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2011 Subaru STI


 Disclaimer: This is a preview of an upcoming Subaru model. It is not currently available at the dealership

2011 Subaru WRX STI

Rally Car Roots - Subaru Dependability



The STi may be a variation of the Subaru Impreza WRX lineup, but in reality it is in a class by itself. Nearly every major mechanical system is unique to this model. The STi's acceleration times match those delivered by exotic sports cars such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The Subaru WRX STi is the sporty, fast model within the Impreza lineup. It offers peak performance and is only available as a hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission. The 2011 WRX STi is without a doubt a true sports car, yet at the same time it offers niceties such as automatic air conditioning, two 12-volt power outlets and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls as standard equipment; making it a sports car you could easily drive every day. The 2011 WRX STi is the sportiest Impreza, competing with the Mazdaspeed3 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. STi stands for Subaru Technica International, the high-performance division that made the WRX famous through considerable success in the World Rally Championship, and the consumer version of the STi is basically a street legal version of the rally car. The STi offers the driver the ultimate control in driving performance and style.  Nothing is controlled by the vehicle itself; instead everything is selected by the driver. The STi, along with the rest of the WRX models got a complete redesign for 2008.  The new generation is larger, higher performing, and better on mileage.  For 2011, minimal changes are expected, staring MSRP will be $34,995 - $34,995.  The STi gets a fuel economy of 17/23 mpg (city/hwy).

2011 WRX STI Design


This is the raciest looking WRX of all, particularly with the optional forged, thin-spoke BBS wheels. The WRX STi got a new grill for the 2010 model year, along with its other Impreza siblings; this Subaru model has a still fresh look, especially with its clear lens taillights with red LEDs. While there are Impreza sedan models available, the WRX STI is only available as a hatchback. 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires are standard. The STi has an aluminum hood, which reduces weight in front and helps distribute the car's mass more evenly over the front and rear wheels. The engine now sits slightly lower in the chassis, and that helps lower the overall center of gravity. It's a noteworthy consideration in a car designed to maximize performance. Its fenders bulge more prominently than those on the other WRX models to stretch over its extra-wide tires, and all its various vents and air deflectors are functional. Its working air scoop flows smoothly into the hood, and the integrated spoiler above its rear glass is less obvious than the previous generation.

Powering the 2011 STI


This model only comes with the six-speed manual transmission. It is driven by 305-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 290 pounds-feet of torque, and get standard all-wheel drive. To plant all that power, Subaru utilizes a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) system, which claims to be the world's only hybrid mechanical/electronic limited-slip differential. This WRX continues Subaru's tradition of horizontally opposed engines, meaning the cylinders are laid flat with the pistons on each side moving in opposite directions (same as the engines in Porsche's sports cars). One of the advantages is compact size, and the prospect of installing the engine low in the car. Flat-four engines have a distinctive, loping vibration pattern that can quickly be distinguished by motorheads. Like all WRX models, the STi is equipped with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Driving the STI


For 2011, the Subaru trademark All-wheel drive remains standard. This model is by far the fastest, with its 305-horsepower, and is, of course, the priciest.   It's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The suspension is tuned to have high-rate springs, large-diameter stabilizer bars and dedicated damping force tuning for sharper handling response. Unlike the standard WRX, which takes care of just about everything for the driver, leaving the choices to the computer chip, the STi, lets the driver sort through a bunch of options using a series of buttons on the center console. One STi feature, called SI-Drive, allows a choice of three maps for the electronic throttle, ranging from commute grade to extra aggressive. This allows the driver to control how much the engine accelerates with a given movement of the gas pedal: smooth, mild response to big dips on the pedal, or major acceleration with small dips. The VDC also offers choices: Standard, Off, and Performance, which allows enough wheel slip to slide the car but still tries to gather things up if it gets too sloppy.

Inside the '11 WRX STI


Over the past few years wheelbase has increased nearly four inches on the STi, to 103.3 inches overall, while width has increased more than two inches. In general, the larger exterior dimensions translate to more room inside the car. The WRX Sti will come standard with aluminum-alloy pedal covers, including one for the driver's footrest. Also inside this supped out Impreza, one will find carbon-black cloth performance seats with red stitching, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter with red stitching.  Optional is a 10-speaker surround-sound system and a power tilt/slide glass moonroof. The STi is equipped comparably to the standard WRX with Premium package. The hatchback STi model adds nearly 70 percent more cargo capacity, a rear-window wiper and a split/folding rear seat.   

Conclsuions

The 2011 Subaru WRX STi features a striking exterior that understates this cars very real performance credentials. It is a fun and powerful car to drive.  It outshines all other Impreza by a wide margin, at least in performance. The STi is loaded with safety technology.  These include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, front-seat active head restraints, and a tire-pressure monitor. Traction control, ABS, electronic stability control, Brake Assist, and Incline Start Assist are also standard.  Options for the 2011 STi include forged, 18-inch BBS wheels, in gold or silver, and a Navigation package that includes the navigation system, BBS wheels, and leather upholstery. While its roots rest in the smallest car line Subaru sells in the United States, the STi's price, performance and reputation make it a flagship of the company's lineup.