Category Archives: Google+

2015 Subaru WRX STI vs. 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

2015-subaru-wrx-sti-vs-2004-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-feature-car-and-driver-photo-659390-s-original

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2015-subaru-wrx-sti-vs-2004-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-feature

Car & Driver pits the 2015 and 2004 Subaru WRX STIs against each other, finding that although there’s more than 10 years of development between them, they’re still awfully similar in performance.

This was a great read.  As well, the article comments can give reader insight (or laughs).

Enjoy!


Ford Focus RS – 345 HP?!


The juicy tidbits:

The Volkswagen Golf R? The Subaru WRX STI? Ford rooster-tails sand in their faces with the announcement that the awesome new Focus RS will make a staggering 345 horsepower from its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The VW packs 292 horsepower, the STI 305.

Ford claimed “more than 315 horsepower” when it first detailed the car in February, and this announcement more than fulfills that promise. The word comes ahead of the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Ford rally driver and RS development consultant Ken Block will run the all-wheel-drive superhatch up the hill.

Also confirmed: the RS’s torque figure, which comes in at 325 lb-ft between 2000 and 4500 rpm. An overboost function allows for a maximum of 347 lb-ft for up to 15 seconds when the driver’s right foot is buried against the firewall. (For further comparison, the Golf R peaks at 280 lb-ft and the STI at 290.) The EcoBoost’s rev limiter cuts in at 6800 rpm.

People continue to harp that this is more than the Subaru WRX STI.  Yes it is…that’s extremely obvious.  But there are some things that Subaru has going for it’s flagship.

The WRX STI will be a LOT cheaper and less limited, production-wise.

As well, the Subaru offers true AWD.  Having 100% power directed to the rears or fronts means that the car isn’t really AWD.  Yes, such a system gives better fuel economy, but I highly doubt it’s going to be as agile in inclement weather with such a system.  Subaru’s AWD technology is very much second-to-none when compared to  all cars in it’s category and several outside of it’s genre.

Resale value will be another item to ponder with the Focus RS, even with it being sold in limited qualities, will they retain value as well as Subaru’s STIs?  Blue Book value one a 2011 Subaru WRX STI that was sold at $32,000 can be between $24,500 and $29,500 (low price being rough value and high price being excellent condition value)…that’s on a 4-year old JAPANESE make.  In my opinion, that’s extreme value retainment for a car that isn’t really considered a limited edition model (they are sold in limited quantities but are not limited to such low counts as to be considered a limited edition model).  The Focus RS may retain value just as well or even better, but only because it would be an actual limited production car, which probably makes comparing resale an apples/oranges comparison.

Subaru’s aftermarket is HUGE…much larger than Ford’s Focus aftermarket.  The Focus may have better modification potential due to it’s more modern engine, but it’s a bit difficult to compare modification potential objectively since the technology between the two engines are so different.  I doubt the Focus RS aftermarket will top Subaru’s, since the car will be sold in limited numbers.

There’s no doubt the Focus will be the better car, but that’ doesn’t mean the STI will become irrelevant.  Ford will have to prove it’s better…on racing circuits and in video and e-zine reviews…not just on paper.  And, again, there’s a drastic difference between the two cars.  The Focus RS would better compare to the Mercedes CLA-45 AMG (which is a front-biased AWD car with 350-HP from a turbocharged inline-four — it has much more in common with the Ford Focus RS than a Subaru WRX STI).

Subaru STI & Fuel Consumption


I thought this was a pretty cool read. I’ve been seeing a lot of guys complaining about the fuel consumption of their STIs lately…I’m wondering if it’s due to the influx of “new blood” (ie, owners that are new to sports cars and have just purchased an STI) or hipster activists (which Subaru tends to attract). But the gist of the article is, why buy a sports car of this caliber and complain about it’s fuel consumption?

I decided to embed the Google+ post vs. posting the URL…it’s more eye-catching.

Enjoy the read!

Standing Mile: 2015 STI and 2014 Porsche Cayman

I saw the below on Google+, posted by Automobile Magazine.

Note that these two cars aren’t really comparable (they both use horizontally-opposed engines but it’s a stretch to think that they’re related in any sense). As well, the STI’s AWD advantage is nullified by the fact that this is a standing mile competition…the distance is far too long for AWD to be a definitive factor. Also, even though the Cayman is down 25 HP, it weighs 300-lb less while also being 2-wheeled, which means there’s less parasitic drivetrain loss (more of its power is making it to the ground in comparison to the STI).

These two cars only have one thing in common: horizontally-opposed engines. Well, there’s one other thing they share…they both ran the exact same standing mile completion time.

It’s fun to watch as long as the viewers realize that neither of these two cars are designed for drag racing.

Subaru UK to attempt to set new lap record at Isle of Man TT course

 

https://plus.google.com/114005208860575868874/posts/VsXChe47HPc

+Subaru UK has announced plans to attempt to set a new lap record at the Isle of Man TT course with the 2015 #WRX #STI.

Set to be driven by British rally champion Mark Higgins, the model will attempt beat the previous record of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds. That particular record was set by Higgins in the previous-generation WRX STI in 2011.

As a refresher, the 2015 WRX STI has turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 227kw and 393nm of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

While Subaru says the car is a standard production model, it will be equipped with retuned springs and dampers to “minimize any potential damage when the car encounters the many bumps – and jumps – at high speed along the course.” The model will also be outfitted with a roll-cage, a racing harness and a fire suppression system.

According to Higgins, “Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career – Bray Hill certainly added to the thrill! As a Manxman, I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honor to attempt a new fastest car lap.” (WorldCarFans)

GT86 with 2JZ engine – Quarter-mile run


I saw this on G+ and when I read the initial caption, I immediately said to myself, that’s not a GT86…

It is, but in shell only, as it has a 2JZ engine (Toyota Supra). When you start swapping engines, your car is no longer what it once was.

As well, the video was rather boring…it had two minutes of fat that shoudld’ve been trimmed by the author (mostly drag strip posturing/posing). The car ran a low 10-sec quarter-mile, but I expected it to, with a modified 2JZ.