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Subaru STI and Mitsubishi EVO to get new motors 
Has the world turned upside down? The longtime rally inspired 2011 Subaru Impreza STI is going to be offered in a diesel. Even madder is the fact that Mitsubishi is going to be offering the Lancer Evolution as a hybrid. Due in 2012, the next-generation STI will feature a better version of the 2.0-liter turbodiesel offered in the current base Impreza in the United Kingdom. The flat-four layout should mean that the STI could retain its superb handling and agility. That doesn’t mean that the petrol engines are history. Insiders are reporting that Subaru is working on a downsized four-cylinder, that could be based on the 1.5-liter flat four that is currently used in the base Impreza. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, is working on a diesel hybrid for the next-generation Lancer Evolution. Mitsubishi hopes that the change will save the Evo from tightening economy and emissions regulations. Hit the jump to read the rest of the story. Full story Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan - Nurburgring recordThere are some fast cars in the world today. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Porsche are just a few of them. Yet, Subaru is out to prove that they can keep up with the big names. Subaru today announced that the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan has become the fastest WRX STI Ever. It recorded a Nurburgring time of 7’55’’00, the fastest lap time ever in a Subaru. "The 2011MY WRX STI test car balances excellent stability and handling performance at a high level, thanks to its refined suspensions", explained Tommi Makinen who piloted the car. "The car was really controllable with precise and faithful handling even on tricky corners. I could easily predict a next behavior of the car, that is, I confirmed its evolved total driving control ability. Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system also greatly contributed to this performance. The outstanding achievement is not only a tribute to Subaru’s continued and earnest efforts, but also an evidence of confidence in driving a Subaru." The previous best lap that was set in 2004 by a Subaru WRX STI of 7:59.41. The new time set by the new STI with a quicker than any of the aforementioned competition. The car is still a prototype, but the time is still hugely impressive. The 2011 Subaru WRX STI is powered by a 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder Boxer engine and 6-speed manual transmission. It comes with a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball, higher-rate springs for both front and rear suspensions, and spring rates increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear. Press release after the jump. Full story 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
The new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI saloon was officially unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show, but our spy photographer has captured the big-winged saloon testing at the Nürburgring. At first impression, it seems the car is nothing more than the European version of the high-performance saloon. Upon closer inspection, however, there are some differences clearly suggesting that the STI seen here may very well be a prototype for a Spec C model. This is especially convincing since most white Japanese cars are usually special editions. These differences include the matte black alloys, gold color brembo brake calipers, and the front lip spoiler, all of which were not shown on the show car, but are standout features on the JDM Impreza STI Spec C hatchback. If it does turn out to be a Spec-C expect a power hike over the standard 305hp to around 350hp. There should also be a weight reduction from the use of a smaller battery, aluminum body panels, and a revised firmer suspension including a more track focused limited slip differential. 2010 Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400
Cosworth officially announced today that the Impreza STI CS400 will go on sale this June. There will only be 75 of these limited edition units built and prices will be announced at a later date. The car will deliver an impressive 400PS (395 hp) at 5750rpm and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. This is an impressive task compared to the standard Impreza WRX STI at 300PS / 296bhp at 6,000rpm with a 5.2 second sprint. The CS400 will also feature a bespoke brake package with 6-pot calipers and 355mm discs at front and numerous updates to the suspension, exhaust, exterior and interior styling. UPDATE 05/24/2010: Cosworth officially unveiled the first images of the new CS400 Impreza. Also the company announced today that the car will be priced at £49,995 (almost $72,000 at the current rates). It will be limited to only 75 units. UPDATE 07/19/2011: During the recent Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (15-17 July 2011), Subaru’s limited-edition Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 has managed to Subaru outpaced a host of high-performance road cars and supercars, including the Nissan GTR, Ariel V8 Atom, Lexus LFA and Ford Focus RS500. With an impressive time of 68.18 seconds, the CS400 was six seconds quicker than the second placed car in the Supercar category. Press release after the jump. Full story 300 Subaru Imprezas converge at Prodrive headquarters for the 10th anniversary of the Prodrive P1
