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Subaru Impreza WRX - READ ONLY

11554 messages,  Last post on Nov 07, 2006 at 12:41 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Sedan

Messages Page 7 of 1156

#57 of 11554 2003 WRX? by rblader

Jan 15, 2001 (9:43 pm)

I think I'm gonna sit and wait for the 2003 WRX. I've read from a UK car magazine (can't remember which one) which just tested the UK version (215hp, 0-60 in 5.7, 14.5 quarter mile) that Subaru will be exporting a limited edition WRX STi model which will come with AVCS (Subaru's VTEC/8500rpm redline?/at least 280hp stock) next year. I'm hoping that we'll be getting it here in the US too. I think that if it's under $30K, it'll be worth it.(0-60 in 4.7 sec for a 4-door family sedan??? It's gotta be the ultimate sleeper.)
Rblader
'92 Talon Tsi AWD
'97 Impreza Outback Sport

#58 of 11554 2003 WRX? More Details by rblader

Jan 15, 2001 (10:39 pm)

Some more details about the possible 2003 WRX STi Limited Edition...
17-inch alloys, 225-width tires
larger intercooler with water sprayer
larger turbo (higher boost but more lag?)
Forged pistons
Stainless steel valves
larger injectors
4-piston front calipers, 2-piston rears
Possibly bump the displacement to 2.2 liters and slightly higher compression ratio?
Better flowing intake and exhaust
Fog light covers with the STi logo
and of course, AVCS (variable valve timing)
 
The WRX STi has actually been available in the UK and Australian gray market for quite some time. But the word is, next year, Subaru will be exporting STi officially will full factory warranty. If the demand for the WRX proves to be high over here in the US, then Subaru will have no reason not to include the STi in their line up. That's more money in their pocket. The US is their largest export market with about 170,000 vehicles sold last year. Though most were locally made Legacies and Outbacks.
 
my 2 cents
Rblader

#59 of 11554 Yeow! by silver_bullet

Jan 16, 2001 (4:57 am)

The possibility of a U.S. spec STI is very tempting, but I'll keep my order for a 2002 WRX, thanks all the same. As it is, the WRX's price tag is about as much as I can rationalize spending on a car - now imagine how much the insurance would be on the STI, plus the increase in the purchase price! Too rich for this boy. What I MIGHT to, however, is wait for some of the yummier STI bits to find their way to the parts department (ex: brakes) and do some upgrading at a later date. One of the things I like about the 2002 is its (relatively) understated styling... I'm a big fan of the "Q Ship" concept. No spoilers, decals, or coffee can sized exhausts, thanks. I'll bet the STI, once it gets here, will be available only with a full complement of "Hey, look at me!" doodads.

#60 of 11554 2003 WRX stI by b4z

Jan 16, 2001 (7:00 am)

I am seriously into getting a 2002 WRX and then you have to go and tell me that there may be faster version next year! Patience is not one of my strong suits.

#61 of 11554 dont' fret. by ramon

Jan 16, 2001 (9:55 am)

I doubt the STi models will arrive anytime soon. Besides, alot of owners can easily upgrade their turbow WRX to STi standards for less $ than to buy an STi WRX instead.

#62 of 11554 STi by rblader

Jan 16, 2001 (12:23 pm)

I partially agree with Ramon. It's not certain that the STi will even come. But there is high probably since Subaru will be <officially> exporting it to other markets. It means full factory warranty which is important to me personally. I don't doubt that any WRX can be upgraded to STi performance levels. Heck, I've heavily modified my '92 Talon Tsi AWD myself. But you risk losing the warranty. So, if I have a choice, I'd rather pay a little bit more upfront for more performance than modify it myself and risk losing the warranty. Besides, the STi has features that'll be hard or expensive to install on regular WRXs like forged pistons, stronger block, heavy duty 6-speed tranny, AVCS head(variable valve timing), modified ECU engine mapping, etc.
Anyway, I really hope that you guys buy as many WRXs as you want and prove to Subaru that there is a demand here. They really just might decide to include the US in their STi market.
I might even end up with a "regular" WRX too. If Subaru decides to send us the STi in two-door coupe form only, then I'm gonna pass. I want a four door sedan.
Meanwhile, I guess I'll have to drive around in my little Talon Tsi AWD for now.
 
My 2 cents
Rblader
'92 Talon Tsi AWD
Ported 16G Upgrade Turbo
Ported exhaust manifold
Ported oxygen sensor housing
Griffin Front Mount Intercooler
2.5' mandrel bent piping from downpipe to exhaust tip (larger cat converter intake and exit)
K&N filter
Modified MAF sensor (honey comb removed)
550cc injectors
Denso Fuel Pump Upgrade
APEX SuperAFC
ACT 2600lbs clutch
Manual Boost Controller
APEX EGT and Boost Gauge
16X6.5 Alloys/Dunlop 8000 225/50ZR16

#63 of 11554 More thoughts... by rblader

Jan 16, 2001 (1:50 pm)

I've been thinking... or hoping that what Subaru is about to do (by selling the WRX here)starts trend among other manufacturers that market great cars that are not available here. If the WRX is a hit. Wouldn't that encourage the others to send the Lancer Evolution 7, Ford Cosworth, Skyline GTR etc. over to our soil? And I hope that it would also stimulate development by the US BIG 3(or 2?) for similar cars. I not saying that Z28s, Cobras, Vipers and Corvettes are slow. But we could use more cars that have better all around performance(all weather and surface/real world not track driving), functional utility(passenger and cargo space), fuel efficiency and reliability all combined in one vehicle. I mean all these features are available in different cars now. But rarely found in one package. Okay... except the Skyline GTR
 
Rblader

#64 of 11554 WRX STi by hugobecker

Jan 16, 2001 (4:27 pm)

Having had a chance to talk to the Subaru folks at the long lead press preview for the WRX last year, don't expect an STi version until they start to see sales slack off. I'd suspect 18 months at the earliest.

#65 of 11554 by jk111

Jan 16, 2001 (8:42 pm)

yep, I will bet that subaru is just waiting to see how popular the wrx will be in the US market. If everything goes well, they might offer something fall of 2003 the earliest.

#66 of 11554 Impreza 22b by tazereli

Jan 16, 2001 (8:44 pm)

Has anyone heard of this version of the WRX. Better or worse performance? Price? Coming to US? Any help would be great

Messages Page 7 of 1156

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