2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

Japanese version shown.

SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL INSPIRES A TECHNICALLY SOPHISTICATED, THIRD-GENERATION SUBARU PERFORMANCE FLAGSHIP.

LONG-AWAITED AND THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERABLE SPECULATION SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA IN APRIL, THE WRX STI VERSION WAS UNVEILED AT THE 40TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2007 ON OCTOBER 24. IT’S SCHEDULED TO REACH DEALERSHIPS IN EARLY JANUARY 2008. STICKING TO ITS MOTORSPORTS ROOTS, THE NEW 5-DOOR STI WILL SERVE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR SUBARU RALLY AND OTHER MOTORSPORTS TEAMS AROUND THE WORLD.

EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

STYLING, EXTERIOR FEATURES

Altogether, the WRX STI has a more aggressive attitude than other Impreza models – from the bulging fenders surrounding 18-inch wheels to the large rear gate spoiler.

At the front, the mesh in the STI grille is repeated in the bumper where available multi-reflector fog lights are mounted. Ahead of the wheels, air discharge vents enhance the intercooler’s cooling performance.

Along the sides, front and rear fenders are more pronounced than on other Impreza models, and they’re connected by a unique side sill. The front fenders have functional side vents that help to cool the intercooler and engine.

At the rear, the large spoiler at roof level not only improves the car’s aerodynamics (which provide zero lift) but helps make the STI recognizable.

Other exterior features include:

• Fin-shaped wiper blades that improve performance at higher speeds
• Pop-up headlight washers
• Electronic rear gate switch
• Dual gas hood dampers
• Cherry-red badging replaces dark pink

BODY/CHASSIS

Based on the Legacy platform, the new body has a better balance of rigidity. Selected junctions in the structure are reinforced with the intended results of providing a quality ride (reduced vibrations), precise control, improved stability, and enhanced protection in an impact. High-strength steel completely surrounds cabin occupants as the Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame.

MECHANICAL HIGHLIGHTS

ENGINE

Subaru has improved one of the world’s best engines for the new STI, enhancing performance, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions.

Most notable, perhaps, is the addition of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), which effectively gives the STI three engines in one. SI-DRIVE regulates the engine control module and Electronic Throttle Control in three settings:

• Intelligent (I), for smooth, efficient performance driving
• Sport (S), for all-around performance driving
• Sport Sharp (S#), for maximum driving performance

(For more on SI-DRIVE, see the Summer 2007 issue of Subaru Drive magazine at www.drive.subaru.com.)

Other engine highlights include:

• A larger intercooler with a new high-efficient, cross-flow design, which improves performance
• Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS), which varies both intake and exhaust camshaft timing for enhanced low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower, for improved fuel economy, and for reduced emissions
• Iridium-tipped spark plugs with square positive electrodes, for reduced emissions and better fuel economy
• Cast-iron exhaust manifolds and high-efficiency catalytic converter, which improve emissions as well as performance
• A high-flow fuel pump, which improves performance and fuel economy
• A high-flow, low-restriction exhaust system with stainless-steel quad tailpipe outlets

DRIVETRAIN

Improved features and new ones make the STI even more fun to drive.

Modifications to the 6-speed manual transmission improve shifting smoothness and durability. Changes include:

• Triple cone synchronizers and modified synchronizer chamfer for first and second gears
• Carbon cone synchronizers for fourth, fifth, and sixth gears
• Reduced shift friction in the synchronizer sleeve for improved shift feel
• Revised gear ratios to optimize the engine’s performance characteristics

The capabilities of the Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) AWD system have been expanded. Along with six manual settings, it has three automatic modes:

• Automatic – center differential lock-up controlled by the Transmission Control Module
• Automatic Minus – less center differential lock-up for driving on high-traction surfaces
• Automatic Plus – more center differential lock-up for driving on low-traction surfaces

(Read more about the basic DCCD system in Drive Performance Version 1.2 at www.driveperformance.subaru.com.)

Other mechanical additions for 2008 include:

• Incline Start Assist – momentarily helps prevent the car from rolling backwards when starting on an uphill grade
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system (stability control) with three modes:
  • Normal
  • Traction
  • Off
• Brake Assist

(Read more about VDC in the Online Exclusive for “2008 Subaru Impreza” in Fall 2007 Drive, at www.drive.subaru.com.)

(Also, see an application chart here for tailoring SI-DRIVE, DCCD, and VDC to preferred driving habits and/or road conditions as part of the Online Exclusives for this article.)

CHASSIS

Front and rear suspension systems feature lighter weight in the front and a completely different design in the rear.

Reduced unsprung weight in the front improves handling and stability.

• The front suspension’s aluminum L-arms are 2.2 pounds lighter than the previous design
• Box-section front crossmembers eliminate the need for a front subframe, reducing weight
• The rear suspension’s double wishbone design incorporates a subframe, which helps isolate road noise and shock from the passenger cabin for a quieter ride
• Rear bushings are tuned to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness

Both front and rear wheel track are wider than the WRX – 1.3 inches in front and 1.5 inches in back.

Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard – 5-spoke wheels with 245/40 R18 93W Dunlop SP Sport 600 summer tires.

Brake system features include:

• Brembo^® brakes with black calipers carrying STI logos
• Ultra-low expansion brake hoses, which provide more positive brake feel and pedal strength
• Improved power brake booster
• Rear calipers increased in width from 35 mm to 45 mm to improve clamping force and overall performance

INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

New interior features improve comfort, convenience, and safety.

COMFORT/CONVENIENCE

Select new standard and available features:

• A tilt-and-telescopic steering column
• Standard STI-design electroluminescent gauges
• Steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls
• Bottle holders molded into the doors
• Black leather-trimmed seats with gray Alcantara^®1 inserts, as well as Alcantara trim on the door panels
• Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• Aluminum front door sill plate inserts
• Aluminum pedal covers, including footrest
• Front center console with illuminated STI badge
• Standard SRS Circle Surround Automotive™ audio² with 6-disc in-dash CD changer
• Audyssey MultEQ^®3 audio technology, which provides optimal sounds for all passengers in every seating position – standard on all models with navigation
• Available navigation system with Bluetooth^® capability

SAFETY

New features:

• New side-curtain airbags (SRS)⁴
• Clutch pedal included in the safety pedal system, which helps to reduce foot and leg injuries in a frontal impact

FOR DRIVING ENTHUSIASTS

With added power, enhanced technology, precise control in an all-new design, the 2008 WRX STI is coming to Subaru dealerships soon!

¹ Alcantara^® is a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A., and Alcantara^® is produced by Toray Group.

² SRS(•) and Circle Surround Automotive are trademarks of SRS Labs, Inc.

³ Audyssey MultEQ^® is a registered trademark of Audyssey Laboratories, Inc.

⁴ The airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) affords the driver, and the front and rear outboard passengers, additional protection in moderate-to-severe frontal and side-impact collisions. This system provides supplemental protection only, and seatbelts must be worn in order to avoid injuries to out-of-position occupants upon airbag deployment, and to provide the best combined protection in a serious accident. Children should always be properly restrained in one of the rear seats.