The Prodrive P1 may have had a quick run in the consciousness of auto enthusiasts, but the British firm still made quite an impression on about 300 Subaru Impreza P1s. So much so that all 300 of them showed up at Prodrive’s headquarters in Banbury, England to celebrate what would have been the Prodrive P1’s 10th year anniversary. If you’re a little confused when asked to recall what the Prodrive P1 was, it was a collaboration between Richard Burns - a former WRC champ- and Subaru UK to make 1,000 tuned-up Imprezas that were all painted in the same Sonic Blue color scheme. They also all had the same upgrades, including an increased power to around 276 horsepower. They also carried many additional upgrade such as Recaro sports seats, six-pixton brakes, and alloy wheels. Despite only being in its formative years as an up-and-coming tuning brand, Prodrive P1 was surprisingly discontinued after a few years, leaving behind so much promise and potential on the table. Nevertheless, those who got to experience the skills of Prodrive first-hand all trooped to its company headquarters to pay homage to the company that made those Impreza P1s more awesome than they already were. Press Release after the jump Full story Video: How to install an iPad inside your carEver since Apple released the iPad, it was pretty much common knowledge that it would only be a matter of time before some genius car tuner would begin installing the iPad on some pimped-out ride. That car tuner, it turns out, is Scosche, which recently released something they’re calling, the "iKit", which, of course, is nothing more than an iPad installed on a car. In this video, Scosche shows us exactly how they were able to install an iPad into the dash of a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. We’re not quite certain how smart it is to be using an iPad when you’re behind the wheel of a 305-horsepower sports car, but that’s not really the foremost concern of the boys from Scosche, whose only objective, we believe, is to get people so interested in having an iPad installed in their cars that they’re going to call these guys to do it for them. Either way, the whole idea of having an iPad inside a car bothers us for the same safety reasons concerning Oprah and her "No Phone Zone" campaign. Now that America is trying its hardest to send the message regarding the dangers of texting while driving, here comes the genius idea of installing an iPad inside a car, which if you ask us, could poise a bigger problem for inattentive drivers out there on the road. Putting the safety issue aside, temporarily, Scosche does provide a clean install for the iPad with an attractive car mount eliminating the need for the driver’s radio. If only drivers would be concerned enough for their safety as well as the safety of others to only use this contraption while the vehicle is not in motion. Something tells us that is not going to happen so we will have to stick to our guns in saying that installing an iPad in a car is just plain dumb. 2011 Subaru WRX STi Sedan caught in the wild
Thanks to one of our addicted reader, we just received the first shot of the 2011 Subaru WRX Sti sedan in the wild. Looks like the car is parked in a warehouse, most likely awaiting the delivery truck that will bring her rightful owner. This is a big news for all Subaru fans out there, who are still wondering what happened to their beloved 4 door sedan Sti. Let’s hope this is the return of the ultra aggressive Subaru’s as we used to love them back in the days, before the Mitsubishi Evo came to bring down the king of AWD sports cars. Keep in mind that the glorious return of the STi sedan in 2010 comes with a big push for the wide body. Indeed, all the WRX, even without the STi mojo under the hood will all come with the extra body kit. Too bad as we were BIIIG fans of the regular narrow body / stealth 2009 WRX. At least, we hope that Subaru will not stab in the back the left foot heavy who are spending the extra $ on the real Sti, by selling the STi badge as a $5 option on the WRX model! Thanks to Robbie Tigan for the tip. 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Performance Pack
Subaru UK announced that the Impreza WRX and WRX STI models will receive a new Prodrive Performance Pack valued £3200 for nothing, zero, zilch, nada. The package includes: a tweaked ECU and high-flow sports exhaust and 18-inch alloy wheels. This porformance pack is very similar to the 1999 Performance Pack added to the Subaru Impreza RB5 for a price of £2,500 which also included a tweaked ECU and sports exhaust system, but no new wheels. With these updates the WRX delivers a total of 265HP and 390Nm of torque, and the STI a total of 330HP and 470Nm of torque. As a result, the WRX makes the 0-62mph sprint in 5.9 seconds and the WRX STI in 4.8 seconds. In addition to these new offerings, Subaru has thrown another piece of good news our way. They have announced that the basic WRX’s price has been reduced by £95. Press release after the jump. Full story Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C Gains 2010 FIA Group N Homologation
After two decades of participation and six WRC titles, Subaru pulled itself from the World Rally Championship at the end of its 2008 season. Subaru fans everywhere could not imagine the WRC without their beloved Subaru and held on to the hopes that the brand would reconsider. Now, after only about a year and a half, Subaru lovers everywhere can rejoice in the comeback of the brand. Subaru announced today that the Impreza WRX STI Spec C gained the official Group N Homologation certificate from FIA and will compete in the Rallye Deutschland of Production World Rally Championship from August 22nd, 2010. The homologation certificate is a requirement to compete in any FIA-approved racing and rallying championship. The WRX STI spec C features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The ECU is upgraded right from the factory so the new ball bearing turbocharged DOHC 16 valve flat four EJ20 engine now delivers 308 HP and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Spec C comes complete with an aluminum hood, smaller battery, lighter windows, and some new 18 inch alloy wheels. Press release after the jump. Full story Video: Subaru Impreza WRX STI first commercialToday, Subaru released the first promotional video for the new Impreza WRX STI sedan unveiled this month at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The commerical is about two minutes long and features a repetitive cycle of black Imprezas in a black tunnel with different colored laser lights flashing on the screen. The techno music chanting in the background turns this commercial into a video that ought to be shown on a big screen at a nightclub. Good commercial, bad commercial, you decide. Regardless, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is one sweet-looking car. The 2011 Impreza WRX STI comes with a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball, higher-rate springs for both front and rear suspensions, and spring rates increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear. The car sits on 18-inch aluminum wheels featuring high-luster paint. | Subaru Impreza latest reviews:Find us on Facebook | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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