Per the Sept/Oct issue of R&T "Speed Magazine". 0-60 5.5 sec, a 0.2 sec improvement, 1/4 14.1, a 0.3 sec improvement. Power comes on at 2200 rpm with less lag. Same magazine different test 05 SRT4 0-60 5.8, 1/4 14.4 @ 99.5 Also a picture of the new EVO Lancer wagon.

Very nice.. perhaps a scan? :D

Yeah, scan it if you can. And was the car red by any chance?


-Matt

Sorry no scanner. Yes the color for the wagon is red.

fantastic, thanks for sharing!

an evo wagon??????

Yes, but in japan.

No offense to anyone but this thread is clearly going off topic. My intention was to post some hard numbers on the 06 WRX. I don't wish to get the moderator's attention any more than I already have. My final say on the EVO wagon is yes it exists and it's all in the magazine.

You mean... WRX is FasTAr than SRT-4? :huh: I don't believe it... I won't believe it! ;)

Nice results. Did they list a trap speed for the WRX's 14.1 sec 1/4 mile pass?

You mean... WRX is FasTAr than SRT-4? :huh: I don't believe it... I won't believe it! ;)
http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/~jking/images/ralph.jpg
That's umpossible!

Hopefully someone else will see this thread with a scanner and scan it for us.

Either way, thanks for the info!

Per the Sept/Oct issue of R&T "Speed Magazine". 0-60 5.5 sec, a 0.2 sec improvement, 1/4 14.1, a 0.3 sec improvement. Power comes on at 2200 rpm with less lag. Same magazine different test 05 SRT4 0-60 5.8, 1/4 14.4 @ 99.5 Also a picture of the new EVO Lancer wagon.

Those are really nice numbers. Equivalent or better than the last Camaro Z28, IIRC. Not bad at all!

Those are really nice numbers. Equivalent or better than the last Camaro Z28, IIRC. Not bad at all!
I agree. As this is the first test, it'll be interesting to see if any other mags can get a 13.9 out of it...

-Chike

Heading in the wrong direction, I know, but here it is:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/58890/evos_great_estate_blasts_off.html

I'd buy one, if they would let me...

No 1/4 mile speed. However it does say that the extra half litre does wonders for the bottom-end and mid-range. Also mentioned is better cornering stability due to aluminum front suspension links, a quicker steering ratio and 215/45-17 tires. Overall this is R&T's take on the car. " It'll easily keep pace with or pass sports cars costing much more... look out, Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8."

Woot!

So which issue of SPEED is the one you mentioned? I can't tell from the small cover shots, and they don't have a textual metion of monthly release dates per issue. Click the link below and tell me which one to buy/read...thanks.
http://shop.roadandtrack.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=419


:lol: :lol: ...after seeing those EVO wagon photos!

The back of the EVO wagon looks like the back of the old mid-1990's Volvos!

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/1996/Volvo/7137/011133-E.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_41/car_portal_pic_20905.jpg

Props to Subaru for actually knowing how to make a cool wagon, eh? :disco:

Right magazine but cover is not shown in your link. It's the current issue, Sept/Oct which I bought at Borders for $3.99. Also www.spdmag.com

No 1/4 mile speed. However it does say that the extra half litre does wonders for the bottom-end and mid-range. Also mentioned is better cornering stability due to aluminum front suspension links, a quicker steering ratio and 215/45-17 tires. Overall this is R&T's take on the car. " It'll easily keep pace with or pass sports cars costing much more... look out, Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8."

Good to hear about the suspension and steering improvements. 17" wheels standard now finally... too bad the rubber is still RE-92... :p

That EVO IX wagon looks like a Toyota Highlander from that angle. Subaru sure as hell knows how to make a wagon look sporty.

Thanks for the direct link to the speed mag website! :cool:

That EVO IX wagon looks like a Toyota Highlander from that angle. Subaru sure as hell knows how to make a wagon look sporty.

LOL Yeah, they were probably like, "Damn, it still looks like a mommy wagon...put another one of these fake plastic grill things on the back there, behind the ones on the quarter panel, yeah, right on the tail lamps...hmm, nope, still looks like a Volvo...oh well, just make sure to take pics of it with the tires smoking. If we can't make it look good, let's at least make it look like it can go fast."

:lol:

Props to Subaru for actually knowing how to make a cool wagon, eh? :disco:

Yeah, but props to Mitsu for putting boxed fenders on the wagon...

