After teasing us for weeks with dark teaser photos Subaru has finally released a few official photos of the upcoming 2008 Impreza WRX STi.
Although Subaru released a few photos and a full press release, the automaker still left out how much horsepower the 2.0L turbo charged engine is going to put out. Were still expecting final output to be somewhere around 300 horsepower.
Expect the final details to be unveiled later this month at the Tokyo Auto Show.
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Officially Released with Full Specs
2008 Mitsubishi EVO X Unveiled with 295 Horsepower
Subaru Releases a Third Teaser Image of the WRX STi!
PRESS RELEASE:
Subaru offers the new AWD performance icon
Concept
The new WRX STI was developed with the eternal theme and essence of the driver’s car, the “total driving control,” that the preceding WRX STI models also pursued. This AWD sports model gives maximum driving pleasure through its combination of power, performance, handling and ride capabilities thanks to engineering exclusively designed for the WRX STI and its five-door package. It also balances excellent safety and environmental aspects at a high level.
Styling
Using a new five-door body style developed from the Impreza model, the new Impreza WRX STI displays a powerful design language that speaks directly to its performance credentials, integrating function and beauty. Adopting shortened front and rear overhangs, a longer wheelbase and widened body flares, the Impreza WRX STI clearly embodies driving performance in dynamic exterior design that delivers as overwhelming presence and beauty.
Performance
The new Horizontally-Opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo charged engine was developed exclusively for the new WRX STI. By further improving the basic performance of the engine, and mating it to SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive), the WRX STI offers not only outright performance as might be expected, but also delivers excellent handling under extreme as well as normal driving conditions.
Featuring Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD and specially developed in-house 6-speed manual transmission as its base technologies, multi mode DCCD* and VDC**, which control traction and stability more precisely, have also been added to WRX STI. To complete its performance credentials, the evolved chassis by “Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept” has dramatically improved road-hugging capability and will provide exhilaration and confidence in every driving situation.
Initial Specifications
Body size
- Length - 4415mm
- Width - 1795mm
- Height - 1475mm
- Wheel-base – 2625mm
Track
- Front - 1530mm
- Rear - 1540mm
Engine Type
- Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder Dual AVCS 16Valve DOHC twin scroll Turbo
- Capacity - 1994cc
Suspension
- Front - Reverse type strut
- Rear - Double wishbone
Tire Size
- 245-40R18
Equipment
- 6MTSI-DRIVE SUBARU Intelligent Drive
- Multi mode DCCD-Drivers Control Center Di
Comments (36)
not too bad, the shape of the rear is fine, its just the tailights scream Ford Escape
Posted by zzz | October 9, 2007 10:02 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 10:02
Without US spec, it still doesn't feel official yet?
We could even get a different grill than over there.
Posted by Matt P | October 9, 2007 10:19 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 10:19
Hey, the new STI is looking better than I expected. Looks like Subaru make some last minute changes in responds to the disappointing remarks about the WRX. This is one of few hatch backs that i think actually look good.
Posted by JOhn | October 9, 2007 10:20 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 10:20
a pimped out mazda 3 sport, if you cant see it your blind
Posted by Mike | October 9, 2007 10:21 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 10:21
The hood scoop also looks a ton better than last gen
Posted by JOhn | October 9, 2007 10:22 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 10:22
A Mazda 3?
I can only see the resemblance on the C-Pillar with the shape and styling is similar. The front pumped fender (No), the pumped rear fender (No), the pumped convex-shaped bumper (No). The grille (No), the long drooped bonnet (No)... the roof (err... No), the A and B pillars? (No...)
If it "looks" like a Mazda 3 based on it being a hatch with smooth flowing curves and lines... then So are any Renault or Peugeot hot hatches.
The rear lights are nice looking but yeah "could" be better. The front angle shot is just beautiful... with the front fenders sticking out like that.
I think this seperates it self from the EVO's "compact sedan" rocket look enough to warrant enough share in the euro market. EVO looks nice but this one has a look that grows on you. Look at the Silver front side angled shot... Looks Euro Superhatch WRC... tough!
