DCAWD.com

better, but it reeeeeally looks like a ford focus hatch.

Mr Kleen wrote:nice wheels; I don't mind that it's a hatchback; I DO mind that it's an ugly hatchback.

{Our Gang}Aaand Howwww{/Our Gang}

Sorry, got my numbers wrong earlier.

Both are est. to get 0-60 in 4.5secs and 1/4 mile in 12.5secs.

Those times are very good considering the power level of only 320/320.

Basically, you are starting off w/ a car that is already just a bit past an older stage 2 STi in terms of power/speed. Very nice.

sirwilliam wrote:Basically, you are starting off w/ a car that is already just a bit past an older stage 2 STi in terms of power/speed. Very nice.

in my eyes, this is more proof that power/speed isn't everything.

Mr Kleen wrote:

sirwilliam wrote:Basically, you are starting off w/ a car that is already just a bit past an older stage 2 STi in terms of power/speed. Very nice.

in my eyes, this is more proof that power/speed isn't everything.

No, but it sure would be nice to do those numbers right out of the box. Of course these are estimates (which I am not sure if were shown first hand or just told to R&T staff). The R&T staff seem to be more conservative on their performance numbers which match the real world a little better than other magazine performance numbers...but we will have to wait and see for another head to head after the cars are actually on the market. The good thing is that manufacturers are required to lower emissions and improve fuel economy each year so if we are getting this performance, then we are getting the improved fuel economy for that power compared to an older model pushing the same power level (or at least one that gets the same times).

Wow, I am actually be optimistic whereas I have normally been pessimistic. Good for me! <Pat on the back>

Oh and here is the Road & Track article

sirwilliam wrote:The good thing is that manufacturers are required to lower emissions and improve fuel economy each year so if we are getting this performance, then we are getting the improved fuel economy for that power compared to an older model pushing the same power level (or at least one that gets the same times).

Not exactly. Auto makers are required to achieve an increased average fuel economy across their entire line of vehicles, weighted by sales numbers.

That means that a company such as Subaru can produce an STI with horrible fuel economy as long as they sell a boat-load of high-mileage base model Imprezas to bring the average in line with CAFE standards.

And even if they don't meet that average, they can earn other waivers to avoid fines from the government. Hell, the American companies have been failing CAFE standards for decades and haven't paid a dime in penalties. They've gotten quite good at using loopholes and "favors" instead of improving their cars' fuel economy.

So be careful in assuming that the fuel economy is better just because it's a new model.

--Alan

Definitely a lot better looking than the WRX pictures i've seen. And i'm with Mr. Kleen... i don't mind a hatch... but it's an UGLY hatch and those tail lights and all that chrome are hideous.

But... like the 2006 body style i have a feeling it will grow on me, especially once i see it in person AND especially if they offer some way to fix those tail lights.

MikeO wrote:Definitely a lot better looking than the WRX pictures i've seen. And i'm with Mr. Kleen... i don't mind a hatch... but it's an UGLY hatch and those tail lights and all that chrome are hideous.

But... like the 2006 body style i have a feeling it will grow on me, especially once i see it in person AND especially if they offer some way to fix those tail lights.

Yeah, those taillights have to go. Maybe a good "smoke" rockblocker film will help.

Supposedly Real 2008 WRX STI Pics:


LINKY




I like it...aside from the rear taillights.

Yay! No chrome!

Boo! Hatchback!

sirwilliam wrote:Supposedly Real 2008 WRX STI Pics:


LINKY




I like it...aside from the rear taillights.

those aren't supposedly real, they're "best-guess" artistic speculations.

Dec of this year is when it's coming out (aka, available at the dealerships). The above isn't that bad actually Looks like it would be tough to put some more rubber under there though.

that looks like a fine WRX replacement, a $25K auto. that does NOT look like a $32k STi, not to me anyway.
certainly not when the BMW 1 series is coming to the US with the TT inline 6 and a better power to weight than the last gen M3 for $30k...

^^^ Ya, I saw that in Autoweek or C&D.... can't remember which... in any case, the M1... I mean 135 is looking nice

Sabre wrote:^^^ Ya, I saw that in Autoweek or C&D.... can't remember which... in any case, the M1... I mean 135 is looking nice

Yep, the BMW 135 is a very nice choice except for a couple of things:
1. Modability: Have you ever priced aftermarket performance parts for a BMW? Be prepared to be raped, and raped painfully!
2. Quality: Yes, BMWs fit and finish is very good and they are very luxurious, but if you follow Consumer Reports you will note that BMW's quality ratings are on a downward slide, almost as bad as Mercedes.
3. Engine Management: Give up any hopes of modifying or working with BMW's ECU, or tricking it if you want to remove cats or get around sensors.
4. Serviceability: BMW has recently started to remove the owners' access to do they're own maintainence. They no longer put dipsticks to check oil levels or gearbox oil. The only way to check it is to drain it. BMWs are also nefarious for needing "special" tools for the simplest tasks.
5. Cost of Ownership: While it may be close to what a STI will cost at purchase, in the long run you can expect to pay a significant amount of money beyond the STI in little things over the years of ownership. Look at any 5 year cost of ownership of any BMW (as opposed to any japanese model) and you will note the obvious difference.

^^^ Wow, UNBELIEVABLE about the mait. and such..... the cost.. well, that's just the cost of ownership Porsche intakes cost ridiculous amounts compared to ours, it's the price you pay for owning one of those (suckers!)

yeah, I hear ya Doc. but nothing in your [as usual, excellent] post makes the new Impreza look any better...

Mr Kleen wrote:yeah, I hear ya Doc. but nothing in your [as usual, excellent] post makes the new Impreza look any better...

Indeed, if you don't like the looks than everything else can be meaningless. Case in point, I just recently saw an S3 and I a was smitten! It's a very sexy hatch!

How about this concept?



Dead Sexy!!!

nice photochop, but no.

when is the actual STi supposed to be shown to the public?

Mr Kleen wrote:nice photochop, but no.

when is the actual STi supposed to be shown to the public?

No, I know that wasn't what is coming out but just showing how sweet it looks. If subaru would make an STi like that, they'd be selling like hotcakes!

The real deal won't be out in public until this fall. I am pretty sure it will look just like the last photo I posted. It is up in the air as to what wheels they will go w/ but I think it will look basically like the one that was published in R&T and won't be very far off from that.

sirwilliam wrote:How about this concept?

(other than the rice stickArzZz)

Wouldn't it be freakin' sweet if that was what the final product was and they were just messing w/ the public and Mitsubishi w/ that other published shot?

sirwilliam wrote:Wouldn't it be freakin' sweet if that was what the final product was and they were just messing w/ the public and Mitsubishi w/ that other published shot?

I live by this thread every day. I like the photo-chop.