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Spy photographers have captured a few images of Subaru’s version of Toyota FT-86. The prototype is reportedly undergoing hot-weather testing in an American desert.
While sunny and nice on these parts of the world, somewhere in Europe there’s still a lot of snow to fight with. So what exactly happens when you’re a truck driver and get stuck in snow? You call a Subaru Impreza to pull you out. Neat, eh?
Subaru has always taken great pride in its AWD system installed cars but that is soon going to change as Subaru is not too keen to use the AWD powertrain for its upcoming halo car-216A (codename). 216A is a derivative of another concept sports car, Toyota FT-86 and as per reports; the AWD is being pulled out as that will make the 216A unreasonably expensive.
All these imply that the 216A will be a replica of the FT-86 with a redesigned front end and the spacing in front of the A pillar. Toyota may go ahead with a performance version of the FT-86 (G Sports) in the future and that will mean a 216A STI model can also be on the cards. All STI models feature an AWD set-up so this leaves us in a state of confusion, more than anything.
Subaru will take the wraps off of their new Impreza WRX STI Special Edition at the LA Auto Show next month. The car is going to be produced in limited quantities, and only 125 units will be offered in the beginning, all of them white with custom 18-inch rims — which by the looks of it, has a lot in common with its Japanese counterpart, the WRX STI Spec C model. Featuring a new performance suspension, hardened sub-frame bushings and a thicker rear stabilizer have been included with the new model, while the engine stays — the same 2.5l turbo Boxer engine, producing 305 hp with 393 Nm of torque. Actual sales for the Subaru Impreza WRX STI will begin next spring.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon has broken cover in Tokyo but to everyone’s surprise the engine is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox to spoil the fun of driving on the back of a monster. Based on the A-Line special edition, the STI Carbon chooses a carbon fiber roof instead of the normal panel which lowers the centre of gravity and simultaneously reduces the weight of the vehicle. As far as the interior goes, unlike the standard STI, the STI Carbon is lined in suede. Under the hood is a 2.5L four-banger that produces 296 hp. The manual gearbox version slated for the US will render 305hp. Subaru is calling it the display model but the A-Line derivation for the automatic gearbox will be a part of the production facility rolled models as well.
Subaru have done a bit of work on their new range of Impreza’s. Initially there was just a hatch version, but now there is a sedan version available too.
Subaru Impreza WRX
Sadly, the sedan doesn’t come in an STI version, but the WRX with 195kW should keep you busy around the corners. The WRX comes standard with a scoop on the front, while the standard 110kW Impreza looks more like the car you’ll see Grandad driving.
The price is a bit on the steep side too. The WRX comes in at a hefty R360k, but that’s nothing compared to the R520k for the STI hatch. I’d be hard pressed between the STI hatch and a 2 year old M3.
Subaru Impreza
I’d suggest giving them a drive anyway, well worth the fun, which really is what sets the Subaru’s apart. They seem to capture a level of excitement and fun in the diving experience that few cars have manged to really capture properly.
One of the best example of this, is what Ken Block manages to do with his STI Hatch. He’s got tons of clips on YouTube, but few of them really capture what he’s able to do. It’s one of my all time favorite clips, and just goes to show what the car is really capable of.
by Shawn Jooste
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon as the name implies is an STI based A-Line hatch that comes with a carbon fiber roof to ensure weight reduction and hence lowered gravity centre oand increased performance. Currently announced for Tokyo, the hatch is an A-Line baby with a 5 speed automatic gearbox and this helps the car reach out to more customers. It will be offered with two engine choices, either a 2.0L turbo option that produces 308hp with 422Nm of torque or a 2.5L turbo that gets 300hp with 407Nm of torque. To add to the comfort factor, the suede fabric has been used on the inside hence making the hatchback a little more luxurious. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon Hatch will break cover at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.
This is one car, the auto enthusiasts across the ocean also would have loved for such is the impressive spec sheet but the Limited Edition (900 Units only) Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C will only be available in Japan. This hot hatch is a far cry from the from the Impreza STI with a weight reduction of 70Kgs. This has been achieved with a lighter battery, an aluminum engine hood and the use of laminar glass on front and side windows.
You get to choose from standard 18-inch alloys or the 17-inch option. These wheels have seven double spoke alloys which are cased in Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, which ensure better cornering and increased grip. The ECU has also been reprogrammed along with a redesigned turbocharger with smoother ball bearings that boost the torque to 422 Nm while maintaining the 305 horsepower. The suspension springs and the fuel pump have also been optimized. The color options include, Pure White, Sunrise Yellow and a Regular Blue.
