Q&A's with SOA Blog Here

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by MechEng

Dear SOA Blog,

Why is it that I can't get an Impreza with a sunroof?

because we don't sell one?


Joking - because the sunroof wasn't offered in the first year as it was felt the take would be low to warrant its inclusion in just one trim level. The base car is very competitively priced and sunroofs don't come cheap.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[wrxtunerd]

Originally Posted by unclemat

So how about Recaros:

our voice - check
industry trends (e.g. Evo) - check
focus group - ?

I guess wrong focus group (overweight Outback buyers, dang....). And one would think that for STI our voice had bit more than "some weight"...

Even the new WRX-Competitor Lancer Ralliart comes with RECAROS!!!

[dphoenix]

Originally Posted by tdoggydog

SOA Blog - now that we have the 09 Legacy info out, I can ask you what was the reasoning behind not making it available with Bluetooth? Hopefully it was not simply to wait for the redesign in 2010. It just seems silly nowadays to spend 20-30K+ on a vehicle w/o hands free communication (despite being law in many parts of the country), when you can also buy a vehicle from other auto manufacturers from in the 15's and get this technology.

2009 Legacy is a really really short production run. I would guess September or October will be the last shipment of 09 Legacies to dealers, since 2010 will be hitting some dealer lots in March/April most likely. They were not going to spend a lot of money on development, the Harmon Kardon and VDC are the big features for 09. If you can't buy a bluetooth headset at the store, then there are aftermarket bluetooths that you can put for $200-500 that are very good. Otherwise just wait til 2010. Dealers have made it clear that we expect more tech in the 2010 Legacy and SoA is telling us so far that there will be. The proof is in the pudding though.

[wrxtunerd]

Dear SOA,

Thanks for taking part in this thread, it's refreshing to see someone on here just talking with everyone.

But, I've got a few questions you can "answer"

1. What is with the CHROMED out tail lights post '06 Imprezas??? The red looked so much more classy and non-Honda/ricey. But +1 for ditching the 06-07 Chrome headlights and going with the blackend housing on the 08s.

2. Can you not comment on the 09 STis coming with a push start, Recaros, etc OR is it a No That's Incorrect type-of-thing?

3. Is the 09 STi scheduled to be released yet? If so when? If "not," can you not comment about it coming out later this year???

4. Looks like the WRX is going to get smashed on by the new Ralliart... more hp, Recaros, extremely similar exterior appearance as an Evo X... kinda crazy that Mitsu would offer all these goodies. How will Subaru compete???

Thanks SOA!

The 08/09 STi will be my 4th Suby!! So tell everyone that they're doing great, BUT get rid of this hideous CHROME!!!

[MechEng]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

because we don't sell one?


Joking - because the sunroof wasn't offered in the first year as it was felt the take would be low to warrant its inclusion in just one trim level. The base car is very competitively priced and sunroofs don't come cheap.

Which implies that we may see one in subsequent years.

I certainly hope so. Even my dealer was bemoaning the lack of a sunroof option. He commented that over 50% of the 2007 Imprezas that he sold were models with sunroofs.

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by wrxtunerd

Dear SOA,

Thanks for taking part in this thread, it's refreshing to see someone on here just talking with everyone.

But, I've got a few questions you can "answer"

1. What is with the CHROMED out tail lights post '06 Imprezas??? The red looked so much more classy and non-Honda/ricey. But +1 for ditching the 06-07 Chrome headlights and going with the blackend housing on the 08s.

2. Can you not comment on the 09 STis coming with a push start, Recaros, etc OR is it a No That's Incorrect type-of-thing?

3. Is the 09 STi scheduled to be released yet? If so when? If "not," can you not comment about it coming out later this year???

4. Looks like the WRX is going to get smashed on by the new Ralliart... more hp, Recaros, extremely similar exterior appearance as an Evo X... kinda crazy that Mitsu would offer all these goodies. How will Subaru compete???

Thanks SOA!

The 08/09 STi will be my 4th Suby!! So tell everyone that they're doing great, BUT get rid of this hideous CHROME!!!

Hey - we like being here, but we can't comment on subjective stuff or future product.

[waktasz]

What's the official stance on autocross events and warranty coverage? I know Subaru is a SCCA National Solo Championships contingency sponsor, but if I go there and my (seemingly not-so-reliable STOCK 08 STI) blows up, would they cover it? I'd think an event like that with max speeds under 70 MPH shouldn't stress the motor too much.

[wrxtunerd]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Hey - we like being here, but we can't comment on subjective stuff or future product.

Alright alright lol, it was worth a shot...

Do the guys designing these cars really like chrome though?

[Jon [in CT]]

Originally Posted by waktasz

What's the official stance on autocross events and warranty coverage? I know Subaru is a SCCA National Solo Championships contingency sponsor, but if I go there and my (seemingly not-so-reliable STOCK 08 STI) blows up, would they cover it? I'd think an event like that with max speeds under 70 MPH shouldn't stress the motor too much.

I'm always amazed that people who run their cars at autocross or at the 1/8 mile drag strip rationalize that they're not abusing their powertrains simply because the vehicle speed stays below 70 MPH.

[NJSwamplands]

Originally Posted by wrxtunerd

Alright alright lol, it was worth a shot...

Do the guys designing these cars really like chrome though?

[waktasz]

Originally Posted by Jon [in CT]

I'm always amazed that people who run their cars at autocross or at the 1/8 mile drag strip rationalize that they're not abusing their powertrains simply because the vehicle speed stays below 70 MPH.

You don't think they should be able to handle it? The 08s are knocking their pistons apart on the stock tune.

I would never expect a clutch or brake or even strut issue to be covered, but I'm starting to hear about so many engine failures that it's becoming obvious to me that there is a design flaw or other problem with the 08s. Even beating the hell out of the car should not cause the issues these people are having.

