<![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @B: It's a wash if you can install bolt-on parts. The good part is, you can get into a WRX, then slowly throw goodies at it. WRX:STi::DSM:EVO.

Turboner

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @LastAndLeast: That's not really an alternative at all.

Wes Siler

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DokterDitka: What is the best way to go then?

PhoneticLorin

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> What does anyone think about the Mazda SpeedSix as an alternative?

LastAndLeast

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @akirachan:

After seeing the '08 Impreza/WRX in person, I was so glad we found an orphan '07 WRX wagon. I won't call it ugly, but the new one is just bland (the Toyota influence). I wish they would have done more to the WRX to distinguish it from the Impreza, like a stiffer suspension. It's not like I can afford the STI, so if I needed to replace my car, I guess it would be the Forrester XT or a MazdaSpeed 3 (if I could find either model).

WRXChick

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @pitchpitch:

Man, screw my lack of proper grammar or punctuation!

pitchpitch Type-Я

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I saw a white one of these with gold wheels on it today and it didn't look too bad. I think its true the design will probably grow on me in a year or two.

I think its driver liked my FD3S better though because he was staring and staring...

pitchpitch Type-Я

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: I'd love an Evo, but I just think it would be a tiring everyday car.

@Wes Siler: I just thought you'd be too busy hooning to be drinking coffee!

Fair point on the Clio Cup, but the standard car that it's based on is very refined and has a good ride, so I get the feeling that it'd be easier to live with. I hear they're about to ruin it with an ugly Laguna-style facelift though.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Euromobile: Because I'm not a morning person.

The Clio Cup's a fantastic car, and if I still lived in England I'd probably own one, but it's no less hardcore than one of these, just cheaper, smaller and with more lift-off oversteer.

Wes Siler

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Subies have always had a face only a mother could love.

Buckster

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Euromobile: My apologies, but: yes.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Wes Siler: Why the hell would you be wanting to hold a coffee in one hand while driving this thing?

Does it make me less Jalop if I admit that I'm a young man who couldn't be bothered with a car like this? Sure, an STI or an Evo would be a laugh for a bit, but I suspect it'd get wearing very quickly. A Clio Cup is about as hardcore as I could probably live with.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @clank-o-tron: Once they see you driving an STI, cops know they can make their quota thanks to me and you!

quiksilver180

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I've been eyeing the 2008 STI... currently, I have an 07 Limited, but I can get a pretty good deal for the 08 while getting a good trade in amount. I do like the looks of the 08 (but with the sports grille) and the wagon functionality mostly.

I have to say though, at highway speeds, the road noise sucks... but if you replace the tires, it makes a huge difference for the best. And the ride is a little bouncy, but you can easily drink a cup of coffee with one hand and drive with the other (aggressive driving is a bit more difficult). In LA traffic, it's not bad... but my clutch doesn't enjoy it. And once you have the car for awhile, it adjusts to be calm when needed to be and insane for those other moments. Since this is my daily driver, unfortunately I have over 32,000 miles on it since I got it in September 06... but it can make it one hell of a drive to work - in a very good way!

Cops seem to love it too, as it shows on my driving record... grr...

quiksilver180

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Ayrton Senna: The difference between owning an STI and an Elise, is if you hit a speed bump wrong in the STI, it doesn't cost you 11,000 dollars worth of front end damage.

DokterDitka

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> '07 STI owner here.

@Ayrton Senna: I was actually looking for an Elise when I bought my STI, but I couldn't find one for less than 37k. Meanwhile, I got the Subie dealer down to 31k on a loaded STI and ended up with four doors. As much as I liked the Elise, I'd like to actually be able to fly down the SoCal mountain roads with 4 friends piled into it.

@Jamo: Another selling point for me was the interior, actually. I really hate leather, and most of the cars in this range have leather standard. The color-matched alcantara is pretty damn sweet, imo. As for the looks, well; some people actually prefer Jennifer Connelly to Gisele. :)

Disclaimer: You WILL get speeding tickets. I drove nondescript cars for 10 ticket-free years before getting my Subie. I didn't change my freeway driving habits at all and I had two tickets within as many months after the STI.

clank-o-tron

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Ayrton Senna: Oh don't start that.

Fine.

Tricked out early 240 and... actually, I'd keep my current wagon as the DD. Or get a Forester XT sport.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I love it too!!!

luima

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Its good to see some nice words on Jalopnik, of course not from the majority of those commenting, about the car that I so enjoy owning. Anyone who is considering an STI, BUY IT! Yes, the interior is suspect compared to other vehicles in its price range, but the performance and utility is undeniable. Every time I need to drive somewhere, I get a charge knowing that I get to pilot this car. Oh and about the styling, its not drop dead gorgeous like Gisele Bundchen; its more like Jennifer Connelly, hot enough to make you feel like a winner.