I just picked up the mag from Barnes & Noble. I'd scan it but my office is in the process of moving and the machine is already boxed up. Like gasguzzler mentioned, R&T had high praise for the new WRX. Only performance tests they did were acceleration - no skidpad, braking or slalom.

However, they did mentioned that the new four pot front brakes really improve braking feel.

-Chike

I thought the current WRX would run a 14.1, if driven correctly...

Wrong cover, sorry!

http://shop.roadandtrack.com/ProductImages/books/speed0705_300.jpg
That's not the cover of the current September/October edition of Speed Magazine. That's the previous one. The new cover is greenish with a picture of a Skyline GT-R on it.

-Chike

I thought the current WRX would run a 14.1, if driven correctly...
Maybe in perfect conditions with an experienced driver. Fastest magazine time I've ever seen for the last gen WRX was 0-60 in 5.4 and the 1/4 in 14.2 by Car & Driver (test of an '02 WRX). Those results were never repeated by any other mag, and most got around 5.7-5.8 going 0-60, and the 1/4 in 14.4-14.6.

Speed mentioned in their test that their launch wasn't perfect as the engine bogged coming off the line. However, the strong torque from the 2.5L pulled the car to the impressive time. Sounds like they could have left another 0.2 seconds on the table in that run...

-Chike

Any cool pics in it?

Any cool pics in it?
Nothing really new. They tested a bright silver '06 WRX. You have a so-so pic of the dash and it looks like the redline on the 5spd model is 7,000rpms.

-Chike

Props to Subaru for actually knowing how to make a cool wagon, eh? :disco:

I'd prefer the extra space and bigger opening a square door would have, myself. A 4X4 sheet of plywood won't go into a WRX wagon any which way.

I'd prefer the extra space and bigger opening a square door would have, myself. A 4X4 sheet of plywood won't go into a WRX wagon any which way.

That may be true, but my posts with regard to the rear end design are concerning cosmetic superiority, not practicality.

STill, if you want to get that plywood in there, get a Forester STi. ;) I really hope those come to the US. :cool:

STill, if you want to get that plywood in there, get a Forester STi. ;) I really hope those come to the US. :cool:
Agreed. Those things are wicked and crazy fast!!!! :cool: :eek:

-Chike

and it looks like the redline on the 5spd model is 7,000rpms.


Optical illusion.

Optical illusion.
What is the redline in the 5spd then?

I've only seen the dash in an auto WRX and the redline was 6500rpms...

-Chike

Nothing really new. They tested a bright silver '06 WRX. You have a so-so pic of the dash and it looks like the redline on the 5spd model is 7,000rpms.

-Chike

I hate how Subaru has moved to boring Silver for their "Subaru" color and is getting away from WRB it seems (and this is even a WRX, which the press cars should ALWAYS be WRB, but now it seems all the Subaru press cares are Silver)

I can't say I'm suprised as SOA seems completely out of touch with my priorities (manual / wagon, legacy GT, STi, etc, etc)

-Allen

I hate how Subaru has moved to boring Silver for their "Subaru" color and is getting away from WRB it seems (and this is even a WRX, which the press cars should ALWAYS be WRB, but now it seems all the Subaru press cares are Silver)

I can't say I'm suprised as SOA seems completely out of touch with my priorities (manual / wagon, legacy GT, STi, etc, etc)

-Allen

Except now they're replacing Silver with Grey...

Except now they're replacing Silver with Grey...
Not exactly...they will offer the '06 WRX in crystal grey metallic (bright silver) and steel grey metallic (silverstone/graphite).

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/subaru/impreza/100613792/colors.html

-Chike

Agreed. WR blue makes the press cars look so much bolder/more dramatic.

I think the silver is another attempt of SOA to capture a larger, more generalized mass-appeal market.

Oh well, that makes the blue even more appreciated when it blazes by, since less people with have seen it. :cool:

Btw, what's with the Navigation only being offered on auto trans models? I will probably always choose a manual tranny when buying sports/sporty cars, but I would really like a NAV system...:furious:

Aspen White>*
Im impressed with the increase in performance. All that torque makes quite a differance.

I heard a rumor that the 2006 WRX has a 2.5 liter enigne...Any know if there is any truth to that rumor?

[Puts on flame suit...] :lol:

Im so glad to finally see some numbers on that car and to find out they are better that 02-05.
can anyone please confirm if the redline is 7,000! im getting one in 2 weeks.
does anyone know if the two tone interior will be an option for every exterior color?