[Jon [in CT]]

Originally Posted by waktasz

... I'm starting to hear about so many engine failures ...

Links to 2008 STI engine failures?

[waktasz]

on IWSTI. There were two new threads today with failed motors. Maron10's failed last week, and I know two local autocrossers also with the seemingly same issue.

[Jon [in CT]]

Originally Posted by waktasz

on IWSTI. There were two new threads today with failed motors. Maron10's failed last week, and I know two local autocrossers also with the seemingly same issue.

I say again: Links?

[waktasz]

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2008-sti...t-startup.html

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2008-sti...erience-s.html

There are multiple failures being reports in that second thread. This being one of them

Originally Posted by maron10

Well, I got some updates about may car. The tech took the motor out of the car and tore it down. This is what We found out:

1. Pistons are in perfect shape with only gas carbon deposit that was very slight.
2. No sign of any oil consumption by the engine, no sign of oil in the intercooler, the inlet of the turbo. The oil pan was full with oil.

Then why did the damn thing failed?

one word " Stop-Sale-order"

I experience the exact symptoms that were described. The bearings looked like someone took sand paper and grind the ***** out of them and the crankshaft.

we found metal shaving through the heads, the bottom of the oil pan, between the oil cooler and the filter.

Mind you that I completed my oil change at 2800 miles. The car is below 5000 miles. It appears that even though your car may not have fallen within that range, it may still be subject to kill the rod bearings and kill the engine.

I'm so pissed. UGH!!

[wrxtunerd]

^That as well as the other items I am hoping the 09 will have may be the reason I wait a few months for my next Suby.

[keepclam]

Learned today that Australia gets standard 8-way power passenger seats on every Tribeca model. Also available on Australian Legacy & Outback. That means Subaru does offer height-adjustable passenger seats.

SOA, you got some 'splainin' to do. () What, Australian passengers are exceptionally shorter than Americans or something?

And why would Legacy, with such a low cowl, have a passenger height adjustment when the new higher-cowl Forester doesn't. Seems like a Legacy would be much easier to see out of w/out raising the seat. But that's a question for SOA(ustralia) Blog.

[Hondaslayer]

Originally Posted by keepclam

Learned today that Australia gets standard 8-way power passenger seats on every Tribeca model. Also available on Australian Legacy & Outback. That means Subaru does offer height-adjustable passenger seats.

SOA, you got some 'splainin' to do. () What, Australian passengers are exceptionally shorter than Americans or something?

And why would Legacy, with such a low cowl, have a passenger height adjustment when the new higher-cowl Forester doesn't. Seems like a Legacy would be much easier to see out of w/out raising the seat. But that's a question for SOA(ustralia) Blog.

That would be the US spec drivers seat

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by keepclam

Learned today that Australia gets standard 8-way power passenger seats on every Tribeca model. Also available on Australian Legacy & Outback. That means Subaru does offer height-adjustable passenger seats.

SOA, you got some 'splainin' to do. () What, Australian passengers are exceptionally shorter than Americans or something?

.

Only the passengers

[paycer]

^

Just curious, SOA blog what is your daily driver (assuming you can tell us ) and any other classics/collector cars (Subie or not) in your personal stable?

[bewarethebear]

Dear SOA Blog,

rumor has it Subaru is attempting to become a bigger player in warmer climates...any chance of a Subaru Dealer in Santa Clarita, CA? it would help justify my want for a wrx wagon if i could stay in town for parts and service :]

[Sub!eDr!ver]

SOA Blog,

Not sure if you'd know this, and don't know if it's appropriate for this thread, but why did Royal Subaru of Decatur, in Atlanta Georgia, shut down this year? They're even listed as a "Stellar Performer Dealer" on the Subaru site. That's the second Subaru dealer I've seen disappear from the Atlanta market recently. The other one was Ed Voyles Subaru in Marietta, where I bought my '98 Legacy GT. That one disappeared about 4 or 5 years ago.

I kinda wish I could buy it and run my own Subaru dealership (though I'm not sure I'd qualify for the loan). What does it take to own and run a dealership?

[BigElm]

Originally Posted by Sub!eDr!ver

SOA Blog,

Not sure if you'd know this, and don't know if it's appropriate for this thread, but why did Royal Subaru of Decatur, in Atlanta Georgia, shut down this year? They're even listed as a "Stellar Performer Dealer" on the Subaru site. That's the second Subaru dealer I've seen disappear from the Atlanta market recently. The other one was Ed Voyles Subaru in Marietta, where I bought my '98 Legacy GT. That one disappeared about 4 or 5 years ago.

I kinda wish I could buy it and run my own Subaru dealership (though I'm not sure I'd qualify for the loan). What does it take to own and run a dealership?

I don't know if SOA Blog can answer the qualifying for loans, you might want to check with your bank for that

Did you know they're opening a Subaru dealer on Barrett Pkwy?

[Sub!eDr!ver]

Originally Posted by BigElm

I don't know if SOA Blog can answer the qualifying for loans, you might want to check with your bank for that

Did you know they're opening a Subaru dealer on Barrett Pkwy?

I guess I was kinda looking for what it would take to own one. Maybe all us Atlanta Subie nuts should get together and run one.

Didn't know about the Barrett Pkwy store. Who's the owner?

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by paycer

^

Just curious, SOA blog what is your daily driver (assuming you can tell us ) and any other classics/collector cars (Subie or not) in your personal stable?

2.5i 4 door Impreza with premium pack and rear spoiler. I really like it as my drive home is lots of lights so I'd never get to fully use a WRX.

Nothing as far as classics. I've moved around too much to keep cars and always had a car from the company to drive. Once owned an MGB and hanker after one again.