Subaru's WRX STi in action at the launch event at Tasmania's Symmons Plains raceway. Photo Gallery
The Subaru WRX STi ? the westie rev-head?s dream ? can now be driven credibly down a Mosman Street to pick up a latte.
Subaru officially launched the third-generation 2008 “Rex” today to motoring writers at Simmons Plains Raceway.
Subaru’s ultimate sport machine now has less obviously aggressive styling, and comes with a range of internal appointments that give it a distinctively up-market, even prestige feel.
The changes are designed to widen the appeal of the car. Subaru’s managing director Nick Senior says the aim is to tempt “buyers of the much more expensive European hot hatches and sports sedans”.
In keeping with this theme, the launch saw motoring writers fanging the WRX STi around the Tasmanian race-track, and then coasting on a much more sedate tour around some of Launceston’s country by-roads.
The changes are in line with the more mainstream design for the rest of the models in the Impreza range, which were launched last year.
This car has comes with serious refinements, including a premium 10-speaker sound system, greater interior space, a classy low-sheen finish to the dash and a range of other features that make it a very comfortable drive around town.
But the car maker – which is celebrating 10 years of successive record sales figures in
The 2008 WRX is still a seriously fast and high-performing machine. In fact, the new model has 7.3% more power and 3.8% more torque than its predecessor, and it goes from 0 to 100 kmh in 5.2 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker.
A range of sophisticated controls and circuitry has also been added, including the new “
On the road and on the track, changing these settings makes a real and instant difference to the performance of the car. Go “Intelligent” and you’re reasonably sedate with better fuel economy, but select the “Sport sharp” setting and your palms instantly sweat.
Another switch in the centre console adjusts the “Vehicle Dynamics Control” system which again has three settings:
For the first time, the WRX STi now comes in two versions, the entry level model and the Spec.R, which comes with lightweight BBS wheels and leather Recaro seats.
Pricing for the standard car starts at a RRP or $59,990 and the Spec.R variant has an RRP of $64,990.
Both models have the 2.5-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine.
Check out our Subaru WRX STi section here.
