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i think what you are describing is the feel of "light on its feet" which is a good thing. With super skinny 215 tires in the front and 245R + light weight = tendency to oversteer even on the street. i had changed to 235F with 255R and the steer feel changed a lot to the point that it became too heavy to turn and some people like that but i don't.
370Z steering is good but it felt there is a delay if you try doing something like the skid pad, i think mainly due to its heaviness of weight transfer from left to right.
i had 05 s2k and 07 with 07 being DBW and EPS, i never even noticed the change in steering unlike E9X 3 series and F30 where the changes are dramatic.
Saw a Subaru blue WRX on my way home yesterday & a silver STi on my way to work this morning.
Both looked pretty good from the quick moment I was able to get a look.
The Subaru WRX Concept unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show was the most radical, aggressive looking Rex we’ve ever seen from Subaru. After decades of designs in which functionality prevailed over form, here was a WRX that was pretty to look at.
Subaru Wrx Concept Front Three Quarters 2 Journalists raved about its coupe-like profile, wide stance, stylish front end and high hip line. In fact, we all expected to see significant design hints in the new production WRX. However, as we witnessed when the car was revealed last year, those seductive WRX lines were replaced with surfaces and edges that could have come from the outgoing model.
Yes, most of us were disappointed. Don’t get us wrong: We’re thrilled with the new car’s handling and performance. We just wanted a little more inspiration on the styling side. Providing a glimmer of hope that all of the concept's style was not lost, Subaru's WRX Project General Manager, Masuo Takatsu, told us at the launch of the subsequent WRX STI that the main design theme of the WRX Concept could yet be applied to a production car.
Now, chief Subaru designer Mamoru Ishii has indicated that definitive design hints from the lauded concept's sporty, aggressive stance will indeed reach the Impreza due in 2016, and the WRX that will follow. “Yes, we have taken the next-generation Impreza’s design in a new direction that we are sure will excite the marketplace,” Ishii told us, adding that some of the WRX Concept's key proportions will transfer to the next WRX.
“We are planning to give the lower section below the hip line a wider, more substantial stance and narrow up the roof section,” he said, suggesting a much bolder lower body and a more tapered greenhouse, as seen on the WRX Concept. Subaru's existing Impreza was launched two years ago and is now well into its current model cycle, but while Subaru plans to spruce up its game with the next Impreza and WRX, it will also focus more of its R&D efforts on a family of new SUVs as previewed by the Viziv 2 concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
As we've reported, two new SUVs are on the agenda, in addition to eventual replacements for the XV, Forester and just-revealed Outback. That includes a Tribeca successor with plug-in diesel hybrid technology which could emerge within two years. Subaru's next new models will be the 2015 Legacy and Outback, both of which go on sale early next year.
But the Japanese brand's strong global sales, higher share price and newly appointed CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, who has decades of experience in sales, marketing and strategy, has given the company a whole new product attitude. Three weeks ago, when he presented the company's Prominence 2020 business plan and with it record earnings for the last Japanese financial year, Yoshinaga announced that a new modular chassis architecture dubbed Subaru Global Platform will underpin Subaru's entire line starting from 2016. The next Impreza will emerge as one of the first of these all-new offerings late that year.
Yeah, the stock pedal feel sucks when you really start putting your leg into it. Factory pads suck too. Braking system isn't outright terrible, I found out the front rotors are actually the same as a WRX, and rears are same as an LGT. Just lacks cooling for intense track sessions.
Subaru has introduced two new versions of its WRX for its home market, which build upon the solid platform of the 2015 WRX by adding some much-needed horsepower and a few unique touches to further differentiate them. The first is the WRX S4, whose turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That’s quite the jump over the 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque found in the WRX sold here in the States, but before you get too jealous note that the car is only available with Subaru's Sport Lineartronic CVT.
Symmetrical all-wheel drive remains standard and is joined by Subaru's EyeSight electronic safety aids as well as some body and chassis enhancements to help achieve the four values of sports performance, safety performance, smart driving and sophisticated feel—hence the “S4” tag in the car’s name. Specific body and chassis mods include stiffened elements (brought about by high-tensile steel), new suspension tuning, Subaru’s multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system and a torque vectoring system. The electric power steering also gets more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.
On the outside, the WRX S4 sports unique front fender ducts, new side sills, an integrated rear diffuser, custom exhaust tips, a trunk lid spoiler, new 18-inch wheels, LED headlights (low beams only), and the new colors WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl. Inside, the car is fitted with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sporty bucket seats, leather trim on the gear lever, a new boost gauge in the main multi-function display, black trim and piano black, carbon and metal accents around the dash. Red is used on the stitching and gauges to honor the WRX’s racing heritage.