...but I did the next best thing and took some pics of it with my digital camera on the deck when I got home. My favorite quote from the article is:

"The WRX turns in quicker and crisper than the old model...the steering response now feels closer to that of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution"

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/28834.jpg

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/28835.jpg

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/28836.jpg

Enjoy guys & gals! :cool:

-Chike

6100 RPM redline!?! Say it ain't so. :eek:

6100 RPM redline!?! Say it ain't so. :eek:
I just noticed that for the first time! :huh: I HOPE it's a typo on their part!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

-Chike

I'd defect to Mitsu to have a very sporty wagon - as long as they don't dilute the performance of the vehicle, I'd love to have it. Practicality and performance...

watch out Z350..
:)

OT: but how did the skyline fair against teh bike?

OT: but how did the skyline fair against teh bike?
They tracked tested the XS Engineering R34 GT-R V-spec (made 589hp & 482ft-lbs at the wheels), '05 Corvette, Chandler Kawasaki ZX-10R and '05 Kawasaki ZX-6R around the 2.87 mile configuration of Buttonwillow Raceway. Track temps hovered around 100*+.

In testing they had the following results:

Skyline: 0-60mph 3.4; 1/4 11.6@122.7mph; 60-0 braking 104ft; skid pad 1.11g's

Corvette: 0-60mph 4.7; 1/4 13.2@108.6mph; 60-0 braking 110ft; skid pad 0.96g's

ZX-6R: 0-60mph 2.9; 1/4 10.8@130.3mph; 60-0 braking 146ft; skid pad 1.01g's

ZX-10R: 0-60mph 3.0; 1/4 10.2@145.0mph; 60-0 braking 144ft; skid pad 1.04g's

Track results
4th: Corvette 2min 7.12s
3rd: Skyline 1min 58.82s
2nd: ZX-6R 1min 56.50s
1st: ZX-10R 1 min 53.00s

-Chike

The Redline on the 06 WRX is 6500 rpm. I test drove a manual trans limited model two days ago. The increased low end is very nice but the "hit" my 02 has is gone. The Brakes are way better.

Britt

The Redline on the 06 WRX is 6500 rpm. I test drove a manual trans limited model two days ago. The increased low end is very nice but the "hit" my 02 has is gone. The Brakes are way better.

Britt
Thanks! Did you take it past redline? Know where the fuel cut is per chance? :D

-Chike

It also looks like they were in a Limited...wishful thinking but if they left a little on the table by bogging down....and you also subtract the added weight by getting a regular WRX...one can only imagine.

...for that matter there is also the decontented TR...

They tracked tested the XS Engineering R34 GT-R V-spec (made 589hp & 482ft-lbs at the wheels), '05 Corvette, Chandler Kawasaki ZX-10R and '05 Kawasaki ZX-6R around the 2.87 mile configuration of Buttonwillow Raceway. Track temps hovered around 100*+.

In testing they had the following results:

Skyline: 0-60mph 3.4; 1/4 11.6@122.7mph; 60-0 braking 104ft; skid pad 1.11g's

Corvette: 0-60mph 4.7; 1/4 13.2@108.6mph; 60-0 braking 110ft; skid pad 0.96g's

ZX-6R: 0-60mph 2.9; 1/4 10.8@130.3mph; 60-0 braking 146ft; skid pad 1.01g's

ZX-10R: 0-60mph 3.0; 1/4 10.2@145.0mph; 60-0 braking 144ft; skid pad 1.04g's

Track results
4th: Corvette 2min 7.12s
3rd: Skyline 1min 58.82s
2nd: ZX-6R 1min 56.50s
1st: ZX-10R 1 min 53.00s

-Chike
wow, that skyline put up a good fight but bikes are really not one to underestimate.

Yup - redline is 6500. I drove a 06 last night, and while I kept out of the real power as it only had 19 miles on it, it was obvious that the power pulled way better than my 02 with the 2 liter engine. The steering felt better too, and the bigger wheels and tires felt nearly reasonable, considering they were RE92, and not my 16" Yoko AVS Intermediates which are much stickier.

If I could get HID I might have enough reason to switch, but I suspect in a year or two I'll want something with electric assist and better gas mileage, so I'm tempted to just keep the '02 for a while longer. I can afford a new car, but I don't see swithcing unless it gives me a decent step up - and the '06 is close to being enough better.

