2008 STi with Si Drive


September 04, 2007

When the all-new Impreza WRX STI goes on sale in the U.S. in January, it will look decidedly different from the car we?re used to. That?s right; the 5-door you see here will be the one and only body style for the new STI.

Whether you like the new styling or not, there is no doubt the incredible performance of the previous all-wheel-drive rally replica will be upheld. Actually, it should be even better. The STI will use the same turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4, but power will be bumped from the current 300 bhp to about 320, with torque taking a corresponding hike to 320 lb.-ft. Couple the extra power to a 6-speed manual transmission (no automatic or twin-clutch system will be offered) and a 50-lb.-lighter curb weight, and the performance should be thrilling. The STI will also feature Subaru?s SI-Drive, which allows for three different throttle mappings at the twist of a knob.

Although the 103.1-in. wheelbase on the new STI will be slightly longer than before, the car will actually be shorter by several inches overall. Visually, the STI will be quite distinct from the new WRX, with much wider fenders, side skirts and a larger rear wing and underbody diffuser. Figure on $35,000.

Source Road&Track