While Subaru continues to amass a cult following here and around the world with its racy Impreza WRX STi, the next version promises to be a lot more fun on the freeway. Look out for it in spring…
While Subaru continues to amass a cult following here and around the world with its racy Impreza WRX STi, the next version promises to be a lot more fun on the freeway. Look out for it in spring…
Featured here are pictures of the Japanese-spec STi that, on the surface, has received a slightly wider rear fender. Most of the changes though are rumoured to have taken place within the cabin, which was initially criticised for its starkness.
The centre console – very similar to the one seen in the Legacy – has been redesigned and the ergonomics have been greatly improved.
Speaking to CARtoday.com on Tuesday, Grant Bowing, dealer and product development manager for Subaru SA, said he was unable to provide any info about what to expect in the updated road racer.
“We’re waiting on finalised information from Japan,” Bowing said. “What we have seen is a generic model, but we’re still not sure what specification will apply to us.“
Bowing said the revised Impreza WRX STi should be in South Africa by September or October.
On the pictured Japanese-spec model, the main addition is the yaw-rate sensor that, working in conjunction with the active centre differential and the helical front differential, provides greater cornering grip while reducing understeer.
Beneath it all, the larger front and rear strut bars are responsible for a stiffer chassis. The rear suspension links are now aluminium and the steering damper valve has been redesigned to increase steering responsiveness.
A six-CD, six-speaker audio system, 17-inch wheels, a limited slip helical front differential and an underbody cover for greater stability are standard on this model. Power here is quoted at 208 kW and torque at 406 N.m at 4 400 r/min.