The all-new Subaru WRX STi has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its official unveiling this coming April.
Rather than develop a new STi off of the new Impreza sedan body style like the last generation, engineers decided to use the new five-door body style because of its better handling characteristics. The five-door body greatly improves the cars cornering ability and overall track times.
The STi version of the Impreza has enlarged fenders, a new rear spoiler and quad exhaust pipes. Power for the most powerful Impreza is expected to come from a revised version of the current 2.5L boxer engine. Final output should be around 300 horsepower.
Things should get real interesting next year, since Mitsubishi is also set to release their all-new EVO X.
Click the link below to see the full photos.
Full Story: AutoGespot via Motor Authority
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Comments (17)
You see, this is a real car. A car that is not meant to just go straight all the time. This thing would cut its way through a city or a suburb, and you can bet that it still has a blazing top speed as well.
Posted by Allen | September 18, 2007 1:22 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 13:22
Even under the wraps you can tell it will be an amazingly BORING looking car. I agree that performance trumps looks but this is taking it WAY TOO FAR.
Posted by CKV | September 18, 2007 1:55 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 13:55
Mazda called, they want their front styling back. ;)
Posted by Chris | September 18, 2007 1:56 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 13:56
"Even under the wraps you can tell it will be an amazingly BORING looking car. I agree that performance trumps looks but this is taking it WAY TOO FAR."
you should mainly be concerned with the back since thats the only part of this car you'll be able to see
Posted by zzz | September 18, 2007 2:20 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 14:20
If this car's performance doesn't kick the Evo's ass, its sales will be terrible. The Evo is a vastly better looking car.
Posted by gm0n3y | September 18, 2007 3:01 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 15:01
Agree with Chris. Give Mazda back that front end. And the Evo might sell just based on looks: 14 less hp and not be laughed at or more horsepower and never getting laid again. You be the judge of whats better.
Posted by Allen | September 18, 2007 3:22 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 15:22
Arguing about what car is going to get them more women?
LOL!
You guys better go with what has the best arm rests so you don't get a cramp.
Posted by zippy | September 18, 2007 3:37 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 15:37
All of Subaru's WRX cars have looked cheap, boring, and bland...Oh wait thats goes the same for all the cars they make. Worst of all these cars are tiny good luck traveling comfortably in these putunias. I'd rather have a car that looks good and doesn't have the performance edge than an ugly piece of crap slapped together by subaru.
Posted by bob | September 18, 2007 6:01 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 18:01
I'm still rooting for Subaru, I've always preferred the STi over the EVO, even if they were vastly underappreciated. I have to admit, the Evo X looks a lot nicer, but what's with that Skyline GT-R Prototype grille? The Subaru looks a lot cleaner, and that's what gets my vote. Plus, the rear end on the Evo looks scrunched up. What is that, only one foot of trunk from the end of the rear window to the bumper?
Posted by Eddie | September 18, 2007 10:39 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 22:39
BMW were also pretty surprised that there 5 series doors fitted.
Posted by Rethdog | September 18, 2007 11:14 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 23:14
I agree with Eddie. I am rooting for Subaru too. I'm Irish and in the Irish tarmac rally championship the most common top runners are Impreza P11 and P12s. Lots of Mitsubishis run in the unmodified classes but not many top class runners.
If you ever watch Roadwars which is on British Sky, a show about cops and all sorts of crime on the roads, u notice the top pursuit cars are always Subaru Impreza. And any time an Impreza or an Evo is stolen or makes a run for it they cant keep up unless they are in similar cars. And the regular police cars are no slouches. I think the regular car of choice is a modified Volvo T70. Evo and Impreza are not known for out and out speed but though intesections and roundabouts not much can compare.
BTW I am not condoning car crime or reckless driving. Simply making observations
Posted by Tony | September 19, 2007 10:38 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 10:38
Why can't they bring back the B22.....2 door coupe... :-(
Posted by Brian | September 20, 2007 11:57 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 11:57
Alan, hmmm... Interesting comment about 'never getting laid again'. In my view, if a WRX STI doesn't get you somewhere with a particular girl, than neither will the EVO.
I think if you go to a Darknights (or other custom car) event, either one will get the attention of the few technically savvy girls there. But lets face it... those events would be total sausage fests if it wasn't for the hired female product promoters.
Quite frankly if you want to drive a car to get laid, buy a used Ferrari 308/328. It'll cost you more or less the same upfront and while the reliability and maintence is much worse, isn't too horrible if you are willing to do a bit of research, take preventative measures and also do at least some of the work yourself.
If you want something newer and less work, a used Porsche Boxter would be a good substitute and should be almost as effective in attracting women.
Posted by Peter | September 20, 2007 2:55 PM
Posted on September 20, 2007 14:55
i also stand for subaru like some of you guys as i find subaru a nicer aand powerful car than evo.Evos,be prepapred to face a fierce challenge with sti!
Posted by yan chien | October 6, 2007 2:36 AM
Posted on October 6, 2007 02:36
i also stand up
for subaru like some of you guys as i find subaru a nicer aand powerful car than evo.Evos,be prepapred to face a fierce challenge with sti!
Posted by yan chien | October 6, 2007 2:36 AM
Posted on October 6, 2007 02:36
i also stand up
for subaru like some of you guys as i find subaru a nicer aand powerful car than evo.Evos,be prepapred to face a fierce challenge with sti!
Posted by yan chien | October 6, 2007 2:37 AM
Posted on October 6, 2007 02:37
i also stand up
for subaru like some of you guys as i find subaru a nicer
and powerful car than evo.Evos,be prepapred to face a fierce challenge with sti!
Posted by yan chien | October 6, 2007 2:37 AM
Posted on October 6, 2007 02:37