The new WRX STI

[F1GTR]

Subaru has unveiled the Japanese domestic specification version of its Model Year 2006 Impreza WRX STi.

It features new look front bumper, grille and headlights, using Subaru's design theme that draws on its origins as an aircraft maker.

The headlights are designed to project a sharper image and rear light clusters also feature a rounded design, complementing the headlight style.

Sweeping character lines run from the grille over the bonnet, highlighting the distinctive new style.

More details will be announced when the US specification Impreza is launched later this year or at the beginning of 2006.

Engine
Type: Flat-4, Turbocharged
Displacement cu in (cc): 121 (1994)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 280(206) / 6400
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 311(422) / 4400
Redline at RPM: 8000
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: n.a.
Driveline: All Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 174.3 × 67.8 × 55.6
Weight lb (kg): 3218 (1460)

I think it looks alright despite the new 'Family face'

 

[DuckRacer]

I call that butt-ugly.

 

[Joey D]

Why does subby change their designs so much? That has to be hell on the parts industry and the dealerships.

 

[eliseracer]

It doesn't look as bad as I thought it would. I think more people hate this than back when the bug-eyed Impreza was released (which I loved, for the record), though.

 

[VIPFREAK]

I've been seeing that Saab 9-2x version of the WRX and I have to say at this point I'd take one of them instead of this crap.

 

[Emohawk]

Well, of course. The 9-2x has always been the best looking Impreza

 

[angelboy52]

I prefered the current generation of WRXs and STis, the bug-eyed ones weren't that bad,though, at least they looked better than this thing! It reminds me of the Evo VIII with the pointy thing with Mitsubishi's emblem on it.

 

[McLaren'sAngel]

Hiya! Meow! (='.'=)

I think its kinda ugly. Where the emblem is placed in the front also needs to change...It looks like as if something else is suppose to go there.

 

[a6m5]

And I still think it looks cool! 👍

Why does subby change their designs so much? That has to be hell on the parts industry and the dealerships.

The parts would been "all new" anyway, so it shouldn't affect anything. It's not like they came up with 10 piece bumper cover or anything.

Well, of course. The 9-2x has always been the best looking Impreza

 

[Joey D]

The parts would been "all new" anyway, so it shouldn't affect anything. It's not like they came up with 10 piece bumper cover or anything.

I know that some dealers have parts on hand to get things done quicker, but with a ton of design changes you would have to keep more on hand.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Is the back the same? The front looks pretty good so far.

 

[a6m5]

I know that some dealers have parts on hand to get things done quicker, but with a ton of design changes you would have to keep more on hand.

That's the way it is with any new vehicle or all new designs. It's nothing special.

 

[VT]

The bumper looks like the offspring of an Alfa Romeo and a Saab. Ugh.

 

[a6m5]

The bumper looks like the offspring of an Alfa Romeo and a Saab. Ugh.

I love Alfa and Saab. Sounds like dream come true, huh?

 

[inferno]

Effective as of this moment, the 05 Subaru Impreza is worth it's weight in gold. I'm sorry, I'd rather be caught in a lancer at an STi fanboy convention than be caught driving this...thing.

 

[Duke]

I gotta say, this is one car that a body kit might improve.

 

[1X83Z]

Not bad. I wonder how many horsepower it will have in a real market like the USDM.

 

[Revheadnz]

It's not as bad as I thought it would be but still, that is pretty horrible. I've always staunchly supported Subarus over Evos but I might have to change my ways, I'm sure it's still a good car but sometimes even that isn't enough for me to get over the ugly new face.

 

[JNasty4G63]

Honestly, I don't think its that bad. I don't hate this as much as I hated the "bug-eye" when that first showed. And now, I don't mind those after seeing them so much. I'm sure this will grow on me just as much. Its not bad.

And really, the Impreza never was a really good looking car anyway. I mean, its a sedan with a huge scoop and a giant wing out back, of which it has 2 now. Even in '04-05 body styles, its not exactly "great" looking.

But thats not the point of the car. Its a performance machine, not a show car. The car is one of the best performing cars you can buy for $30k-ish. Same with the not-so-hot looking Evo. They aren't meant to be jaw droppers with their looks. They do the jaw dropping with their performance.

Hilg

 

[a6m5]

Honestly, I don't think its that bad. I don't hate this as much as I hated the "bug-eye" when that first showed. And now, I don't mind those after seeing them so much. I'm sure this will grow on me just as much. Its not bad.

And really, the Impreza never was a really good looking car anyway. I mean, its a sedan with a huge scoop and a giant wing out back, of which it has 2 now. Even in '04-05 body styles, its not exactly "great" looking.

But thats not the point of the car. Its a performance machine, not a show car. The car is one of the best performing cars you can buy for $30k-ish. Same with the not-so-hot looking Evo. They aren't meant to be jaw droppers with their looks. They do the jaw dropping with their performance.

Hilg

I agree with you, almost completely. I did like the design of the first Imprezas, however.

 

[Slicks]

Don't really like it. Mainly the grille and 'character lines' that come off the grille.

Need more angles, though.

EDIT - By "Need more angles", I mean more pictures, not more angles on the car.

 

[Fred.The.Baddie]

I'm pretty sure I heard that the 206kW power limit agreement was dropped recently; in that case, why are they still adhering to it?

 

[Appie]

its a pretty car

 

[[FPV]Rusty]

you would think a manufactuer would try to get some idea that the majority of the populous is not put off by certaint styling before they implement it in EVERY model in their lineup. The WRX is Not bad IMO, but i can definately see why some will be completely put off.

 

[Hell Raiser]

They keep changing it's looks,but bottom line is that the WRX-STI is a bad MOFO,with or without the damn grill

 

[F1GTR]

 

[Bocha]

http://meta.hitpops.jp/contents/public/10005085/M10031893.asx

Here's a vid of the new Impreza WRX STI. Tommi Mäkinen test the car.

Enjoy

EDIT: http://accessory.subaru.co.jp/impreza/gallery/index.html

Link to Customize STI Parts for the New Impreza.

 

[VIPFREAK]

[image]

Oy vey...

 

[HIGH ON LIFE]

Hmmm.....the nose of the car reminds me of some older car from the late 70's or 80's that has a grill split in 3 like that is and the middle part stuck out like that does and i never liked the old car it reminds me of.....also the back doesnt look like its changed at all...

 

[humbo]

I for one don't mind the styling one bit, except wtf at the extra roof spoiler.