The WRX STI is loosely based on the body of the Impreza, Subaru's most compact car. Other than that, they are totally different; and on top of that, the STI is another step up from the regular WRX. Do you get the feeling that Subaru likes the sturdiness of the Impreza body style?
I thought I knew about the STI and after the first day, I was starting to think that the performance side of things was a bit overrated. Handling on the other hand was impressive. With little effort, I was able to do entrance ramp-like corners at speeds that could get me arrested going in a straight line.
If there were road irregularities, the suspension sopped them up with only a bit of tire thumping. Larger imperfections did cause a bit of noise inside and if you did happen to take a pothole straight on, the noise that came to the inside could convince you that you had just destroyed a wheel. I know, it scared me the first time. The broad Dunlop SP Sport 600s put down a large footprint and the converse of way too much traction is a bit of noise on the road.
On my second day of driving, I found the horsepower switch. It is hidden in Subaru's SI-Drive. This system is an integral part of the Engine Control Module (ECM) and provides three distinct modes of vehicle performance. Intelligent mode uses a more relaxed throttle tip-in and restricts peak power somewhat. Subaru claims this is a good mode for winter use or for commutes. Next up was the Sport mode and this mode picks up the throttle response a bit, but still gives you the time to enjoy the scenery.
If you give the SI button a twist to the right, into Sport Sharp mode, be prepared to hang on. Throttle tip-in, the power curve and injection system in this 2.5-litre motor all go to maximum performance mode. In this setting, boost will reach an atmosphere of pressure (14.7 psi) and horsepower peaks at 305.
From here, other specialized systems such as the DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) come into play. DCCD AWD has four modes that shifts the torque from front to rear in different proportions.
 |
| The WRX STI is loosely based on the body of the Impreza. |
I thought I knew about the STI and after the first day, I was starting to think that the performance side of things was a bit overrated. Handling on the other hand was impressive. With little effort, I was able to do entrance ramp-like corners at speeds that could get me arrested going in a straight line.
If there were road irregularities, the suspension sopped them up with only a bit of tire thumping. Larger imperfections did cause a bit of noise inside and if you did happen to take a pothole straight on, the noise that came to the inside could convince you that you had just destroyed a wheel. I know, it scared me the first time. The broad Dunlop SP Sport 600s put down a large footprint and the converse of way too much traction is a bit of noise on the road.
On my second day of driving, I found the horsepower switch. It is hidden in Subaru's SI-Drive. This system is an integral part of the Engine Control Module (ECM) and provides three distinct modes of vehicle performance. Intelligent mode uses a more relaxed throttle tip-in and restricts peak power somewhat. Subaru claims this is a good mode for winter use or for commutes. Next up was the Sport mode and this mode picks up the throttle response a bit, but still gives you the time to enjoy the scenery.
If you give the SI button a twist to the right, into Sport Sharp mode, be prepared to hang on. Throttle tip-in, the power curve and injection system in this 2.5-litre motor all go to maximum performance mode. In this setting, boost will reach an atmosphere of pressure (14.7 psi) and horsepower peaks at 305.
From here, other specialized systems such as the DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) come into play. DCCD AWD has four modes that shifts the torque from front to rear in different proportions.
 |
| If you give the SI button a twist to the right, into Sport Sharp mode, be prepared to hang on. |