LA Auto Show 2007: 2008 Subaru WRX STI priced at $34,995

The Subaru Impreza STI just made its North American debut, and for those of us here in the States, life is good. Just like the JDM version, the STI benefits from a wider track and a longer wheelbase, but power is provided by Subaru’s 2.5-liter boxer four making 305 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. The sprint to sixty will be dispatched in 4.9 seconds, and Subie execs are touting the engine’s new torque characteristics as more tractable and effortlessly exciting. Aluminum suspension components partner with inverted struts to keep all four wheels planted and providing motivation, while a redesigned DCCD allows drivers to select six different differential settings.

Pricing has been set at $34,995 and Subaru began taking orders today. Check out Subaru’s official press release after the jump and our gallery of high-res live shots below.

                                                            2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

SUBARU LAUNCHES NEXT-GENERATION IMPREZA WRX STI• All-New Platform with Competition-Inspired 5-Door Body
• 305-HP Intercooled / Turbocharged Boxer Engine
• New Multi-Mode




DCCD All-Wheel Drive

System and VDC
• New Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension and 18-Inch Wheels

LOS ANGELES. – Subaru of America, Inc. debuts the all-new 2008 Impreza WRX STI today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The ultimate performance Subaru is powered by a 305-horsepower Boxer engine and features a new level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control. The 2008 WRX STI is built exclusively as an aggressively styled wide-fender 5-door model with a design strongly influenced by the brand’s competition heritage.

The 2008 WRX STI is the third-generation of the rally-bred supercar, which Subaru of America first launched to the

U.S. market in 2004. Developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the WRX STI features an exclusive engine, drivetrain, suspension and interior.The WRX STI’s revised 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged Boxer engine, now with Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS), produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm, a gain of 12 over the previous model. The 290 lb.-ft. torque peak is the same as before but arrives at 4,000 rpm, which is 400 rpm earlier, for better response. Significantly, the more powerful 2008 WRX STI achieves the very stringent Bin 5 Tier 2-Federal (EPA) and LEV2-California Tier 2/Bin 5 emissions certification.The Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) version of

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

– which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI – takes driver-controlled response to another level for 2008. The DCCD system now offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to the six manual differential-locking settings. For the first time, the DCCD AWD system integrates the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, also with three driver-selectable positions.
The 2008 WRX STI offers five-spoke 18 x 8.5-inch wheels as standard. Also available are optional 18 x 8.5 in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels. All 18-in. wheels wear Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 tires.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

New side-curtain airbags are standard, and the new Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
Even with the new, roomier 5-door body, special chassis reinforcements, new double-wishbone rear suspension and added safety features, the 2008 WRX STI (with the available BBS wheel package) weighs just 22 lbs. more than the 2007 WRX STI sedan. In addition, the 2008 WRX STI offers the added refinement instilled throughout the next-generation Impreza model line that was introduced for 2007.The new suspension with special STI tuning along with the stiffer platform give the 2008 WRX STI the agile responses that have made this model a performance superstar. At the same time, the new WRX STI exhibits a more refined demeanor on any road. The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The braking system is enhanced in the new 2008 WRX STI with slightly larger rotors.

The bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, along with the rear gate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects, give the new WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional. The standard high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams use manual height adjusters. Fog light insert covers add to the no-nonsense look, and fog lights are included with the BBS wheel option package.

Standard amenities include an automatic climate control system with cabin air filtration; a standard AM/FM premium stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers, plus a vehicle security system with engine immobilizer. The Radio Broadcast Data System can display a variety of information, including a song’s title and artist. For the first time, the WRX STI is available with an optional navigation system, which integrates a vehicle information center. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. The WRX STI comes pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the

United States. Subaru is the only car company that offers
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

as standard equipment on every vehicle in its model line. Subaru, WRX, Impreza and STI are registered trademarks of Subaru of America, Inc.

More about 2007 LA Motor Show:
+   LA Auto Show 2007: US-spec 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution lands
+   LA Auto Show 2007: Surf’s up! Suzuki SX4 Makai concept
  2007 LA Motor Show: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490
+   LA Auto Show 2007: Lexus IS-F gets FiveAxified
+   LA Motor Show 2007: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG stateside debut
+   LA Auto Show 2007: Audi Cabriolet Quattro Concept
+   LA Motor Show 2007: Chevy Beat concept tops public polls and will go into production
+   LA Auto Show 2007: Honda unwraps the 2009 FCX Clarity!
+   Spy Shots: Hyundai RWD Coupe caught on floor of LA Auto Show 2007
+   2007 Los Angeles Auto Show:Jaguar’s stylish new XF sedan
+   LA Auto Show 2007 Preview: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR drops
+   2007 LA Auto Show: 2009 Nissan Murano pics hit the forums
+   2007 L.A. Show Preview Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe
+   Ford Mustang Bullitt to Debut at 2007 LA Auto Show
+   2007 LA Auto Show: Acura shows drawings of a future fuel cell Le Mans racer
+   2007 Los Angeles Motor Show Preview: Quick test drive in BMW 535d


More Excellent Articles like


LA Auto Show 2007: 2008 Subaru WRX STI priced at $34,995


Pay Attention to Auto Fans


Recent Auto Articles


Comments are closed.