Subaru rumor mill...

[Sabre]

Ok, it's not a rumor from any source, it's my thinking Feel free to add rumors as you come across them!

The STI and the WRX have gotten closer and closer as time has gone on. Even though the transmission in the STI can handle a lot more power and has better diffs, it is hard to justify the price premium. With that being said, I think we'll see a couple of things soon:

The STI will weigh less than the WRX
The STI will get a Direct Injected motor, probably based on the heads from the BRZ
Because of the above, the STI will make a good bit more HP
Possible change to variable vein turbo's or a twin scroll setup
Change in location of the turbo (kind of already happened)

Thoughts?

[PGT]

the LGT-style setup is key. Add in DI and you've got the recipe for VW/Audi type output and fuel efficiency. 300ft/lbs at 2k rpm; yes pls.

[FreddyG]

dont think the wrx with ever out weight the sti, but that would be awesome if it did
I do think this new brz concept will bring about a big transition to the wrx/sti i feel that too

[Mr Kleen]

With the added difs and the 6 speed I would be very surprised if the STi weighed less than the WRX.

[zaxrex]

Don't forget about the STi brakes and wheels.
Bigger calipers, discs, and wheels.

Plus, that often maligned wing.

[Sabre]

The added weight of all the components above could be offset by a lighter hood, roof, and various other materials. I think if they really want to make the STI worth it, they are going to have to start doing these things.

[drwrx]

The STI will weigh less than the WRX (unlikely, as some of the things that will set the STi apart from the WRX will add weight; diff, brakes, tranny, suspension bits, etc.)

The STI will get a Direct Injected motor, probably based on the heads from the BRZ (my guess is both will have very similar DI motors)

Possible change to variable vein turbo's or a twin scroll setup (I suspect the STi will have a better/ bigger twin scroll turbo, whereas the WRX will get a smaller/single scroll unit. Don't expect varible vein, that is some pricey tech)

[chicken n waffles]

dont think the wrx with ever out weight the sti, but that would be awesome if it did
I do think this new brz concept will bring about a big transition to the wrx/sti i feel that too

concur. the extra weight from the additional diffs, not to mention the 6-speed = chunkier. subaru would have to either pour lots of capital into a separate assembly line for a new body style OR use lightweight ($$$) body components, neither of which i see subaru doing now or ever to the sti.

[Sabre]

The 2006 STI weighs approximately 3,350 lb.

For the 2006 WRX's, this is the weight:
3,140 lb for the WRX TR
3,192 lb for the WRX
3,240 lb for the WRX Limited.

210lbs is a good bit to take off of the STI, I agree, but I think it's possible for the markup they are charging.

[FreddyG]

Sabre anythings always possible with money but look at the current 2011s out, the price on the new stis is pretty high as is now imagine what the price would be with subaru threw on lightweight materials and made it standard. Look at it from a company stand point they provide a great car and want to sell as many as they can for more profit, now what i could possibly see is maybe a package for the sti added that could be added on for those who want a lighter car, kinda like honda did with the s2000 cr.

[FreddyG]

so i guess its confirmed that the 2013 wrx and sti will have a 2.0 ltr fa20 turbo
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1068 ... ful-report
I'm just wondering what kind of power its going to have stock, vs the 2.5, and how much power you can squeeze out of it. I may be considering to trade in my '11 for the '13 if it promises a little better gas mileage and just appeals to me more. That direct injection is sexy.

[complacent]

i've thought that subaru has been behind the direct injection wave for a few years now. i'll be very excited to see it implemented with forced induction and three diffs.

[Raven]

See Audi S4

[avriette]

See Audi S4

hint: curb weight

[Mr Kleen]

i've thought that subaru has been behind the direct injection wave for a few years now. i'll be very excited to see it implemented with forced induction and three diffs.

The only thing I'd be worried about is fueling issues if you wanted to do a turbo swap. BMW tuners are doing some involved stuff to overcome the limitations of the DI system in the 135/335 for extreme power junkies like someone we know.

[Raven]

i've thought that subaru has been behind the direct injection wave for a few years now. i'll be very excited to see it implemented with forced induction and three diffs.

The only thing I'd be worried about is fueling issues if you wanted to do a turbo swap. BMW tuners are doing some involved stuff to overcome the limitations of the DI system in the 135/335 for extreme power junkies like someone we know.

This has always been my concern since they started with DI.

[Mr Kleen]

Mine as well. That said, the 135i fuel system can support enough mods to get up to near 400HP (just over 400 on the N54).
That's way more than enough for me.

[Raven]

eee-nough? What is this e-nough you speak of?

[Mr Kleen]

eee-nough? What is this e-nough you speak of?

It's what you'd have if you bought a supercharger for the Miata.

[Raven]

eee-nough? What is this e-nough you speak of?

It's what you'd have if you bought a supercharger for the Miata.

You gotta pay to play. I can't pay, so I don't play.

[Sabre]

i've thought that subaru has been behind the direct injection wave for a few years now. i'll be very excited to see it implemented with forced induction and three diffs.

The only thing I'd be worried about is fueling issues if you wanted to do a turbo swap. BMW tuners are doing some involved stuff to overcome the limitations of the DI system in the 135/335 for extreme power junkies like someone we know.

I have no idea what you're talking about!

Interesting to see them switching/augmenting the DI with secondaries. Kind of takes away from the advantages of a DI setup though. I'm surprised that they are hitting limitations with the DI setup's. Seems a couple of things could over come the problems:
Increase fuel pressure (Yes, I am aware that these things run RIDICULOUS pressure to begin with)
Increase the time the injector is open (these things operate very quickly, so even increasing that time a little should lead to large increases.)
Replace the injectors (Expensive? HELL YA. Worth it to keep DI? YEP!)

[Raven]

The advantages of DI is really only for steady state cruising where they run super lean. At full power they perform about the same as more traditional injector setups. DI is a have your cake and eat it too thing, fuel economy and power.

[avriette]

This has always been my concern since they started with DI.

I hate to be the one to say it, but you do realize that car mfg's don't produce cars with the intent to serve as a great platform for modifications, right? DI is great technology and not the problem. If they wanted to make more power, they would.

I think the BMW 1 folks' approach with the supplemental injectors (although I think adding the meth injectors was a great idea and it looks like they dropped it) is the right way to go.

On the other hand, we'll probably see companies like RC making DI injectors tuned to your application soon enough. With the oncoming wave of turbocharging and DI, it's bound to happen.

[avriette]

The advantages of DI is really only for steady state cruising where they run super lean. At full power they perform about the same as more traditional injector setups. DI is a have your cake and eat it too thing, fuel economy and power.

atomization, swirl, etc. it's not just about splurting fuel into the combustion chamber.

[Mr Kleen]

That setup was for people in search of 800 horsepower. "Normal" tuners are using all the same tricks: increasing the injector cycles, water/meth injection, exhaust, intake, larger IC.