Jamo

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I don't understand the criticism of the styling. The STI has always been ugly. It would be really wierd if it was some pininfarina styled beauty.

I like the idea of a car like this, esp the hatchback, but I hate the turbo lag enduced by a huge turbo on a small 4 cylinder. Also this car doesn't sound substantially better than the MPS3 to justify the price difference. I guess I'll continue to wait for the 335i touring.

piththeelder

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Wert's busting out the Studio 60 refs.

For all those championing this STi -- wouldn't you accomplish all the same things with a last-gen model STi?

$37k is simply too much. You could get a mint, low-miles '05 Elise + a used Forrester for that money, and then you'd kick ass in terms of performance and practicality.

Or an E39 ///M5 and a used Tacoma.

Ayrton Senna

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @PhoneticLorin: Well just don't try the dealer auction route... that's where sick cars go to be pawned off on the unknowing. It all started with the auctioner sealing an oil leak from the transfer case just enough so I couldn't tell when previewing it, but once I drove it 50 miles it was leaking all over my suspension

DokterDitka

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Ray Wert: Good point.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DokterDitka: That's a shame, though, because I will likely never be able to afford German performance, but really want an M3. I want a M3 like some mid-30s single women want babies: BAD.

PhoneticLorin

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @13oostedwgn: No joke, the boy-band at TG has set a very high bar. But, nonetheless, I feel the need to quote one of my favorite scenes from a Sorkin show:

Jordan: I raised the bar high?
Danny: Yes.
Jordan: Sorry. Clear it.



Ray Wert

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @camp6ell: No, it's actually quite good.

I think TG has pretty much ruined clips like this. Even 5th gear's a yawner. However, the content was the important bit, not the presentation.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @13oostedwgn: jesus christ, is their magazine this boring?

camp6ell

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @johnnyangel: more like a dream, they were on Harleys.

Wes Siler

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @13oostedwgn: 89 escort was my high school ride, got the civic when I went to collge and then foolishly bought the m3 at auction when I became gainfully employed and it was a fantastic lemon, but I just had to sell it to avoid the neurosis of constantly fearing another 3000 dollar repair. Lesson learned - buy new if buying german performance

DokterDitka

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @ihatecorollas: A dragon who likes Porches.

B

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Blasting past a dozen motorcycle cops? That's material for a dozen nightmares.

johnnyangel

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @jakay11: That's exactly why I was out there, needed a break from winter and bad roads.

Wes Siler

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> who the hell is porschephile?

OneWithNature

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> you can keepthe traffic though...

jakay11

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Nice writeup...

I'm glad to see Jalop actually uses the cars as intended (see SRT4 write-up) not as a 50-yr-old-editor wants to.

Now, I'm jonesing for some salt-free sweepers and mountain twisties...

jakay11

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> the bloggers have spoken, subaru shall die at the arRival of the son of evo ,so it written ,so it is done

the ralliart is christ!!, the ralliart is christ!!

Tom

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @akirachan:
the barebones WRX is coming
it'll be called the Toyota Celica

avus

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> A vision of what could have been...

[www.scoobyblog.com]

FightingChance

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: I agree with you in that Impreza WRX should have stayed where they were in the market. There is a model called Legacy to fill the up-market niche. If anything, they should make a bare-bones model with STI engine for less than 30k.

akirachan

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @usa1: Buy another Impala.

Dr. Spaceman, Esq.

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I'm getting it. And my weekend driver is a 911.

Why? Echoing everyone else, subdued (read: no huge wing) styling, hatchback funtionality, goes like stink, and is a subaru, which has one of the best relablity reputations.

My wife's car is an 03 Outback, I've owned an 02 bug eye, this is a natural progression.

Not a fan boy, but a driver that is exactly the demographic Subaru is aiming for.

the-cubicle-dweller

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> And this is why:


+ Watch video

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I never thought I'd say this, but monday can't come too soon. Nice post.

Naters4

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Talking about Subaru styling (or lack thereof) is like a broken pencil.

Pointless.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: They have an entire section in-house devoted to styling the vehicle. They don't hire off site as far as I know. I'm not saying add creature comforts and the like... I'm just saying make it look better.

DustyButt

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I don't find it particularly attractive either. Fortunately I don't get all hung up on looks. As a relatively ugly human, I can work with what's under the hood. Sounds like fun but I ain't got the coin. Advantage ugly Dodge.

mytdawg

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> As a 06 WRX owner, I am half-pissed and half-reluctantly-accepting of the 08. I hate that they didn't take this opportunity ( the major makeover) to make the base WRX something less-boring-looking and with stiffer suspension. As for STI, it's out of my price range.