Not exactly...they will offer the '06 WRX in crystal grey metallic (bright silver) and steel grey metallic (silverstone/graphite).

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/subaru/impreza/100613792/colors.html

-Chike

but neither of those are a real silver... i would hardly call crystal gray a "bright" silver and steel gray is much darker than other manufacturers' silverstone or graphite... i also think wrb looks funny on the 06s for some reason...

but neither of those are a real silver... i would hardly call crystal gray a "bright" silver and steel gray is much darker than other manufacturers' silverstone or graphite...

^yup

I don't know what Edmund's color chips look like online, but I've seen both CGM and SGM in person, on the lot, on 2006s.

FWIW, they both look way more like each other than either one does to (outgoing) Platinum Silver as in the SOA promo shots. Yet neither is dark enough to be a real graphite like Nissan, Mazda, Dodge and most others have to offer.

But, if you like the color of dirty dish water, you now have two choices: grey or slightly brownish grey. Either way, there's no Silver anymore.

wow, that skyline put up a good fight but bikes are really not one to underestimate.
Yup, it put up a real fight. I was amazed at the 1.11g's it pulled on the skidpad!!! :eek:

-Chike

I hate how Subaru has moved to boring Silver for their "Subaru" color and is getting away from WRB it seems (and this is even a WRX, which the press cars should ALWAYS be WRB, but now it seems all the Subaru press cares are Silver)
-Allen

When the 02 WRX came out the press cars were 2 colors... WRB and PSM. I remember because I was stuck between black and silver and I never saw a black out in articles, but I saw silver everywhere. The articles with silver always had the OEM body kit and the BBS 17" rims too. I even have that book subaru made with all the press article about the car in it, and it's maybe 33% PSM and 66% WRB, but there are articles with 2 different colors FYI. BUt I do agree they should ALL BE WRB.

On to the new car.
PROS:
17"s
Brakes
Steering
2.5l torque and potential w/tuning

CONS:
$$$ loss to trade
No PSM (I would go white)
2.5l gas mileage
6.5k redline

I think I will be keeping my 2004 for quite a while, or at least until the redo the whole car.

Ben

Maybe in perfect conditions with an experienced driver. Fastest magazine time I've ever seen for the last gen WRX was 0-60 in 5.4 and the 1/4 in 14.2 by Car & Driver (test of an '02 WRX).


they actually got the 02 at 14.1 @ 96 in Oct 01 issue

they actually got the 02 at 14.1 @ 96 in Oct 01 issue
Even better for the '02 WRX...however, no other mag test ever came close to that result.

Road & Track Speed got a 14.1 with a terrible launch running the '06 WRX in the dead of summer. It'll be intertesting to see what the other mags get when they test the car...

-Chike

I'd defect to Mitsu to have a very sporty wagon - as long as they don't dilute the performance of the vehicle, I'd love to have it. Practicality and performance...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/58890/evos_great_estate_blasts_off.html

"At the end of the day, Mitsubishi's research and development test team declared the results were far closer than expected. Originally, they'd anticipated the estate's extra 100kg bulk would add at least two seconds' time difference around the two-kilometre track.

But the gap was less than one second. According to a spokesman, the carrier's rear end actually improved its weight distribution, which gave better traction than the saloon."

the "hit" my 02 has is gone.

I know what you mean; I felt the same way after driving the LGT. It's as fast as my WRX (or close) but so much smoother it feels slower.

I know what you mean; I felt the same way after driving the LGT. It's as fast as my WRX (or close) but so much smoother it feels slower.

Exactly Mike,

Most of us WRX owners that bought GT's thought that they were slower than the WRX because deliver was so smooth. The only way to tell how fast you were accelerating is to actually watch the speedo. So smooth and so fast.

Dang that EVO wagon looks... Uhmmm not so sporty?

I'd defect to Mitsu to have a very sporty wagon - as long as they don't dilute the performance of the vehicle, I'd love to have it. Practicality and performance...

I would consider defecting as well. Subaru, get your act together and give us a damn STI Wagon!!! :devil:

Dang that EVO wagon looks... Uhmmm not so sporty?

I know everyone rips on Subaru styling, but that evo wagon is fugly and I wouldn't ever own one..

The Redline on the 06 WRX is 6500 rpm. I test drove a manual trans limited model two days ago. The increased low end is very nice but the "hit" my 02 has is gone. The Brakes are way better.

