The next-generation Impreza STi and Mitsubishi Evo X have been spotted tearing up the Nürburgring in their bid to become next year’s rally-derived street racer of choice.
By Kyle Kock
Brace yourselves for the imminent arrival of two Japanese greats.
Following our earlier report on the proposed model earlier this year and an artists impression of the vehicle, we’re still not entirely sure what the model could look like. What is certain from these spy pictures, recently snapped at the Nürburgring circuit, is that the aggressive styling of the previous STi has not been ditched.
There is some speculation that Subaru has re-developed the already potent 2,5 litre four cylinder turbocharged boxer engine to kick out a few extra ponies. According to sources at UK’s , the power output has been increased to roughly 220 kilowatts. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox and a revised version of the company’s legendary-all-wheel drive platform, this should equate to a blistering 0-100 km/h time of just 4,5 seconds.
Many bemoaned the news that the Impreza was taking the form of a hatch, but thins configuration may not be a bad an option for Subaru after all. There is the advantage of some added practicality from such a configuration and many are of the opinion that styling ideas for the sedan version seem to have dried up. But never fear, as long as that massive bonnet scoop is feeding the intercooler, rims are painted gold, a few spoilers here and there, and that WRC blue paint remains as STI benchmark, die-hard Impreza fans shouldn’t be too disconcerted.
The launch of the new Subaru Impreza STI will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this Year.
It will be fascinating to see how the new STi fairs against the Mitsubishi Evo X, which was also spotted testing at the ‘ring. The latest photo shows that the styling of the production model will adhere closely to that of the >design study revealed a few months ago.
Making its appearance at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the new Evo X will be powered by a 225 kW turbocharged 2,0 litre four-pot that is reportedly good for 0-100 km/h in roughly four seconds. The new model will be offered with the option of a conventional five-speed manual gearbox or a brand new clutchless paddle-shift gearbox.
Company bosses in Europe expect that some 80 percent of Evo X models will be specified with the paddle shifter. This gearbox operates in three modes: Normal, Sport and the hard-edged Super Sport setting (nothing to do with Naas Botha whinging about the Boks, but rather holding onto those revs to the redline) for track day blasts.