Posted by Jamison | October 9, 2007 11:05 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 11:05
and it IS black
Posted by rene | October 9, 2007 11:09 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 11:09
I like it. I wonder what kind of performance this thing touts with it, if it's much beyond it's predecessor(s)...
Posted by Dan | October 9, 2007 11:27 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 11:27
Wow a subaru that I actually like the way it looks.
I always liked their functionality.
This will make my next vehicle buying decision very difficult.
Posted by Brian | October 9, 2007 12:11 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 12:11
Hmm... better than expected, I see a hint of BMW Z4 Coupe.
Posted by VWGTI | October 9, 2007 12:55 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 12:55
I am 6'5" and Subaru has never made a car that i can physically drive. I love Japanese cars, but if they are going to do business over here how about recognizing that we are not all 5'4" like their average Japanese customer.
Posted by Jake | October 9, 2007 1:15 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 13:15
Wow, the new Imprezza is ugly and includes the new STi. I'd take the new EVO over the STi everytime.
Posted by huntsville | October 9, 2007 1:46 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 13:46
The rear lights remind me of a outlander. Why did they decide to make it a 5-door hatch instead of a regular sti sedan? Or will there be two versions?
Posted by Terence | October 9, 2007 1:50 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 13:50
Wait a sec... they went BACK to the 2.0ltr engine for the STi? They must have a bigger turbo now...
Posted by huntsville | October 9, 2007 1:50 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 13:50
Looks very nice from all angles. Too bad they gheyed it up with those altezza tailights.
Posted by D | October 9, 2007 1:54 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 13:54
They didn't go BACK to 2.0 liter. The japanese sti has always had the 2.0L. The U.S. version will have the 2.5L.
Posted by CB | October 9, 2007 2:15 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 14:15
Its surprising, I do not hate it. Still, this or a Evo X...... Evo x.
Posted by Allen | October 9, 2007 2:33 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 14:33
Lop the back of the car off and it's one damn fine looking automobile.
Posted by Gary | October 9, 2007 3:06 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 15:06
What a pleasant surprise article here at work. I really like the new STi styling, with the exception of the taillights. No worry though, lots of people will end up putting aftermarket one's anyways, as most stock taillights aren't anything to get eager about. I definitely like this better than the Mitsubishi EvoX, and I think the hatchback is a great addition. A little practicality to go with performance, or sticking with the giant fin on the back (the Evo still has this)...I'd go for the hatchback. We'll just have to see how they both do in terms of performance. Same with price.
Posted by Mike M | October 9, 2007 3:34 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 15:34
I like the front view, but something about the side crease just doesn't go with the flared fenders.
Posted by Al V | October 9, 2007 4:23 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 16:23
Ugly as hell
Posted by Garnage Hall | October 9, 2007 5:07 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 17:07
It looks like late 90's Hyundia trying to copy the Mazda 3. I can't believe that anybody would like this. Its like a caricature of a riced out car.
Posted by gm0n3y | October 9, 2007 6:42 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 18:42
z4 AND mazda 3 overtones. I'm really surprised most of you like the look of this thing. I'd love to see it in a sedan version though. As for me, I'm probably going to get the M3 sedan, but if it were b/w the EvoX and the STi I'd go EvoX. I like gm0n3y's comment that it's a "caricature of a riced out car" - well put. Oh, and the looks of the regular Impreza is more boring then a new Camry.
Posted by Jason | October 9, 2007 8:23 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 20:23
It's really not that bad, The headlights are ugly, the grille is terrible, the side vents on the front bumper cover looks stupid, and the tail lights are terrible.
The flared fenders, creased sides, and over all shape are pretty good, Some after market body kit bits could make the STi reasonably good looking IMHO.
The JDM is likely a 2.0 and the US spec should be a 2.5 power output will likely be similar between the 2 engines anyways.