Having said that, I love the fact that they come in hatchback, especially the STI, so I can still haul stuff while hauling ass. The refinement they made in the interior is a welcome improvement. In a couple of years, I might be able to overlook the exterior design given the fact that there might be a used 08 floating around in my price range by then.

All they had to do was to make the base WRX tailored more for the enthusiasts. Hopefully Subaru will see that majority of the potential WRX customers are disappointed with what they did with the base WRX and refine it for the next upgrade.

I know, it's been said by so many, and so many times over and over, but I had to say my peace.

akirachan

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DustyButt: Designers aren't free. Pinnafarina (sp?) doesn't even make real cars, but they have an entire company dedicated to beautiful sheetmetal. I'd imagine Fuji Heavy Industries doesn't hire million-dollar designers to dictate the shape of their cars. More to the point, every time the WRX gets a redesign, people freak out and decry it as the ugliest thing ever. It tends to grow on the public for ~2 years, and when they do the next redesign people are clamoring for styling they were decrying not so long ago.

I really disagree that WRX should go up-market. It was and should remain an Impreza with too much engine. If they want up-market with good looks, comfy leather and high end interior materials, they should make that a different car.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: The softening of the stock WRX is indeed a shame. Subaru isn't going to have a real competitor for the EVO Ralliart when it arrives.

AndyDuncan

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DokterDitka: I gotta say, that's really leapfrogging up the ride scale.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: It's okay, you can just un-soften it again.

FWIW, my poky little 2.0 litre bugeye wagon makes full boost by 2900 rpm, peak torque at 3500 rpm and >300hp at 5750 rpm.

It's like a BMW Isetta compared to any of the lightly tuned STIs I've sat in.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> It looks too much like a Lexus RX330, which is also ugly.

nytmare

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: It takes the same amount of glass, plastic, and metal to make the exterior better looking. They simply aren't doing a good job dressing this thing in the morning.

I think they just really need to upscale the look of the car. With the strong feelings this car generates among those who drive it, just imagine what kind of success it could have if it was an aggressive upscale looking car. You can do that without increasing the price or decreasing performance... you just have to design it like you mean it.

DustyButt

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I must be crazy because the design of the STI actually appeals to me and looks nice to me. I hated the look of the 07 STI though so that puts me in the minority. I'm not a fanboy either as my cars so far have gone 89 Escort GT, 2001 Honda Civic LX, 2002 M3.

When I buy my STI later this year it will be my first Subaru and I'm looking forward to the experiment.

DokterDitka

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @usa1: All great sports cars a cheap crappy cars with way too much engine. Anything else has too much money or weight dedicated to coddling your ass.

I love my WRX, and I'm pissed at Subaru for what they did with the 08. They really softened up the "normal" WRX to be more civilized and pointed all the enthusiasts to the STI (which is ~10k more). The problem is (as Wes points out), the STI is hard to justify as a daily driver.

I fear this move might've given the Mazda3 the edge from a product cost/placement perspective.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> It's too ugly. It's too expensive. They should have made a sedan. It's too rough around the edges. It gets crap mileage.

Blah blah blah.

It goes like stink. It's relatively understated (a 350z is far more flashy). Nobody knows what it is (I like that). It has four doors. It's a hatch so you can put lots of shit in it. It's a driver's car in the truest sense of the word.

Even at $37k (with the BBS wheels, which you pretty much have to get, they're way lighter than the stock ones) it's still a performance bargain. The EVO has gone soft, the 350z/g37 can't keep up, the TT is a joke, the S2000 is ancient, the mustang has a live-axle, the R32 is too slow and too numb, the 135 is too soft. I'm not a fanboy, I drive a VW, but this thing has the sub-$40k market locked up.

Sure, it'll put hair on your chest. Buy a pair of clippers and STFU.

AndyDuncan

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Wes's wordsmithery grammatically molested my perched fatty lobe.

-chet

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I'm not sure that the price difference between the WRX and the STI is worth the money. I certainly wouldn't drop $35k on an STI. The vanilla WRX is plenty car, and you can soup it to hell for less than what you saved by not buying an STI.

