The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, including Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system that features a track performance-optimized mode. Hill Holder, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
All-New 4-Door Wide-Body Design for 2011
The new WRX STI 4-door design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the car an aggressive road presence. Like the wide-body design already used for the 5-door WRX STI, the new 4-door WRX STI features widened front and rear track dimensions and wider, more pronounced front fenders and rear quarter panels. The design maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability.
In front, the 2011 WRX STI features sharpened bumper corners to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent and the headlights now have a silver-painted inner housing. A newly designed front grille with a black inset and blacked-out Subaru floating wing set off the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance.
For the WRX STI 4-door sedan, new wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, and this accentuates a look of stability. A striking larger rear spoiler was exclusively designed for the STI 4-door. The new details contribute to an improved drag coefficient, and the rear spoiler design contributes to stable high-speed handling and achievement of zero lift. The WRX STI sedan also features its own version of Subaru's polished stainless steel quad-tailpipe exhaust, with tailpipe diameter enlarged to three inches.
New WRX STI Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Changes in chassis tuning for 2011 reflect both feedback from owners and enthusiasts, and the brand's commitment to keeping this model at the peak of the segment's performance offerings. The fundamentals remain the same as before, but specific tuning results in reduced body roll, more neutral handling response and higher lateral-G capability.
The WRX STI delivers ultra-crisp handling along with everyday ride compliance. High-tensile-strength steel is used at key structural points and the suspension-mounting areas. Inverted struts used for the front suspension provide high bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight.
Major changes to suspension tuning for the 2011 WRX STI include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front as well as stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension-these improve camber and toe stiffness. Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm versus 20 mm in front and 19 mm versus 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.
New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 8 kg less than the previous standard wheels. These wheels further reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 summer performance tires are used with the standard and optional wheels.
Exclusive to the WRX STI models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes-Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp-using a rotary dial on the centre console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the Engine Control Module (ECM) and by fine-tuning the Electronic Throttle Control system. For example, with Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. The colour of each metallic part was unified to dark metallic and sharp silver. Trim panels, steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a 3-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo. The wheel features control switches for Bluetooth hands-free phone function. The WRX STI models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. The instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.
The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer.
All-New 4-Door Wide-Body Design for 2011
The new WRX STI 4-door design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the car an aggressive road presence. Like the wide-body design already used for the 5-door WRX STI, the new 4-door WRX STI features widened front and rear track dimensions and wider, more pronounced front fenders and rear quarter panels. The design maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability.
In front, the 2011 WRX STI features sharpened bumper corners to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent and the headlights now have a silver-painted inner housing. A newly designed front grille with a black inset and blacked-out Subaru floating wing set off the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance.
For the WRX STI 4-door sedan, new wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, and this accentuates a look of stability. A striking larger rear spoiler was exclusively designed for the STI 4-door. The new details contribute to an improved drag coefficient, and the rear spoiler design contributes to stable high-speed handling and achievement of zero lift. The WRX STI sedan also features its own version of Subaru's polished stainless steel quad-tailpipe exhaust, with tailpipe diameter enlarged to three inches.
New WRX STI Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Changes in chassis tuning for 2011 reflect both feedback from owners and enthusiasts, and the brand's commitment to keeping this model at the peak of the segment's performance offerings. The fundamentals remain the same as before, but specific tuning results in reduced body roll, more neutral handling response and higher lateral-G capability.
The WRX STI delivers ultra-crisp handling along with everyday ride compliance. High-tensile-strength steel is used at key structural points and the suspension-mounting areas. Inverted struts used for the front suspension provide high bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight.
Major changes to suspension tuning for the 2011 WRX STI include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front as well as stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension-these improve camber and toe stiffness. Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm versus 20 mm in front and 19 mm versus 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.
New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 8 kg less than the previous standard wheels. These wheels further reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 summer performance tires are used with the standard and optional wheels.
Exclusive to the WRX STI models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes-Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp-using a rotary dial on the centre console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the Engine Control Module (ECM) and by fine-tuning the Electronic Throttle Control system. For example, with Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. The colour of each metallic part was unified to dark metallic and sharp silver. Trim panels, steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a 3-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo. The wheel features control switches for Bluetooth hands-free phone function. The WRX STI models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. The instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.
The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer.