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Subaru Unveils New STI
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Story Filed: 24/10/2007 09:28:46 EST
The eagerly awaited rally-inspired WRX STI production car makes its global debut alongside two further concepts.
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Five-spoke 18 inch wheels add to sporting look. Photo: Bruce Whitaker
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Beneath the bonnet scoop lies a 300-hp boxer engine. Photo: Bruce Whitaker
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G4e Concept offers greater driving range from battery. Photo: Bruce Whitaker
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Batteries can be charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes. Photo: Bruce Whitaker
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Panoramic views from Exiga Concept. Photo: Bruce Whitaker
One of the most anticipated new vehicles of the Tokyo Motor Show is the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI, a high-performance version of the redesigned Impreza 5-door hatchback that went on sale earlier this year.
The STI is inspired by the Subaru rally cars that compete in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and has developed a reputation with car enthusiasts as a relatively affordable high-performance vehicle.
Previous versions of the WRX STI have been based on the Impreza saloon but the new STI is a 5-door hatch. Its aggressive styling sets the STI apart from other versions of Impreza. Wheels are 5-spoke 18-inch alloys with BBS cast wheels available as an option and a Brembo-developed brake system is standard.
While international specs have yet to be released, the Japanese version of the STI is powered by a new version of the 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger that produces just over 300 horsepower. It is combined with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive and a specially developed 6-speed manual transmission.
Multi-mode Driver's Control Centre Differential (DCCD) and multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) have both been added to the STI to control traction and stability more precisely.
Inside the STI is finished in black and silver and the front seats feature a combination of Alcantara and leather. Custom seats developed by RECARO are available as a factory option.
Exiga Concept and G4e Concept
Also unveiled are the 7-seat touring Exiga Concept and a next-generation electric car, the G4e Concept.
Subaru describes the Exiga Concept as a "7-Seater Panoramic Touring" as the glass roof and theatre seating gives a good view for all seven occupants. With looks similar to a larger Legacy estate, the Exiga Concept is powered by Subaru's turbocharged 2.0-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine with Symmetrical AWD and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is finished with high quality leather and a blue panel that stretches across the instrument panel housing eight monitors that display views from the exterior cameras or entertainment for the passengers.
The G4e features a next-generation lithium-ion battery that increases the driving range to about 200 kilometres (124 miles), more than double the current R1e electric vehicle.
The floor is flat because the batteries are stored under the floor within the aluminium chassis, creating a lower centre of gravity. The batteries can be fully charged in about eight hours from a home AC power source and an 80 percent quick charge is possible in 15 minutes.
The STI is inspired by the Subaru rally cars that compete in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and has developed a reputation with car enthusiasts as a relatively affordable high-performance vehicle.
Previous versions of the WRX STI have been based on the Impreza saloon but the new STI is a 5-door hatch. Its aggressive styling sets the STI apart from other versions of Impreza. Wheels are 5-spoke 18-inch alloys with BBS cast wheels available as an option and a Brembo-developed brake system is standard.
While international specs have yet to be released, the Japanese version of the STI is powered by a new version of the 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger that produces just over 300 horsepower. It is combined with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive and a specially developed 6-speed manual transmission.
Multi-mode Driver's Control Centre Differential (DCCD) and multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) have both been added to the STI to control traction and stability more precisely.
Inside the STI is finished in black and silver and the front seats feature a combination of Alcantara and leather. Custom seats developed by RECARO are available as a factory option.
Exiga Concept and G4e Concept
Also unveiled are the 7-seat touring Exiga Concept and a next-generation electric car, the G4e Concept.
Subaru describes the Exiga Concept as a "7-Seater Panoramic Touring" as the glass roof and theatre seating gives a good view for all seven occupants. With looks similar to a larger Legacy estate, the Exiga Concept is powered by Subaru's turbocharged 2.0-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine with Symmetrical AWD and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is finished with high quality leather and a blue panel that stretches across the instrument panel housing eight monitors that display views from the exterior cameras or entertainment for the passengers.
The G4e features a next-generation lithium-ion battery that increases the driving range to about 200 kilometres (124 miles), more than double the current R1e electric vehicle.
The floor is flat because the batteries are stored under the floor within the aluminium chassis, creating a lower centre of gravity. The batteries can be fully charged in about eight hours from a home AC power source and an 80 percent quick charge is possible in 15 minutes.