The second model released today by Subaru for the Japanese market is a new version of the more potent WRX STI. This model, dubbed the WRX STI Type S, benefits from the same body and chassis mods as the WRX S4 but also sports Subaru’s multi-mode Driver's Control Center Differential (DCCD) system as standard. The mods are said to enhance steering response and rear grip, and help maintain a flat ride through corners.
Its engine, also a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, is rated at 305 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, our WRX STI has the same power rating but only 290 lb-ft of torque. The transmission, meanwhile, remains a six-speed manual. Compared to the previous unit fitted to the WRX STI, the new one debuting in the WRX STI Type S was given better tactile feedback with gears that lock solidly in place for a sportier shift feel.
Like the WRX S4, the WRX STI Type S’s exterior benefits from new front fender ducts and side sills. The car also gets LED headlights and new 18-inch alloys said to be more rigid and lighter than those on the regular WRX STI. Inside, the same D-shaped steering wheel and dash accents found in the WRX S4 have been fitted to the WRX STI Type S. Befitting a high performance vehicle, the seats are designed with superior holding ability and the headrests were also embossed with STI logos.
Both the new WRX S4 and WRX STI Type S are on sale in Japan. Though we’re unlikely to see the cars offered locally, some of their enhancements are likely to be transferred to U.S.-spec cars.
Subaru "Impreza 5-Door Concept" Makes World Debut at Tokyo Motor Show 2015
Tokyo, October 28, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today unveiled the "Impreza 5-Door Concept" at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015.
The Impreza 5-Door Concept is a design concept car previewing the next-generation Impreza which is to be the first one of Subaru's next-generation strategic vehicles envisioned in FHI's Mid-Term Management Vision "Prominence 2020″ announced in May 2014. While positioned as an entry model in the Subaru lineup, its compact body features a blend of bold expressions of Subaru's Dynamic & Solid design elements and a quality feel beyond its class – hinting at the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of Subaru's future models as a whole.
Main Features of Impreza 5-Door Concept
The front, sides, and rear are seamlessly joined in the Dynamic & Solid surface structure, creating a three-dimensional and solid body that is a feature of Subaru styling. The dynamism is enhanced by well-placed character lines on the 5-door style compact body shape. The design expression of "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind", the value that Subaru provides to its customers, is fully pursued within the limits of the C-segment body size. In the area of functionality essential to a Subaru car, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved while blending this functionality into the styling. The sense of quality is raised by the choice of high-luminance silver, having the genuine luster of metal, as exterior color.
Front
The Subaru look is seen in the Wide & Low stance with its sporty impression, and in the unified three-dimensional structure extending from the hexagonal grille that symbolizes the Subaru identity to the hawk-eye headlights. The front face plays the role of starting point from which the front flows via the sides to the rear, with each part uniting into a solid form.
Sides
The rich inflection of the character line extending from the front fender to the door panels and rear shoulder, and the line rising energetically toward the rear from the lower door panel, give dynamism to the solid body surface. The powerfully extended fender flares express the reliability of Subaru All-Wheel Drive.
Rear
The rear combination lights sharing the same motif as the headlights, as well as the powerful shoulders over the rear fenders thrusting all the way toward the rear combination lights, express a Wide & Low stance similar to the front. The tightened cabin silhouette enhances the sporty impression of the nimble 5-door style.
Main Specifications
Body size (overall length × width × height): 4,400 × 1,880 × 1,440 mm
Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
Tire size: 235/40 R19
Seating capacity: 5 persons
STI Releases "S207" Limited-Edition "WRX STI" in Japan
October 28, 2015
Tokyo, October 28, 2015 – Subaru Tecnica International (STI),*1 the motorsports division of Fuji Heavy Industries, will launch a limited-edition model based on the "WRX STI" on December 1, 2015. Just 400 units of the model, dubbed the "S207", will be available.
Taking the WRX STI as its base, this complete car from STI features exclusive engine and suspension tuning as well as distinctive interior and exterior design. Embracing the STI concept of offering the ultimate in road driving, the S207 stands at the pinnacle of the STI complete car lineup and aims to be the world's most enjoyable vehicle, providing a feel-good experience to all those who travel in it regardless of road conditions and enhancing driver skill.
