FIRST LOOK: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (JDM)

[Flybrian]

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Link to Original Article @ Autoblog

The wait is finally over. Subaru has released official photos and initial info on the new JDM-spec Impreza WRX STI. Details remain scant, however, as Subaru only tells us that the new STI is powered by a 16v 2.0L boxer with a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 6-speed manual. SI-DRIVE, multi-mode Drivers Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) are also standard. All of these things have been widely speculated on and/or reported already. Specific power numbers are conspicuously absent, so we'll have to wait for the rest of it when the car bows in Tokyo in a couple of weeks. Based on what's already been leaked, look for 304 horses and 311 lb-ft of torque in the Japanese-market model. What's no longer a mystery is the car's appearance, which is muscular and aggressive -- a huge improvement over the base WRX. Head to the gallery below to see the car unmasked at last.

[thegriffon]

I could have sworn I posted this days ago.

[Cory Wolfe]

As I previously mentioned, the hatch continues to grow on me. In STI spec, it doesnt look all that bad.

[Intrepidation]

Profile is not the car's friend...as the overhangs looks massive...but from this shot:

It looks quite good...the STi trim makes a world of difference. I like it...but not as much as the Evo X

[regfootball]

nasty. rice. yech.

[loki]

i can't complain.... looks better than the bland previous gen i've seen

[balthazar]

Gotta hand it to subaru: each one looks quite different yet they are consistantly unattractive. The krinkle-cut grille outline & the sharp-cornered rectangular opening below that clash, and why are the front bumper side 'scoops' facing rearward like air extractors; venting heat from the fog lamps? That front bumper curving over the front wheels reminds me of the '58 Aurora:

[CSpec]

Very disappointing. Looks like a Suzuki from the late 90s.

[SoCalCTS]

I see the Toyota influences. This car is so boring from the front. Its ugly from the rear and pathetic from the side view. Then again have you seen the types that buy WRX's?