At some point in the course of his life - maybe even during his resurrection? - he lost the "Impreza". But alone the still unashamedly large rear spoiler, the bright blue and the golden rims make clear: WRX STI. "The last revision has been a while. The wheelbase was 25mm longer, the roof is 5mm lower and the whole car stretches to 15mm. The base of the A-pillars has been moved forwards by 200 mm, which extends the exterior and gives the interior a better sense of space.
The body is 140 percent stiffer than that of the previous generation. And if you're interested: 16 percent fewer body movements, which is mainly due to the spring rates, which are 22 percent stiffer in the front and 6 percent stiffer in the rear. The steering is wonderfully antique because it still works hydraulically. Your translation is 15 percent faster and the gear ratio has been changed from 14,8: 1 to 12,7: 1. The well-known multi-mode differential is still available, with automatic and manual settings as well as the modes Auto, Auto- and Auto +. The basic torque distribution is 50:50. Auto + limits torque and increases stability in slippery conditions, while choosing Auto - sends more torque to the rear wheels and gives it a bit more flexibility. ”
That's the way to describe the Subaru WRX STI, if you want to live up to the spirit of its inventors.
Sober, focused and without decoration.
But: he is not only free from design slap and lifestyle Chichi. Above all, he is free of fear. And that is exactly what has made him this wonderful creature for decades.
On the first meter is clear: a clutch, the tight cushion and want to be served to the point, if you drive the WRX and do not want to ride. No click-click-brate the double clutch boxes, instead a gnarled lever for six manual gears. The steering is tight, but wonderfully sharp in the reaction - much better as well as beautiful, the new translation lets the Subi really plunge into the bend.
The fact that he still does not get nervous is mainly due to its weight - the STI is not an easy car, but a solid - and the tons of grip that his four-wheel drive brings him. He lies like a board, proverbial, nothing twitches, does not wipe, nothing scratches. On the gas, on the brakes and in the middle of the crown, the WRX does not itch what you do to him.
He does not itch where. Asphalt, gravel, wet or slippery. He just goes forward mercilessly. Of course, there is no launch control, no 400PS, no soundariums, but the same 2.5-liter boxer as ever. He does not really turn willingly into rejoicing heights, he is not an outgrowth of culture and he is not frugal either. But he has juice. In the middle, there where you can lean so wonderfully on the power of the torque during hard driving, he is really strong.
This fits the chassis. Hard, but gorgeous, it blooms mainly on coarse surface. There's nothing bobbing, nothing bounces, it's a party. Here you realize that the Japanese engineers have not voted for a rally suspension for the first time. The same applies to the brakes: although she likes to glow, she turns blue and wanders with the pressure point, but she never complains and never gives up.
And so the Subaru WRX STI is a very special experience. Not to compare with the other cars that you would like to apply for: A45 AMG, RS3, Golf R and Co.
He is a hero, a worker. One who will give you back an incredible amount if you put a lot into it. One who is not fast by itself. But just the one who is quick as an arrow, if your shirt sticks sweaty to the seat.