Special engine tuning boosts maximum power output to 328 PS. Handling is enhanced by a quick steering-gear ratio of 11:1, the addition of original STI components including a flexible tower bar, DampMatic® II front suspension with adjustable damping (a first for a Japanese automaker), and front-rear Active Torque Vectoring, all of which combine to achieve a strong yet flexible ride and sharp cornering. Driving performance has also been enhanced with Brembo 6-pot brakes in front and 4-pot brakes at the rear, both featuring monoblock opposed-piston brake calipers and drilled rotors (2-piece type in front); specially designed 255/35R19 tires; and an exclusive large front spoiler. Special design elements serve to heighten driver anticipation and the joy of ownership, from the rear-bumper air outlet on the exterior to exclusive STI-spec Recaro front bucket seats and customized sports instruments on the interior.
Evoking the spirit of the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race, where the WRX STI continues to vie for honors, an "NBR Challenge Package" is also available (limited to 200 units), featuring an exclusive dry carbon rear spoiler and an ornament commemorating Subaru's victory in the SP3T class*2 in the 2015 Nurburgring 24-Hour Race.
The S207 is available in three body colors: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, and Crystal Black Silica. Additionally, a 100-unit limited run of the "NBR Challenge Package Yellow Edition" in vivid Sunrise Yellow will be on offer as a special model.
The S207 must be ordered by March 6, 2016,*3 and sales are limited to 400 units.
*1：Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (President: Yoshio Hirakawa; Mitaka, Tokyo)
*2：A class for turbocharged vehicles up to 2 liters.
*3：The Yellow Edition must be ordered by November 30, 2015.
S207 Main Features
Suspension / Mechanism
・ Exclusive STI-tuned Bilstein front struts (DampMatic® II, inverted-type) and coil springs
・ Exclusive STI-tuned Bilstein rear dampers and coil springs
・ STI-designed BBS 19-inch × 8 1/2J forged aluminum wheels (silver)
・ Exclusive 255/35R19 92Y tires (Dunlop Sport Maxx RT)
・ STI-designed flexible tower bar, front
・ STI-designed flexible draw stiffener, front
・ STI-designed support front kit
・ STI-designed flexible support subframe, rear
・ STI-designed pillow ball bush rear suspension link (front and rear lateral links inside)
・ STI-designed Brembo front monoblock opposed-piston 6-pot brake calipers (silver
coated with STI logo) with STI-designed Brembo 18-inch 2-piece drilled disk rotors
・ STI-designed Brembo rear monoblock opposed-piston 4-pot brake calipers (silver coated
with STI logo) with STI-designed Brembo 18-inch drilled disk rotors
・ Exclusive high-output balanced engine
・ Exclusive engine control unit (ECU)
・ Exclusive twin scroll ball bearing turbocharger
・ Exclusive performance muffler with lowered back pressure (featuring STI logo) teamed
with exclusive rear exhaust pipe
・ STI-designed strengthened silicon intake duct
・ Exclusive quick-ratio steering gearbox (11:1)
・ Exclusive Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system
・ Exclusive Active Torque Vectoring system
・ STI-designed low-pressure-drop air cleaner element
・ STI Performance Oil (Motul 5W-40)
Controls / Instrument Panel / Warning Lights
・ Exclusive luminescent instruments (with multi-information display and STI logo)
・ Exclusive multifunctional display
・ Central instrument panel visor (covered in silver-stitched leather-finish material)
・ Exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel (highly tactile leather, chrome bezel, metallic
finisher, silver stitching)
・ STI-designed push-type engine switch (red with STI logo)
・ STI-designed leather-wrapped shift knob (with STI logo)
Audio
・ 8 speakers (4 front, 2 rear, 2 in instrument panel)
・ Black roof antenna (shark fin type)
Interior
・ Exclusive STI-spec Recaro front bucket seats (leather [black semi-aniline finish on inside of
main and side panels, silver stitching and accents] embossed with STI logo and equipped
with seat heating and supplemental restraint system side airbags)
・ Rear seats : black leather with silver stitching and accents
・ Exclusive instrument panel (red with S207 logo)
・ Silver stitching on door trims
・ Exclusive side sill plates (silver with S207 logo)
・ Exclusive serial-number plate (console)
Exterior
・ Exclusive mesh-type front grille (cherry-red stripe with S207 ornament)
・ Exclusive large front under-spoiler
・ Black side garnish with STI emblem
・ Exclusive metallic side sill moldings
・ Exclusive rear bumper (cherry-red stripe with air outlet grille)
・ S207 rear ornament
When this gets dumbed down to a little Forester I will be furious.
My thoughts exactly. Hopefully Subaru learned something from dumbing down the current WRX. But if the production version is close to the concept I'm all in.
04-03-2014, 12:23 PM
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the car is already slow as balls as is...
Subaru Launches New WRX S4 And WRX STI Type S In Japan
My thoughts exactly. Hopefully Subaru learned something from dumbing down the current WRX. But if the production version is close to the concept I'm all in.