Britt

the forester has a 6500 redline also... pretty much identical to forester. Also I've seen 04 xt forester get a 13.8 in the magazines so I would expect the new wrx to be better.

well... it looks like evo for sure now. if that wagon comes here then its a done deal. keep it too point oh.

the forester has a 6500 redline also... pretty much identical to forester. Also I've seen 04 xt forester get a 13.8 in the magazines so I would expect the new wrx to be better.

But the Forester has more aggressive gearing, no?

Its a typo, I drove a 06 wagon WRX and it was 6500... just like my LGT

But the Forester has more aggressive gearing, no?

It's also heavier..

The WRX turns in quicker and crisper than the old model...the steering response now feels closer to that of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

anyone know if subaru followed Saab's lead and put the STI steering rack in there?

Am I the only one who doesn't care about where the redline is as long as the damned thing is faster?

Am I the only one who doesn't care about where the redline is as long as the damned thing is faster?

:lol: You can ALWAY find people that ALWAYS find something to bitch about, my friend.

the forester has a 6500 redline also... pretty much identical to forester. Also I've seen 04 xt forester get a 13.8 in the magazines so I would expect the new wrx to be better.

Nope, the gearing is taller...

anyone know if subaru followed Saab's lead and put the STI steering rack in there?

LOL @ saab's lead...Subaru builds the 9-2x. Your statement sounds as if Subaru turned over the Impreza wagon and their parts bin and said, "here do whatever."

It's also heavier..

and has larger diameter tires.

LOL @ saab's lead...Subaru builds the 9-2x. Your statement sounds as if Subaru turned over the Impreza wagon and their parts bin and said, "here do whatever."

correctamundo.

:lol: You can ALWAY find people that ALWAYS find something to bitch about, my friend.


Seriously...I drove a friend's VW Jetta TDI, which redlines at like 5k, and that thing scoots! Sure, you have to shift more, but hey...that should be fun for us gearheads, right?

I'll take the boxy looks and utility of that wagon over the smoother less useful WRX wagon.

That aside the specs on the new WRX are great.

ss

isnt' the big news is that the 06 wrx gets the 2.5 liter motor? So is there a 6 speed tranny option or is that still only for the STI?

I didn't know the 06 WRX's are out at the dealers already??? are they??

In short, yes, they are...

I just looked at an 06 STi at my dealership today...(see thread here (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=835142)) and there is a thread requesting impressions and info from those fortunate enough to already OWN one (this thread (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=834705)).

Cya!

Maybe in perfect conditions with an experienced driver. Fastest magazine time I've ever seen for the last gen WRX was 0-60 in 5.4 and the 1/4 in 14.2 by Car & Driver (test of an '02 WRX). Those results were never repeated by any other mag, and most got around 5.7-5.8 going 0-60, and the 1/4 in 14.4-14.6.
There was a 5.4 and 14.1, not 14.2. Any many members have run 14.1-2.

I would think the '06 should be able to pull a 13.9 with a great launch. I guess once winter comes we'll see it. :)

I believe that some STi owners w/ engine management are running their cars up to 7500+ rpm w/o issue. Have been for awhile. Of course I am not sure if the engine components in the new WRX 2.5 are comparable to the STi ones.

If you guys realy want to run it up to 7000 rpm, then you might be able to. No guaranty that It'll be faster, though. I don't think that the STi owners that do run to 7500 rpm see better results. Anyway, the new setup seems faster w/o winding it up to 7000 rpm.

On a stock car you are better off shifting than winding it out. While the gearing of the Forester is shorter by quite a bit, it may also drop you out of the powerband while doing something like drag racing. It has short gearing for quick acceleration in all gears from lower RPMs. Punch it at 2500 rpm in 4th in a WRX versus the FXT, you'll feel the gearing difference. But when you are shifting at 6500 rpm and dropping to like 5500-5700, that's not where the car is making much torque. I would guess in a drag race shifting near redline, the WRX would be faster, even at the same weight. Gearing only helps if its matched to the powerband of the engine.

You mean... WRX is FasTAr than SRT-4? :huh: I don't believe it... I won't believe it! ;)The latest Road & Track, their annual "new car" issue, has a list of all the 06 offerings. The Neon is no more. :devil:

Re, 6500 rpm redline: That's about where the power falls off on my 2.0L anyway. I never rev to 7000; there's no point. I would welcome the better midrange of the 2.5L, but my next car is going to be more economical, not less.

