A 5-speed automatic Impreza WRX-STI 2.5 anyone?

In an apparent attempt to widen the appeal of its latest WRX STI, Subaru has gone and mate a 5-speed slush box - not the twin-clutch robotic type - to its most expensive & top-range Impreza. Badged as WRX STI A-Line, the 2.5L turbocharged boxer-4 output figures, especially torque, is reined in at 350Nm @ 2,800 - 6,000rpm while max power is 300ps @ 6,200rpm. In comparison, the manual version gets 407Nm @ 4,000rpm and 300ps @ 6,000rpm.

Would you want this over Mitsubishi's TC-SST equipped Evolution X? More importantly, with local distributor Motor Image dropping the price of the 6-speed manual to RM251k (from RM289k) in Malaysia recently, will this city-traffic-congestion friendlier version be even more attractively priced? Perhaps circa RM240k for the more laid-back drivers or even as something for the wifey?

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

In conjunction with Tokyo Motor Show 2007, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) - Subaru automobiles manufacturer - has announced the introduction of the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI in Japan. The third generation WRX STI is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine that kicks out 304hp @ 6,400 rpm and wrenches a maximum torque of 422Nm @ 4,400 rpm.

Featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and its trademark horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, the new WRX STI is now a five-door hatchback, in a clear departure from its 3-box saloon predecessors. Incidentally, this is the best-looking – and most dressed-up - effort for the quirky-looking 3rd generation Impreza from Subaru. The widened body flares gives better presence, integrating function and aggressive look, while the interior design stresses cabin convenience and a top-of-the-line image.

The first-generation WRX STI model was based on the first Impreza WRX and was developed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), an FHI subsidiary specialising in motorsports activities. Since its introduction in 1994, the WRX STI has established a solid reputation as a high-performance sports model. In the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) that requires participants to compete with production-based models, Subaru WRX STI models have proven track record of bringing Subaru three consecutive Manufacturers’ championship titles from 1995 to 1997. In this context, FHI plans to submit a Group N homologation application effective as of January 1, 2008 for the new WRX STI to FIA.

The introduction of the new WRX STI has completed the full lineup of the Impreza series in Japan. The Impreza 15S, 20S and S-GT models have been available since June 2007, each offering different levels of performance and comfort.

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/2008-subaru-wrc-concept.html

2008 Subaru WRC Concept

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Subaru plans to debut the all-new Impreza in its most wicked form, as a high performance World Rally Car Concept at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007. Subaru WRC driver, Petter Solberg, is scheduled to speak at the Subaru press conference during the introduction of this future WRC rally car.

Mr Matsatsugu Ngato, Fuji Heavy Industries’ Executive Vice President of Subaru for European markets, will unveil new model Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2.0L naturally-aspirated formats – aimed at appealing to a wider audience while still retaining Subaru’s distinctive ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Both technologies are claimed to offer outstanding handling and roadholding with ‘real world’ active safety.

On-sale late September in the UK, the new Impreza boasts substantially increased passenger space thanks to a new platform with new multi-link, double-wishbone rear suspension which gives agile handling combined with an exceptionally absorbent ride.