For the price, I almost think that the STI should have a 6 pack. I own a WRX and am psyched over the STI hatch, so don't call me for sacrilege. I just won't ever buy a new STI.

cyclopticgaze

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Damn, the Caliber SRT4 is a good looking car...

camp6ell

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I hate what they did with the Imprezas. the ugliest thing ever.

turbofreak

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DustyButt: I used to say the same thing even after seeing one at the auto show...then I saw one on the road. Maybe it's just the theory of the ugly girl looking better when there's an even uglier girl standing next to her. It stood out amongst the clones on the road. I'm no fanboy by any means but this car is much better looking than it lets on. If I had the cash, it'd be on my short list for potential ownership.

s14kouki

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @B: Here's a thread from the USMB by a recent purchaser of an Impreza 2.5i (as close as I could come).

[www.ultimatesubaru.org]

The lady (a true hoon and Subaru enthusiast), loves hers in spite of it's uglyness, and the fact that it looks like a Mazda ... or something.

Personally I (also a true Soobie nut, currently driving 'Roo # 5) wouldn't touch one because it just looks s--o-o-oo- bad. But I do like the four-door OK, unfiortunately I can't live with a four-door, must have pick-up, wagon, or at least a hatch to accommodate the schlep factor in our lives.

Smitty

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> The happy endings are free in Palm Springs?!?!?!

Sign me up!!!

Buckster

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Ugliest sportscar ever.

MustaineGT

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> i used to love subies, then subaru came out with a wrx that looked like a daiwoo that put in an ice crusher.

oh subaru, god hath wrought the ultimate punishment about you,
thou who was once hooned by colin the great
is now dwelling in the deepest depths of mordar and shall never be returned to the promised land of great tsubuka until thou createth a car worth giving a crap!
And though you rest easy, give haste to a new halo car or
hellfire shall engulf your company forever!!

Tom

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Spending $35K (base) for a car like this makes no sense to me. At the end of the day, it's a souped up $17K economy car.

Imagine this conversation.

What do you drive?
A Subaru WRX STI.
What's that?
It's a souped up Impreza. It's got a hot 4 banger than sucks gas like a truck.
Oh. What does it cost? $25K?
No. It's $35K, but it's rally bred!
Ha ha ha ha.
Hey. You don't get it.
No. I DO get it. Ha ha ha!

usa1

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @strife1012: I'm a big fan of the Leggy. Spec B or no, it's a great looking car.

Actually, I think the '05 and '06 sedans are LIGHTER than the WRXs.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DustyButt: I thought so too, but the STi (not the sad-sack wrx) looks better in person than pictures.

burglar

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @DustyButt: Subaru only builds one good-looking car per decade. Maybe.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> @B: Some. The new WRX is very much an Impreza GT. For Hoonage, you've got to go Mazdaspeed.

However, your other option is to get a new WRX with some aftermarket swaybars and exhaust work. The car will be immediately transformed.

For all those complaining about the high-up powerband, just go check out Perrin's STI project, or ride in an STI that's been tweaked. Part of the beauty of these cars is that you can basically tailor them to your drivng needs given the HUGE aftermarket.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> It's amazing how a car can change depending on it's environment.

burglar

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I know this car is extremely popular on this site...
But, God. That's an ugly and boring looking car.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's fast and nimble. But they couldn't do anything else with the exterior?

** DUSTYBUTT STEPS BACK TO FEEL THE FANBOY ONSLAUGHT **



DustyButt

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> can't wait to see every enviro-green loving hippie in vermont cruising around in one of these.

Mazda Plainview

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> If you want to "Test" drive the '07 Subaru Legacy spec B, you can test my car in the great Austin Hill country/Traffic. A hell of a lot better.

strife1012

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> By the Way, The 2008 Subaru Impreza is mostly Subaru Legacy Parts, from the Plastic Manifold, to the Turbo. Its all Legacy, but it has the Bilstein Suspension which fixes the harsh ride.

'08 Subaru Imprexa STI: "When I grow up, I want to be a Legacy Spec B"
'07 Subaru Legacy spec B: "Maybe someday, when you lose the Hatch, and the gold wheel, but you can keep the interior"


strife1012

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> The Palms to Pines Hwy is indeed awesome, unless you get stuck behind some old fart in an Eldorado like I did the last time I drove out there.

LTDScott, Porcubimmer pilot

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Nice imagery. Oh, and LA traffic for a rally bred car is like feeding a lumberjack Ensure through a straw. No one is gonna be happy.

DoctorNineTenths

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Since the STI is out of my price range, how much of this fun can I get in a regular WRX?

B

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> So with the power arriving so far up the rev band, how is it on exit through the corners? I wonder how this engine would be with a supercharger rather than the turbo? Good start, can't wait 'til Monday.

graverobber- Two BEER minimum

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> Meh. Make mine an Evo proto.

Ayrton Senna

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Part One]]> I drove one of these a while ago. Jeremy Clarkson is a Big Fat Idiot.

boosted-lego-wagon

]]>