I know everyone rips on Subaru styling, but that evo wagon is fugly and I wouldn't ever own one..

Hopefully the EVO wagon will sell well and make Subaru build us a STI wagon. :)

I'm still undecided about whether putting the 2.5L "semi-closed deck" engine in the WRX was such a good idea. It is it going to make it a lot smoother, though, and it'll give it a more solid low-end, which will help out the autocrossers. And having 17-inch wheels and the new, better brakes stock is a big plus. Overall, I approve of the new car, and I don't understand why everyone is complaining about the littlest things. Yeah, the car's not perfect, but I'd say it's an improvement over the old model for the most part.

Yup, I drove it and it's much more solid than my 2002, and the engine pulls much better. I would buy it IF they offered HID lights, and especially if they had tuned it for regular gas and better mileage. As it is, there's just not enough there to switch as my 02 only has about 35K on it, and is set up just fine for my use.

http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/~jking/images/ralph.jpg
That's umpossible!
Chicken makes my feet stink. Do you want to play? :mad: ;)

I would buy it [...] especially if they had tuned it for regular gas and better mileage.
:rolleyes: Perhaps you need a refresher on Octane, Boost & AWD?

wow its the Evolvo!


i hope no one wrote that yet

:rolleyes: Perhaps you need a refresher on Octane, Boost & AWD?

Yeah, that post made no sense.. more power than the 02, but on regular gas with better mileage.

WAIT! I know where they offer this car, in Fantasy Land. :lol:

Sorry, I had too.

I did NOT say I wanted MORE power in my post. And one can have better efficiency and equivalent performance, less weight will do it - or a more efficient drivetrain and engine. I'd even accept a bit less acceleration for better fuel usage - and I don't have any financial limitations as my energy fund alone is up over $56K in the last 15 months. I just want something more efficient for ethical reasons.

If someone made a RWD small wagon with acceptable performance (better than 7 seconds 0-60) and fine handling, I'd be very interested in getting one. That's what I want, and had before my Subaru vehicles. Think a new version of the old Datsun 510 wagon. But I like to drive, and won't accept FWD or auto transmissions - so for the time being the WRX wagon best fits the criteria.

Sorry guys - I'm not a racer, nor am I a Subaru fanatic. I've owned 20+ vehicles in the last 42 years, and have switched brands a lot. And my first car was an Austin A40, a mini wagon. I've had BMWs (and like them a lot), turbo RX-7, Datsuns, AMX, Valiants, Mazdas, Triumph, Renault, Fiat and some others. Rarely American brands because they just aways seemed too hung up on fads.

Subaru was really into practical cars until about 1999 - and as they move away from that goal, they also lose some appeal.

Way too long - and off topic - sorry.

Get a prius if you want a practical car :)

Old man :) !!!!! :p

I did NOT say I wanted MORE power in my post. And one can have better efficiency and equivalent performance, less weight will do it - or a more efficient drivetrain and engine. I'd even accept a bit less acceleration for better fuel usage - and I don't have any financial limitations as my energy fund alone is up over $56K in the last 15 months. I just want something more efficient for ethical reasons.

If someone made a RWD small wagon with acceptable performance (better than 7 seconds 0-60) and fine handling, I'd be very interested in getting one. That's what I want, and had before my Subaru vehicles. Think a new version of the old Datsun 510 wagon. But I like to drive, and won't accept FWD or auto transmissions - so for the time being the WRX wagon best fits the criteria.

Sorry guys - I'm not a racer, nor am I a Subaru fanatic. I've owned 20+ vehicles in the last 42 years, and have switched brands a lot. And my first car was an Austin A40, a mini wagon. I've had BMWs (and like them a lot), turbo RX-7, Datsuns, AMX, Valiants, Mazdas, Triumph, Renault, Fiat and some others. Rarely American brands because they just aways seemed too hung up on fads.

Subaru was really into practical cars until about 1999 - and as they move away from that goal, they also lose some appeal.

Way too long - and off topic - sorry.

You're right, you didn't say more power. I just guessed since you wrote that it pulled better than the 02 and in your next sentence said "I would buy it if.."

I was confused but rightfully so.

Who know's, maybe you will get what you look for in an american brand. There seems to be slow trend of companies such as Dodge offering RWD cars again. As far as gas mileage goes with those type of auto's, that's anyone's guess. FWD is a bummer... unfortunately it's a market's majority.

