Read Driving Impressions by Editor Ric Hawthorne in Version 4.3.
SI-DRIVE/DCCD/VDC APPLICATION CHART
| CONDITION |
SI-DRIVE |
DCCD |
VDC |
| Normal Driving |
| All-Season |
S |
Auto |
Normal |
| Performance |
S# |
Auto - |
Traction |
| Snow/Dirt |
S or I |
Auto + |
Normal |
| Motorsports |
| Pavement |
S# |
Manual |
Off |
| Snow |
S# |
Manual |
Off |
| Dirt |
S# |
Manual |
Off |
INTERVIEW WITH HIROSHI MORI, PROJECT GENERAL MANAGER WRX STI
– translation from the FHI/Subaru STI microsite
The third generation WRX STI, born of the WRC, makes its debut. The first generation Subaru Impreza WRC won the Manufacturers’ Championship in three consecutive years – 1995, 1996, and 1997 – and the Drivers’ Championship in 2001 and 2003. The Subaru Impreza WRC also achieved a time of less than eight minutes at Nürburgring in spite of being a 2.0-liter turbo. The new Subaru Impreza WRC is based on its predecessors in the family line and is now recognized all over the world as a super sports car of the highest level.
Expectations on the evolution of the third new WRX STI are growing worldwide. Hiroshi Mori takes responsibility for the thought that was put into the new generation WRX STI.
“Because Impreza WRX STI is the flagship model of Subaru, speed and comfort are its two most important factors. Therefore, when designing the new WRX STI, I reviewed a conventional concept from the beginning and decided to rebuild it in the form of the Subaru super sports car for the future. Previously, the performance of the vehicle was good, but the quality was not as good. I challenged the development staff to improve the feel and comfort of the vehicle. A way of thinking called ‘the pleasure to handle at a beck and call’ became the concept of the STI chassis, which symbolizes the Subaru of the future.”
All new Subaru vehicles will give the driver the pleasure of driving – as easy to drive as the driver wants.
“It is the packaging that is most important when producing a car. Seventy to 80 percent of whether the car can perform is the relationship between the chassis and the tires. The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a superior system, but the new double-wishbone suspension improves the drivability dramatically.” The double-wishbone suspension is more flexible and improves the performance of the tires.
Additionally, the wheelbase was extended and the front and rear overhangs were shortened to improve balance and stability, which is most suitable for a sports car.
Added to superior basics, the electronic Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) provide good traction and more control.
“The DCCD + VDC provide a new multi-mode control, which can synchronize the intention of the driver and the movement of the car, making it feel comfortable without the driver feeling stress while driving. Furthermore, the SI-DRIVE system increases and balances riding taste and environmental performance with a sharp response.
“The new WRX STI does not compromise at all in faithful responsiveness, traction, and stability.
“I really think that the philosophy of the new Subaru suggests that the passengers and driver understand driving pleasure instantly once they get into the car. The birth of this car can be said to establish the form of the new Subaru AWD sports car.”