What's Hot?
Download Subaru Wallpapers
January 24, 2003
Subaru Announces Impreza WRX STiIf the WRX Wasn’t Enough…
We’ve got to hand it to Fuji Heavy Industries; without this Japanese company there would be no Subaru; without Subaru there would be no Impreza; without the Impreza there would be no WRX and without the silly-fast WRX we wouldn’t have this, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi edition. Displayed at NAIAS in Detroit the WRX STi will rock the boat when it goes on sale this summer–it will become the most powerful Subaru ever offered in North America. Honestly, we can’t wait to drive this thing–whether it’s the real deal or in Sony’s upcoming Gran Turismo 4.
It’s about time we get some cars in the US that haven’t been castrated before arrival. The recent success of the WRX within the domestic market probably opened Subaru’s eyes to the potential following for a tuned Sub. This is the first WRX to see as much performance stateside as its Asian and European counterparts. Interesting trivia tidbit, the 2.5L flat four-cylinder tucked in the WRX STi edition is exclusive to our market.
Already a world-class sedan the WRX doesn’t need an introduction, the new STi, however, does. Still a flat “boxer” style engine, the newest turbocharged DOHC powerplant has a displacement of 2.5 liters. We hope you’re sitting down about now. You all know that the current WRX howls to the tune of 227 horsepower, that number (good for a rocket start of 0-to-60 in 5.5) is nothing, nothing compared to the 300 hp @ 6,000 rpm and the transmission killing 300 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm. That’s more than the RX-8 or 350Z! What the engineers at Subaru were thinking when they came up with this magical number is unknown, but this boost in power is enough to keep the WRX at an advantage over its closet rival, the Mitsubishi Evolution. All this power and twist is transferred to the pavement through a 6-speed transmission and Subaru’s popular All-Wheel Drive system.
Power and performance aren’t the only ingredients in a good sports car formula, you’ve gotta have looks, too. No one wants to date the smart girl with the great personality, right? The still current WRX looks to be the love spawn of a Skyline GT-R and a Volkswagen Beetle after a night of jagers and kamikazes–bug eyes and all. The new WRX’s looks are more fitting of its sports car performance. Ironically, the newest Sub continues to borrow Skyline design, from the sculpted hood to the “angry” HID headlights and flared flenders.
Redesigned for ‘04 Subaru’s Impreza line has a look that won’t scare the crows away. What it will scare are drivers who look in their rear view and see the cowl and HIDs quickly grow in size and scream past them on the highway. And scream it will, at high speed with improve stability. The redesign wasn’t merely aesthetic either; the engineers at Subaru World Rally Team improved air resistance, optimized lift-force balance and maximized engine cooling. Take a look at the great big hood scoop on the aluminum hood. If that doesn’t keep the flat four cool, nothing will–not even the larger-than-ever intercooler. That same intercooler includes a manually operated water spray feature. Hmmm, how hard would it be to replace that water charge with some Nitrous…
The snazzy horizontally opposed four-banger is based on a specially reinforced engine with forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connection rods and sodium-filled exhaust valves; this is one motor built for turbo. Fuji’s own VTEC, Subaru AVCS (Active Valve Control System) variable valve timing technology optimizes the 2.5L from 0 to redline. This is the first application for this technology on a Subaru in North America. All this and the STi still has another technology to assist hard driving, Driver Control Center Differential. A multi-mode computer controlled front/rear torque splitter. This system let’s the driver control the torque from the front to rear wheels or vise versa, as much as 65 percent to increase handling.
Typical safety features will include front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS), dual front airbags and three-point seatbelts. The front belts have electrically triggered pre-tensioners and for limiters. No nylon burns, thank you very much. All 2004 models also receive collapsible pedals to reduce the chance of foot injuries. Get read for some more action this summer, we’ve peed ourselves from sheer excitement.
Source: cars.ign.com
Technorati Tags: Subaru, Impreza, Turbo, Subaru Impreza STi, STi, WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, All Wheel Drive
- Posted in : Articles
- Author : admin
WRC will never be the same…
No comments yet.