New Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2.5 is £25K
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 30 November 2007
Subaru has announced that the new Impreza 2.5 WRX STI will go on sale in the UK at £24,995 on-the-road - £1,600 less than the old model - with first deliveries due in March.
Equipped with a 297bhp turbo 2.5-litre boxer engine, new platform and suspension and upgraded all-wheel drive system, the WRX STI varies in bodyshape from previous models and mainstream Impreza models.
The horizontally-opposed 2.5-litre features variable-valve timing for the intake and exhaust system and a fast- warm catalytic converter for reduced emissions.
The boxer develops 297bhp at 6,000 rpm with torque of 300lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Top speed is 155.3 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, while fuel consumption is 27.4mpg on the Combined Cycle.
Driving systems
Subaru’s Si-Drive system gives the driver three different engine-response programmes at the turn of a switch, with ‘Super-Sharp’ Mode giving the ultimate in throttle response.
The six-speed manual transmission now features a shorter-throw gear-change and lighter movements, especially from neutral to 1st and 1st to 2nd gear thanks to a revised synchromesh.
The symmetrical all-wheel drive system features a centre viscous-coupling plus front and rear limited-slip- differentials to equally allocate grip front to rear and side-to-side.
The Driver’s Control Centre Differential has been improved, allowing the driver to manually select the torque distribution front to rear, reverting to automatic mode every time the ignition is switched off. This means the driver can choose between having a sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running.
In Manual Mode, the driver can adjust the front to rear torque distribution through varying degrees to suit different road conditions such as loose gravel or soft snow.
Suspension and braking
A new multi-link double-wishbone rear suspension has been added, with inverted front suspension struts at the front.
Ventilated four-pot callipers at the front and twin-pot at the rear are by Brembo and include four-channel, four-sensor Anti-Lock with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control System allows the driver to set to ‘Traction’ which delays artificial interference, or to turn off driving aids altogether.
Exterior styling
Its wheelbase is 95mm longer and it´s 50mm shorter with shorter front and rear overhangs, while the STI is 55mm wider and front and rear tracks are 45 and 40mm wider.
A mesh front grille and deep bumper design with vertical air vents at either side to help cool the intercooler, while behind each front wheel is a vertical air outlet for the intercooler, topped by an ‘STI’ moulding plate.
An oversized roof spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp and integrated rear bumper diffuser reduces high- speed lift further distance the WRX STI from the mainstream Impreza.
At the rear, four exhaust pipes twinned in pairs at either side of the body not only give a distinctive look but reduce exhaust air-flow resistance by 38 per cent, increasing power and reducing noise.
Colour choices will include Subaru’s signature ‘WR Blue’ and while gold-coloured alloy wheels are available, other designs include high-lustre silver alloys measuring 18 x 8.5ins with 245/40R tyres.
Equipment and interior
The new Impreza WRX STI’s standard equipment includes Multi-mode Driver Control Centre Differential, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control system, ABS with EBD, Brembo brakes, cruise control, front, side and curtain airbags, 17x8" alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres, HID headlamps, Alcantara and leather front bucket seats, climate- control air-conditioning, 6-disc in-dash CD autochanger and MPS input.
Leather/Alcantara-covered sports seats are standard with Recaro seats as an option.
All Imprezas marketed by Subaru (UK) Limited come with the reassurance of a three year or 60,000 mile warranty plus 12 year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty, plus three years’ membership of Subaru Assistance.
Subaru plans to introduce a Prodrive-tuned higher-spec Impreza 2.5 WRX STI Type UK later in 2008.
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