Monterey, California - "Left 3 in 250 feet, followed by Right 4 then a narrowing switchback to the right." Sounds like Greek to you? It's just rally-talk. Those were the kind of instructions Subaru representatives gave to the handful of Canadian journalists who had flown in to try out the all-new WRX STI on the winding roads of California's Monterey region.
The selected route was almost tailor-made for this pocket rocket, which has been totally revamped for 2008 while retaining all its legendary, WRC-sourced capabilities. Only this time, it wasn't about rally racing or tuned-up models; journalists were here specifically to make contact with the new production model and get familiar with its world-class power and handling.
The exercise was a complete success, as my colleague and I covered the 70-km trip in record time -- without ever having the impression of reaching the car's limits.
We had to wait a few hours and drive for a few additional kilometers in order to test the STI in optimum track conditions on the Laguna Seca Raceway. Again, we did not reach the car's limits (the same cannot be said of ours, though).
New styling
The STI has always been the ultimate expression of the Impreza. The new generation is certainly no exception, even though the overall styling has been significantly softened. For instance, the massive hood scoop that supplies fresh air to the turbocharged engine is now decently sized and far better integrated to the profile of the car.
Likewise, while the old rear wing could have been used by an Airbus 380, the new one is more reasonably sized -- to the extent that one could even call it "subtle". Granted, the new STI only comes as a 5-door hatchback and said spoiler now acts as a modest extension of the roofline.
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| The STI is slightly more mature now, yet it remains a fearsome performer. |
The selected route was almost tailor-made for this pocket rocket, which has been totally revamped for 2008 while retaining all its legendary, WRC-sourced capabilities. Only this time, it wasn't about rally racing or tuned-up models; journalists were here specifically to make contact with the new production model and get familiar with its world-class power and handling.
The exercise was a complete success, as my colleague and I covered the 70-km trip in record time -- without ever having the impression of reaching the car's limits.
We had to wait a few hours and drive for a few additional kilometers in order to test the STI in optimum track conditions on the Laguna Seca Raceway. Again, we did not reach the car's limits (the same cannot be said of ours, though).
New styling
The STI has always been the ultimate expression of the Impreza. The new generation is certainly no exception, even though the overall styling has been significantly softened. For instance, the massive hood scoop that supplies fresh air to the turbocharged engine is now decently sized and far better integrated to the profile of the car.
Likewise, while the old rear wing could have been used by an Airbus 380, the new one is more reasonably sized -- to the extent that one could even call it "subtle". Granted, the new STI only comes as a 5-door hatchback and said spoiler now acts as a modest extension of the roofline.
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| The new rear spoiler is far less aggressive than the old one. |