Hopefully the EVO wagon will sell well and make Subaru build us a STI wagon. :)

So is the Evo wagon gonna sell here?

ss

It's also heavier..


The Forester is not that much heavier then a Wrx, given they are built from the same platform.

Yup, I drove it and it's much more solid than my 2002, and the engine pulls much better. I would buy it IF they offered HID lights, and especially if they had tuned it for regular gas and better mileage. As it is, there's just not enough there to switch as my 02 only has about 35K on it, and is set up just fine for my use.


I wish they would offer this option for the forester.

Subaru was really into practical cars until about 1999 - and as they move away from that goal, they also lose some appeal.
I certainly agree with you there, but unfortunately this opinion is probably doesn't carry much weight on this board any more.

Nope, the gearing is taller...


Thats for sure. The 444:1 final drive in the Forester is amazing and really adds to the punch.

wow its the Evolvo!


i hope no one wrote that yet
Isn't that the truth though? :lol:

at least mitsu has the guts to put the fender flares on their wagons...

Subaru was really into practical cars until about 1999 - and as they move away from that goal, they also lose some appeal.


The base Outback is a very practical and affordable car; lots of people I paddle with drive them. They make great family cars too.

...especially if they had tuned it for regular gas and better mileage.


(insert shrieking sound of subaru engineers furiously attempting to DEtune larger, more powerful engine to run leaner on 87 octane gas)

Actually, what I think would be really cool is a dual fuel car with a 15 gallon tank for regular 87 octane, and a 2 gallon tank for 93 octane. And at the lines to the injectors a valve that switches to the premium when needed as controlled by the ECU when lots of power is needed. And you'd cruise around 95% of the time on the cheaper stuff.

And yes I see the problems...

Actually, what I think would be really cool is a dual fuel car with a 15 gallon tank for regular 87 octane, and a 2 gallon tank for 93 octane. And at the lines to the injectors a valve that switches to the premium when needed as controlled by the ECU when lots of power is needed. And you'd cruise around 95% of the time on the cheaper stuff.

And yes I see the problems...


All that trouble for $0.20 per gallon difference?

:lol:

I'm not sure if you've ever actually done the math, but if you drive 20,000 miles a year, you spend less than $15 more PER MONTH to run premium fuel instead of 87.

So is the Evo wagon gonna sell here?

ss

Evo Wagon is not coming here. I read it in Road and Track. :banana:

Yeah, great idea, let's make their high performance models like the WRX slower. I'm sure that's what everyone buying cars with intercooled turbos is looking for: something with higher fuel economy that burns cheaper gas. :lol:

Hey, I've got an idea, why doesn't Subaru put big bias-ply whitewalls on the WRX so it rides more like an old Cadillac? Because giving up a soft ride for better cornering is, like, totally lame, dude. :rolleyes:

Any other brilliant suggestions I've missed for what amounts to a de-tuned, street legal rally car? OMFG NOT HAVING MORE CUP HOLDERS IS TEH GHEY LOL!!!11!! :lol:

Yeah, great idea, let's make their high performance models like the WRX slower. I'm sure that's what everyone buying cars with intercooled turbos is looking for: something with higher fuel economy that burns cheaper gas. :lol:

Hey, I've got an idea, why doesn't Subaru put big bias-ply whitewalls on the WRX so it rides more like an old Cadillac? Because giving up a soft ride for better cornering is, like, totally lame, dude. :rolleyes:

Any other brilliant suggestions I've missed for what amounts to a de-tuned, street legal rally car? OMFG NOT HAVING MORE CUP HOLDERS IS TEH GHEY LOL!!!11!! :lol:

OMG I just found a pic of the '08 WRX! I can't wait!!! :eek:

http://www.edmunds.com/media/generations/accord/98.honda.accord.500.jpg

Subaru was really into practical cars until about 1999 - and as they move away from that goal, they also lose some appeal.


I'm just not understanding the problem here... there are still "practical" versions of the Impreza and Legacy... but if you want practical, don't BUY the turbocharged high performance version! The 2.5L non-turbo impreza will pull 28mpg on the highway and should have no quarrel with 87-octane fuel.

Evo Wagon is not coming here. I read it in Road and Track. :banana:

Thanks for the info, no dancing banana here. That would be an excellent option to me.

ss