This is not bad, but I think the Evo X still looks better. For the guy commenting about fitting into a Subie this one should have a lot more room than the car it replaces interior room is a concern for me as well and I will be looking at both STI and Evo X, hopefully within a year.
Posted by Travis | October 9, 2007 9:30 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 21:30
I wish an American company would build something like that.
Posted by Biil Owens | October 9, 2007 10:13 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 22:13
They absolutly butchered the WRX sti.......They are going to loose many loyal WRX fans........Not impressed
Posted by Pav | October 9, 2007 11:08 PM
Posted on October 9, 2007 23:08
No Scooby was ever good looking. No... not even one, people don't like these cars because the way the look, they like them for the way they DRIVE... with all the advanced traction and stability control that this one comes with, I would love to take it for a drive.
Posted by Luke | October 10, 2007 12:13 AM
Posted on October 10, 2007 00:13
arggghghhhhhghhghhhhh
it looks like a vauxhall astra!
Posted by Bill | October 10, 2007 8:27 AM
Posted on October 10, 2007 08:27
Notice they actually lowered the displacement from 2.5 to 2 liters for their "specifically designed" STI engine. This makes the STI uphold the WRC displacement limits like the EVO.
This still looks like the STI is the more "comfortable" of the two and a better daily/weekend driver compared to the EVO.
I think the EVO is still for those demanding the most hardcore handling abilities. But if you haven't test driven either of these cars for their handling you know little about either of these cars.
Posted by Chaser | October 10, 2007 10:13 AM
Posted on October 10, 2007 10:13
Notice they actually lowered the displacement from 2.5 to 2 liters for their "specifically designed" STI engine. This makes the STI uphold the WRC displacement limits like the EVO.
This still looks like the STI is the more "comfortable" of the two and a better daily/weekend driver compared to the EVO.
I think the EVO is still for those demanding the most hardcore handling abilities. But if you haven't test driven either of these cars for their handling you know little about either of these cars.
Posted by Chaser | October 10, 2007 10:23 AM
Posted on October 10, 2007 10:23
The US Spec version is expected with a 2.5L engine
Posted by Marc | October 10, 2007 5:26 PM
Posted on October 10, 2007 17:26
The rear is pretty decent, but overall it looks like an early 90's VW Corrado with some some plastics!
Style and looks has never been existing at Subaru...
Subaru 2008:
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_subaru_impreza_sti_official_image005.jpg
VW Corrado:
http://www.fahrcar.com/vw-corrado-side.jpg
Posted by The Swede | October 12, 2007 7:44 AM
Posted on October 12, 2007 07:44
yes, it also a black car
Posted by rene | October 13, 2007 7:19 AM
Posted on October 13, 2007 07:19
Okay,if you dont like the way the car looks and have already known you wont like it due to the fact that your a mitsu guy or somthing along those lines,then why are you here complaining about the way it looks,its an STI not a mazda 3.
Its gonna be fast its gonna be sweet,for the people who want it.
Now if you dont like that doesnt mean you have to fill every forum with a bunch of snide remarks about how"the evo is way kewler"
"its still so ugly".
Just take what you like and stop complaing like little girls about anything you can.
Posted by Scott | October 30, 2007 11:13 PM
Posted on October 30, 2007 23:13
This thing is ugly. The shiny black color isn't fooling anyone. I own a 2004 WRX and unless Subaru fires their design team or they have some kind of enlightenment, I'll never buy another one again.
These cars DO look like the cookie-cutter compacts out there.
Also, they're moving too much towards luxury and feel instead of raw power. Sad, really.
Posted by Ugly | March 26, 2008 9:03 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 21:03
This thing is ugly. The shiny black color isn't fooling anyone. I own a 2004 WRX and unless Subaru fires their design team or they have some kind of enlightenment, I'll never buy another one again.
These cars DO look like the cookie-cutter compacts out there.
Also, they're moving too much towards luxury and feel instead of raw power. Sad, really.
Posted by Ugly | March 26, 2008 9:03 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 21:03