Subaru is doing what it takes to become the Godzilla of Japanese sports sedans. The new 2011 Impreza WRX STI (available in both four- and five-door configurations) receives a pretty substantial amount of upgrades. Rather than enhancing comfort once again, the automaker decided to go back to the model's rally-oriented, high-performance roots.
While the human eye may never notice the longer and wider bodywork, the 5-millimetre lower suspension and the 4-pound lighter alloy wheels, these changes are all significant. Subaru completely reworked the dynamic setup of the STI, which can now regain its title of 'Asphalt and Gravel Queen.'
With this machine, design is a case of both form and function. Numerous cooling vents manage airflow around the large yet lightweight front wheels, drawing heat away from the powerful boxer engine, while the wider stance contributes to exceptional high-speed stability. Elsewhere, the four free-flowing exhaust tips integrated to the rear diffuser make its sportiness loud and clear; the brutal sound effects are absolutely intoxicating.
The massive rear wing spoiler is shaped in a way that does not impede rearward visibility. Overall, the newly-improved aerodynamics increase wind-slicing capacity by 5 percent.
Oh, the things you don't see!
Having driven the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI both on the road and the track, I can tell you there's a positive difference between old and new as far as ride and handling are concerned. The car feels way more agile and manoeuvrable. The lowered suspension, which is 15-percent stiffer up front and 53-percent stiffer in the back, combines with stabilizer bars to minimize understeer. Moreover, engineers managed to strengthen the chassis in strategic areas to reduce flex.
The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) engine management system allows STI drivers to choose among three different drive modes. Intelligent Mode (I) delivers smoothness in low-traction conditions and boosts fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. Sport Mode (S) is for all-around everyday use and Sport Sharp Mode (S#) delivers instant throttle response for maximum enjoyment.
The 2011 WRX STI also features a multi-mode Driver-Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). The Auto mode is for all-around driving; torque distribution automatically varies between 41/59 and 50/50 (front/rear) as conditions warrant. By tightening the centre differential, the Auto [+] mode enhances traction and stability on slippery roads, targeting a 50/50 torque split. The Auto [-] mode targets a 41/59 torque split for enhanced turning capability and more responsive handling. Lastly, Manual mode offers the driver a 6-step adjustment of the centre differential locking.
While the human eye may never notice the longer and wider bodywork, the 5-millimetre lower suspension and the 4-pound lighter alloy wheels, these changes are all significant. Subaru completely reworked the dynamic setup of the STI, which can now regain its title of 'Asphalt and Gravel Queen.'
With this machine, design is a case of both form and function. Numerous cooling vents manage airflow around the large yet lightweight front wheels, drawing heat away from the powerful boxer engine, while the wider stance contributes to exceptional high-speed stability. Elsewhere, the four free-flowing exhaust tips integrated to the rear diffuser make its sportiness loud and clear; the brutal sound effects are absolutely intoxicating.
The massive rear wing spoiler is shaped in a way that does not impede rearward visibility. Overall, the newly-improved aerodynamics increase wind-slicing capacity by 5 percent.
Oh, the things you don't see!
Having driven the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI both on the road and the track, I can tell you there's a positive difference between old and new as far as ride and handling are concerned. The car feels way more agile and manoeuvrable. The lowered suspension, which is 15-percent stiffer up front and 53-percent stiffer in the back, combines with stabilizer bars to minimize understeer. Moreover, engineers managed to strengthen the chassis in strategic areas to reduce flex.
The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) engine management system allows STI drivers to choose among three different drive modes. Intelligent Mode (I) delivers smoothness in low-traction conditions and boosts fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. Sport Mode (S) is for all-around everyday use and Sport Sharp Mode (S#) delivers instant throttle response for maximum enjoyment.
The 2011 WRX STI also features a multi-mode Driver-Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). The Auto mode is for all-around driving; torque distribution automatically varies between 41/59 and 50/50 (front/rear) as conditions warrant. By tightening the centre differential, the Auto [+] mode enhances traction and stability on slippery roads, targeting a 50/50 torque split. The Auto [-] mode targets a 41/59 torque split for enhanced turning capability and more responsive handling. Lastly, Manual mode offers the driver a 6-step adjustment of the centre differential locking.
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| The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) engine management system allows STI drivers to choose among three different drive modes. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |