Subaru STI Spec C to appear
In the new STI Spec C, Subaru has found that less is more by shedding an average man’s weight off the curb, or around 70kg to leave the car weighing in at 1,400kg. How this was achieved, among other ways, was to get a revised aluminium boot – which should close with an even bigger clunk than previous gen Imprezas -, lighter roof, thinner glass, a smaller fuel tank and a compact 12v battery. STIs aren’t known for their kindness to petrol, therefore the tinier fuel tank may prove detrimental on long cruises. A power upgrade though, will ensure that this weight reduction is taken advantage of, so we expect some work to be done on 296 bhp to match up to Evo X’s MR or surpass it.
The UK, very keen on such models, will most probably see grey imports towards the end of 2008, about the same time the cars show up in Japan’s showroom floors.
Not to put too much pressure on the Impreza range, Subaru is hedging a little bit of performance on the adult side of things, improving Legacy’s power uptake to better match a grown-up M3 sedan and Merc’s C 63 AMG, as well as its own nemesis, the saloon Evo X. The car is to be badged S402, featuring same engine as Impreza STI, as well as a new 6-speed gearbox, stiffer suspension and racier interior.
haven't heard of any "issues", subaru has a great reliability reputation, certainly better than mitsubishi....
What kind of problems are you talking about? I am sure that the latest Impreza's performance on the road is a little better than Mitsubishi's Evo X.
when I read "a lot of problems", I don't see it as handling issues... more of reliability issues.
Pity it still looks like a sack of rotten potatoes. Subaru really borked up the look of the new Imprezza line.
I really hate Subaru Cars for the design directions they go in... but once I see the cars on the street it doesn't take long for me to start liking them again. For example, I thought the tri grill was a horrible mistake... then right when I was really liking it, they introduced this mazda 3 abomination... but after seeing a few on the streets, they look more aggressive then previous generations, and I am once again starting to like them.
When you see them for the first time, they look strange, but after a while, I get used to the new look too and I start liking them again.
Hey bru, this so called sack of potatoes has legs, it will eat hatch back in it's path for breakfast.
I've always liked the Imprezas over the Evos. even though the Mitsubishis performed a tiny bit better. but since this new Impreza showed up I'm bitterly and utterly disappointed. it may even do 10 times better than the Evo, I don't care. it doesn't look like a true Impreza, like a true Mitsu breaker.. it's just a damn boring hatchback.. what a shame ! Subaru, build more Foresters and Legacys and.. whatever other models you have. make them cheaper, uglier, customer friendly, I don't care.. but give us our (true !) blue rally car back !
Dont forget Subaru were originaly farm vehicals , and i agree , wheres the wrc feel of the vehicle .
ok, let's be real. both subaru and mitsu lost their feel. i for one, i like the old ones better
Im personally a fan of the New Subaru and the Spec C will be a nice option to those interested, it ought to offer substantial weight savings. I like the look of the new Impreza, it looks particularly nice in person, along with obvious improvements albeit slight in terms of acceleration and handling. Goodstuff.
The Impreza looks lighter and much more fun to drive than the Evo X, looks like crap though, but it's actually growing on me.
Imprezza STi 2.5L vs Evo X 2.0L looks unfair to me. Subaru has 'lots of problems' for Evo X is more likely. Saw it on Best Motoring (Japan) and the Evo X just couldn't keep up! That's the normal and the SST version of the Evo X! People in Mitsubishi must be getting sleepless nights! Let's see what the Evo X MR can cook up!
I did hear this new subaru has a lot of problems?? , i still prefer the Mitsubishi evo.