_ view.jpg

This picture from the Motor Trend review makes the interior look pretty nice:

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_34z+2008_subaru_impreza_WRX_STi+interior_ view.jpg


Never really noticed how obvious the hazard light switch is till now....all you see is grey and then BAMM!!! red hazard

take off the useless differential settings crap! and sell it to me
for $32k and I'm happy!
that crap should be an option!

any notable differences in the Popular Mechanics test....I can't access the link till I get back in the states....crazy govt computer restrictions:sadbanana:

*looks left*

*looks right*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jordanab/shifty.gif

http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/2008-subaru-wrx-sti-430.jpg

It’s a fact: Flare the fenders wide enough, and you can make any car look way cooler. That design element, often necessitated by engineering (fatter wheels and tires) has been used for decades on manufacturer’s top performance models. And it was the flared fenders, not the audacious rear wing or even the mailbox-size hood scoop, that made the last generation of Subaru’s WRX STI look so menacing. The design of the all-new WRX, from which the 2008 STI you see here is based, was not greeted with universal praise by the press or Subaru’s fiercely loyal fans—too plain and pedestrian looking, they said.

Well that may change when they get an eyeful of the new STI down at their local Subaru dealer. Yes, the STI now comes only as a five-door hatchback, instead of the popular sedan bodystyle. But who cares? In the flesh, those flared fenders transform the WRX from a slightly vanilla wagon into a purpose-built rally raid car.

The fenders are so flared that they incorporate what Subaru calls “side engine heat outlets” (think Ferrari F40 or Dodge Viper) to help cool the turbo-stressed boxer four. The aggressive new look caters to function, not form. The bulged metal houses big 18x8.5-in. wheels with proprietary Dunlop 245/40R18 SP Sport 600 rubber. Couple that with a track that’s wider than the outgoing STI by 1.3 in. up front and 1.5 in. out back (no pun intended), and you’ve got one tough looking hatch.

Besides the muscled-up fenders, Subaru adds a rather tame (at least by previous STI standards) rear spoiler and a BMW M3-style exhaust and diffuser. When combined with the open front fascia and front spoiler, the STI generates zero lift. The hood scoop, despite being smaller than the one on the outgoing model, feeds air to an intercooler that’s 0.2 liters bigger. And the body shell itself is made from stronger steel than the regular WRX.

At a glance, the engine doesn’t look any different from previous iterations, but there are big changes on the inside. The addition of variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (AVCS) allows the 2.5-liter turbo to make 305 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque—more than both the previous version and the STI arch-rival Mitsubishi Evolution X. Despite gains is power, the engine is more fuel efficient, and peak torque arrives 400 rpm sooner, at 4000. The turbocharger has been changed from 2007, but the boost pressure is the same, at 14.7 psi. This motor is paired solely to a six-speed manual. And as before, the shifter action is precise, if slightly notchy. But romp on the loud pedal, and this Subi scoots. Unlike just about every car that gets a complete redesign these days, the STI is actually lighter than before. And that, combined with the additional power, should make the new car quicker. We’d bet on a 0-60 mph time of around 4.8 seconds.

If you can program a VCR, you might be able to configure the multitude of electronics that determine the driving characteristics of the new STI. This is one tech-heavy machine. Purists might wish for a simpler connection between man and machine. But it’s this technology that helps make the STI devastatingly quick—on both road and track.

It starts with SI-Drive, a throttle-mapping program that is new to the STI, but not to Subaru. The system allows a driver to choose from three modes of throttle response. It works, but we have to wonder why there needs to be any setting but the most aggressive, “Sport Sharp.” The STI is designed as a road-going rally car, after all.

As before, the STI’s all-wheel-drive system has a driver-controlled center differential with six manual settings and an “Auto” function, with the nominal front-to-rear bias of 41:59. This year, an “Auto -“ setting and an “Auto +” setting join the party. Auto - unlocks the center differential and maximizes rear torque bias. Auto +, on the other hand, tightens things up and sends torque forward for stability on loose terrain.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control system has three settings— “Normal,” “Off” and “Traction.” The latter setting disengages the electronic engine torque reduction control system and allows for some real fun. And the car gets Super Sport ABS, which uses inputs from a lateral g-sensor, steering angle sensor, yaw sensor and brake pressure sensor to reduce understeer during hard cornering. In addition, the new system allows for hill start assist so you won’t roll backward when you depress the clutch on a steep slope.

On the track at Laguna Seca Raceway, the STI’s steering delivered a bit less feedback than we would have liked. The initial turn-in was less crisp than we were expecting. Unlike the steering of, say, an Evo, you don’t have so much of that telepathic feel for the road that many enthusiasts and track day junkies crave.

