Subaru fans and motoring aficionados alike can finally welcome the brand new Subaru Impreza WRX STI – the highest standard edition of the Subaru stalwart, the Impreza series. Proudly presented by Subaru, the new WRX STI will make its debut as a five-door hatchback model, similar to its third-generation Impreza counterparts, steering away from its usual sedan model.
Boasting a reputable rally car heritage, the Impreza WRX STI has become a symbol of performance for drivers seeking a sporty feel and other motoring enthusiasts the world over. Like its predecessors, the new WRX STI leverages upon the same rally heritage that delivers high performance and exceptional drivability, qualities bestowed upon it by its legendary motorsport arm, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), which specializes in motor sports activities. STI is a subsidiary of Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI).
“Pure performance and pleasure. Forget boring. The new Subaru Impreza WRX STI will put fun and excitement back into driving with its sexy new curves, exquisite control and state-of-the-art technology”, said Mr. Glenn Tan, Group Chief Executive of Motor Image Enterprises.
He went on to add, “Bent on setting new benchmarks, this new model will affirm the WRX STI as an extablished icon for high performance cars that combines outstanding performance with uncompromising safety, comfort and quality. This is what every driver deserves”.
Need For Speed
As the flagship of Subaru’s performance range, the WRX STI is developed by STI and isbased on the Impreza WRX model, making it a street-legal version of the actual car used in Subaru’s rally exploits. Subaru has had successful rally outings not only regionally at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) but also internationally at the World Rally Championship (WRC). Since its debut in 1994, the WRX STI has made a name for itself as a high performance sports model, especially in the WRC arena, where it clinched Subaru three consecutive Manufacturers’ championship titles from 1995 to 1997. Closer to home, Motor Image Group’s very own rally team, Motor Image Rally Team (MIRT) won the 2007 and 2008 APRC titles, where driver Cody Crocker secured the wins driving a Singapore-assembled Group N Rally car.
Available only in 6-speed manual transmission, the new WRX STI is propelled by a 2.5-liter 300hp (6000rpm), 407Nm (4000rpm), DOHC turbocharged Boxer engine that has been further fine-tuned, bestowing upon it a capability to rev up a potent yet remarkably smooth performance. An electronically controlled throttle finely adjusts the control of the 2.5-liter engine, ensuring optimal acceleration that is linearly responsive to pedal movement. The WRX STI also features a Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS) that offers increased torque and easy drivability, as well as greater horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. The cooling capabilities of the 2.5-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged unit has been further enhanced with an enlarged intercooler and additional air outlets located at the front bumper and fender.
Striving for the ultimate in performance, the WRX STI is further augmented in terms of vehicle control with the incorporation of the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), a driver-modifiable system that allows drivers to control car settings via a trio of driving modes – Intelligent, Sports and Sport Sharp. Each mode will deliver a distinct programmed rate of throttle opening, which ultimately determines the car’s response and overall performance. Vehicle control is given an extra boost with the inclusion of a multi-mode Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) and a multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The multi-mode DCCD enables the driver to choose from different modes of control (both manual and auto modes) for the centre differential, allowing optimal road handling and desired maneuvering, while the multi-mode VDC is designed to offer flexibility and ease of vehicle control with three modes – normal, traction and off.
Bold And Beautiful
Externally, widened body flares accentuate the streamlined 5-door body of the new WRX STI. Aerodynamically improved body styling with a large rear spoiler optimizes the fine balance between the front and the rear quarters by reducing wind resistance. Vehicle stability at high speeds is boosted by a smooth curve from the front bumper to the front fenders, which help to minimize lift forces. The short overhang, the result of a 5-door packaging, does not hamper interior capacity but instead helps the new WRX STI to deliver excellent turning capability and stability. The turbocharged Boxer engine is mounted lower on the chassis, further advancing vehicle stability. Optimisation of body rigidity for the chassis elevates the level of ride quality and comfort, while the inclusion of a double wishbone rear suspension bumps up the spaciousness of the new WRX STI. This new feature is also able to absorb shock from road surfaces better, effectively lowering noise levels within the cabin.
The interior of the new WRX STI integrates sleek and dynamic design, which creates an overall impression of elegance and sportiness. Sporty front seats are also included, allowing easy access in and out of the car for drivers.
Safety features on the new WRX STI include fitted SRS dual front airbags, frontal three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and rear three-point seatbelts for all three rear positions. Braking capabilities of the new WRX STI are enhanced by Brembo Performance Brake Systems, and supplemented by Super Sports ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD).
The brand new WRX STI is available in four colours: Pure White, Spark Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, and the Subaru trademark colour, WRC Mica Blue.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI retails for RM298,035.20 OTR and is loaded with features like a glorious engine, double wishbone type independent suspension, disc brakes with ABS and EBD, remote keyless entry, multi information and electro luminescent display, steering mounted cruise control switches, bucket seats with 60/40 split fold rear seats, electric controlled foldable door mirrors, HID headlamps, LED rear combination lamps with roof spoiler LED brake lamp, SRS dual front airbags, and unique to the STI, a hill start feature. For more information visit: www.motorimage.net.
