The gold tone 10-spoke wheels wrapped with low profile tires look larger than those on the current car, and they are. The car in the photo rides on 17-inch rims and wider tires. The STi also gets upgraded Brembo brakes, 325 mm (12.8 in) rotors in the front and 315 mm (12.4 in) discs in the rear. Also Subaru fans can expect a slightly stiffer suspension to minimize body roll, improved racing-style seats, as well as a few interior gadgets to compliment the performance and styling tweaks offered in this radical new Subaru.
Also, there's no definitive word as to the choice of transmissions in our market, but expect Subaru's North American operations to follow the lead of Europe and Japan, where the current 5-speed manual gave way to a 6-speed in STi trim, while the optional sequential shift automatic didn't get the nod. Also there's no word on a 5-door STi, but the popular wagon will most definitely carry forward in base Impreza and WRX trim.
One of the biggest, unspoken reasons for the STi coming to the North American market has nothing to do with Subaru at all, at least not directly. Arch rival Mitsubishi will launch its all-new Lancer EVO VIII in February, expected to be much more powerful than the current WRX, and Subaru simply couldn't sit by idling.
The bad news for Canadians is that this arch rivalry won't be getting played out here. Unlike Subaru, Mitsubishi has held off entering the Canadian market with the new EVO VIII. That of course, can only mean more success for Subaru Canada, and they will no doubt experience increased Impreza sales due to the trickle down effect of the STi. Smart thinking Subaru!