But the dampened feedback does nothing to diminish the STI’s brutal point-to-point capability on the road, where the car’s mission statement becomes clear. As was the case with the previous STI, we’re hard-pressed to think of a car that can be driven through an unpredictable ribbon of road anywhere near as quickly or with as much confidence.

And, of course, part of that confidence comes from the massive brake package. The Brembo brakes are now emblazoned with “STI” emblems, and the dual-piston rear calipers now use larger pistons. Rotors grow from 12.77 in. to 13.0 in. up front, and from 12.3-in. to 12.6-in. at the rear. Pedal feel is dramatically improved from the 2007 car, but the distance separating the gas and brake pedal feels wider. And the brake pedal itself feels higher—much closer to the driver. So pulling off clean heel-toe downshifts requires a significantly longer jab.

The 2008 WRX STI starts at $34,995. If you want the $1800 navigation system, you’ll have to first purchase the optional BBS wheels and fog lights package for $2000. Tack on a $645 delivery charge, regardless of package choice, and a loaded STI nearly touches $40,000. That strikes us as a tad steep. Still, when you consider the array of technology on board this vehicle and how well that tech works to allow just about anyone the ability to navigate a twisty section of blacktop with such speed, precision and poise, the STI makes a pretty strong case for itself. —James Tate

What a pity that you can't hit 60 without shifting into third -- a longer 2nd gear would probably drop the 0-60 time down to a hair over 4.0sec.

First gear sounds overly short, too (unless you're going to be pulling stumps).

Looks like everyone in cali will have the slowest STIs because of the Oct available .

What a pity that you can't hit 60 without shifting into third -- a longer 2nd gear would probably drop the 0-60 time down to a hair over 4.0sec.

First gear sounds overly short, too (unless you're going to be pulling stumps).

Who cares about the 0-60? The car's faster to 70 and 80 because of the lower gearing.

I agree about 1st gear... but it will save on clutch wear compared to a taller 1st.

4 fat people?
u saying EVO is not safe or Porsches or RS4/6 audis?


... with the Navi.

And sure enough, those sexy Recaros had to be sidelined in favor of making the STI a safer vehicle.

4 fat people?
u saying EVO is not safe or Porsches or RS4/6 audis?

:rolleyes: Jebus. The Recaros in the Evos, Porsches and Audis have the appropriate weight sensor in the passenger seats. Nobody is saying that the Recaros are unsafe.

Thanks to that enlarged intercooler and a new Dual Active Valve Control System (variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves), the 2.5, with its single-scroll Mitsubishi turbo, delivers 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque.

Does this mean no more IHI VF-turbo??
Thats good news:)
Does anybody know which TD it could be? TD-05 18g or 20g or something else???

What a pity that you can't hit 60 without shifting into third -- a longer 2nd gear would probably drop the 0-60 time down to a hair over 4.0sec.

First gear sounds overly short, too (unless you're going to be pulling stumps).

I've always struggled to understand this as well but, unless you change the power, a slightly taller 2nd gear will result in slower acceleration overall. I'm not so sure that losing the 2-3 shift would actually drop 0.8 seconds off that time. I'll tell you this; having the shorter 2nd and 3rd is awesome on slightly more technical tracks. As long as you've got the traction you can lay down some serious power coming out of a turn. It also opens up more options because for some corners you can avoid the downshift entirely and use your powerful 3rd gear to pull you out (04-06 gearing here...I haven't had a chance to play with the 07-08 ratios yet.) So it is really a trade-off.

I do understand what you're saying though and being able to hit 60mph in 2nd would probably help for bragging rights.

Keep in mind that all these performance numbers are taken with a car kitted with the BBS option wheels. I bet that the STi with the standard 5-spokes will perform noticeably worse since the 5-spokes are 7lbs heavier per wheel!!!

You are joking right?

Damn, i wish i was there when they took it to el mirage!

Take a good look in the video when they have back to back braking clips of the new and the old and see how much more the old STi dives under aggressive braking where the new STi squats.

It's obvious the new rear suspension geometry is doing its job

"There's more chassis composure, too. The STI still isn't quite as pin sharp as an Evo, which is fine because it isn't one. Every Subaru has always felt like it was set up for a gravel stage, with more weight transfer-induced body motion than its competition. This results in a shade less precision but a more tolerable car for daily use. The driving experience in the new STI doesn't deviate from this essential Subaru character."

Thank GOD someone can express this properly in an article for the general public.

I hope all the "evo's are the b3st" people read this and shut up already.

Mike...

Jason Kavanagh actually used to own a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (VIII) and now owns a 2006 Evo (IX). He even mentions that fact (that he owns (at the time it was written) a 2004 Evo) in his 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution First Drive article.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=122744

You are joking right?


Well I overstated a bit. But 7lbs heavier per wheel will yield a measureable difference in performance numbers I bet.

Well I overstated a bit. But 7lbs heavier per wheel will yield a measureable difference in performance numbers I bet.

Well I wouldn't bet on it. The effect of 28lbs of unspring weight on acceleration is about 2~3%, so that's theoretically about one tenth to 60MPH. But you would have to do a pretty well controlled test to reveal that.

the sti has grown up, you should too.















**** off

Keep in mind that all these performance numbers are taken with a car kitted with the BBS option wheels. I bet that the STi with the standard 5-spokes will perform noticeably worse since the 5-spokes are 7lbs heavier per wheel!!!

So take the 2k you save not buying the BBS option and get some light 18s and use the stockers for summer tires. Or buy light racing wheels and put 295s on them live happily ever after.

I've always struggled to understand this as well but, unless you change the power, a slightly taller 2nd gear will result in slower acceleration overall. I'm not so sure that losing the 2-3 shift would actually drop 0.8 seconds off that time. I'll tell you this; having the shorter 2nd and 3rd is awesome on slightly more technical tracks. As long as you've got the traction you can lay down some serious power coming out of a turn. It also opens up more options because for some corners you can avoid the downshift entirely and use your powerful 3rd gear to pull you out (04-06 gearing here...I haven't had a chance to play with the 07-08 ratios yet.) So it is really a trade-off.

I do understand what you're saying though and being able to hit 60mph in 2nd would probably help for bragging rights.

I wonder if it would hit 60 if you went out to 7k rpms? It'll be interesting to see if tuners raise the rpm limit even with a stage 2 tune. Going to 7200 on my 02 hasn't seem to have hurt it much, with 145k on the clock, 65 at stage 2. I don't spend much time up there, but it's nice to have the option once in a while.

I wonder if it would hit 60 if you went out to 7k rpms? It'll be interesting to see if tuners raise the rpm limit even with a stage 2 tune. Going to 7200 on my 02 hasn't seem to have hurt it much, with 145k on the clock, 65 at stage 2. I don't spend much time up there, but it's nice to have the option once in a while.

I'll definitely be having the limiter raised to 7K once I get it tuned. I can't see 300rpm affecting the car at all other than giving me a bit more rpms to work/play with.

I'd be hesitant to raise the limiter higher on the 2.5 without beefing things up a bit (valves, heads, etc). Your 2.0L is probably fine, less mass etc, but the 2.5L might not want to rev to 7500-8000 or even be able to make any reasonable power up there without modification.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.subaru.impreza.wrx.sti/08.subaru.impreza.wrx.sti.eng.500.jpg

Who knows what the device next to the battery is?

If its to the next of the battery, thats where the smog pump is on the legacies and last model WRX's. It pumps air into the exhaust at startup so the emissions are not so bad.

Air pump? Same as '07?

Air pump? Same as '07?
I was reading the airpumps bigger than the last years theres a thread somewhere where dave bushur made caps to fill the holes up on the block for the diy pump-deleted. :)

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

You can consider 2 cars of that close numbers to be equal. The driver and minor things like tires, tire pressure, individual car setup can effect times etc.
Now the question is what one would you bee seen in public driving....
The potatoe on wheels or the styled auto?:lol::D

You can consider 2 cars of that close numbers to be equal. The driver and minor things like tires, tire pressure, individual car setup can effect times etc.
Now the question is what one would you bee seen in public driving....
The potatoe on wheels or the styled auto?:lol::D

The real question is, what vehicle do you consider to be styled and which one do you consider a potato(e??) on wheels? :p

No it's which one do you think is Styled and which one do you consider a whale on wheels ^_^

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.subaru.impreza.wrx.sti/08.subaru.impreza.wrx.sti.eng.500.jpg

Who knows what the device next to the battery is?

Its called the secondary air induction system. Somehow, if you have modded injectors that are tuned, that thing is useless. You can acutally remove it, and it wont do any difference to the car. But i wouldnt go through all that work unless your gonna build the block.

~M~

The real question is, what vehicle do you consider to be styled and which one do you consider a potato(e??) on wheels? :p

or should the question be Can those who can afford the rolling potato want a car that looks like that?:lol::D Or do they spend time anal-izing non details.:diaf: