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Subaru WRX STI - the Impreza model branding no longer applies to
the WRX.
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Subaru WRX STI released
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19th May, 2014
Subaru has launched the fourth generation of its high performance car,
the WRX STI, with a new price and aggressive new look.
Drivability and dynamics are at a whole new level, thanks to significant changes to body, chassis and suspension.
WRX STI is priced from $49,990*, an amazing $10,000 less than the superseded car.
This is despite a dramatic lift in standard equipment that includes:
- D-shaped steering wheel
- Multi-Function Display – includes turbo boost pressure display
- Push button start with smart key technology
- Entertainment system powering through harman kardon® speakers and amp
- Soft-touch interior
- Active torque vectoring
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Factory fitted satellite navigation
- Reversing camera
- Daytime Running Lights
- Dusk sensing LED headlights with halogen high-beam and rain sensing wipers
- Shark fin radio antenna
- Increased cabin space
- Dual-zone climate control air conditioning
It has a roomier interior, while the rear wing, 18-inch alloy wheels and STI badging differentiate it on the road.
However, in a first for WRX STI, customers can order it without the wing, as a no-cost delete option.
The bonnet scoop sits lower and wider, to benefit both efficiency and driver visibility.
It adds a driver’s knee airbag, reversing camera and even better visibility, with wing mirrors located on the doors,
reducing blind-spots.
WRX STI features Brembo brakes, distinguished visually by a white STI logo on the black painted callipers, while new
design 18-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels underline the car’s sporty credentials.
It has a turbocharged 2.5-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that produces 221 Kilowatts of power at 6,000 rpm
and 407 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The added ingredient of multi-mode Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) makes it a potent package, while the
addition of a turbo boost pressure gauge in the cabin Multi-Function Display highlights performance.
Active Torque Vectoring is also introduced on WRX STI as part of a comprehensive suite of Vehicle Dynamics Control
technologies.
WRX STI’s drivability was honed in development testing under demanding conditions in several countries, including
ultra-high speed road drives on Germany's challenging Nurburgring circuit. WRX STI will make its official motor sport
debut there in June.
New WRX STI achieves a new level of drivability thanks to symmetrical all-wheel drive, fully re-tuned suspension,
stiffened structure and quicker steering ratio.
Audio is taken to a new level with the introduction of an entertainment system that powers through harman kardon®
speakers, subwoofer and amplifier, with access via the satellite navigation screen.
Significantly greater use of high tensile steel produces both handling and safety benefits and combined with the
stiffer suspension, it means an even more thrilling WRX STI drive experience.
Push button start with smart key technology is also a new feature on WRX STI.
New generation Subaru WRX STI is available as a sedan-only with manual transmission.
Exterior
WRX STI boasts aggressive yet refined styling including new design 18-inch alloy wheels, with the option of
lightweight BBS wheels on the Premium variant.
It features a nose cone design with a dynamic, solid shape, housing Subaru's hexagonal grille, with a mesh treatment
unique to WRX STI, plus front, rear and side STI badging.
The new LED low-beam hawk eye headlights pair with the aggressive wide and low stance for which WRX STI is known.
For the first time, WRX STI features Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) too.
The base of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm forward, while the C-pillar smoothly transitions into the boot surface,
for a flowing silhouette.
External mirrors are mounted on the front door panels and a new quarter window added, offering improved visibility.
Front wing ducts and sharp side sill spoilers show off WRX STI’s sporty nature.
The rear design includes a diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual exhausts, emphasising the low centre of gravity
and driving performance.
Rear combination lights have a thin shape, highlighting vehicle width. LED rear and brake lights, plus the
high-mounted brake light, improve fuel efficiency by saving power.
Rear spoiler weight is reduced 0.3 kg, while it is raised 8.0 mm in height, aiding driver visibility.
WRX STI Premium variants, feature an electronic sunroof with a 25 mm greater opening, yet the motor and frame provide
a 0.4 kg weight saving.
Underneath, the large floor undercover is lowered 15 mm, aiding aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
New colours are WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Galaxy Blue Silica and Lightning Red.
Colours
- Crystal Black Silica
- Crystal White Pearl
- Dark Grey Metallic
- Galaxy Blue Silica
- Ice Silver Metallic
- Lightning Red
- WR Blue Pearl
Interior
New WRX STI has a completely new cabin that reflects its famed engineering credentials.
Red highlights throughout the cabin underline WRX STI’s sporty character.
Attention to detail includes the addition of a keyless access touch sensor. The door handle mechanism is also changed
to make operation easier.
For added convenience, door hinges are tilted forward, for lighter opening and easier access.
The rear door quarter window is integrated into the door, increasing access space.
New WRX STI’s cockpit includes carbon-type trim panels and metal-type accents.
The interior has a quality feel and red accents on seats, gear shift lever and centre instrument panel are exclusive
to WRX STI.
An illuminated STI logo is located ahead of the gear shifter, while the gear knob features a red shift pattern.
The SI-Drive selector and air conditioning controls also have red highlight rings.
WRX STI wheelbase is increased 25 mm to 2650 mm, aiding rear leg room. The cabin is also 15 mm wider, for better elbow
and shoulder room, without changing total body width.
Cargo capacity is significantly improved from the superseded sedan, up 40 litres to 460 l.The solid black trim
comprises quality materials that are soft to the touch.
The lower instrument panel and shoulder line also aid visibility, together with the reversing camera, which is
standard across the WRX STI range.
There is glove box space for the equivalent of 16 compact discs.
For the first time, WRX STI gets a sporty D-shaped steering wheel. The grip shape is easy to hold, with a small
diameter for improved response and tactile feedback, making for a more appealing drive.
It includes Multi-Information Display, audio and cruise control switches.
The steering wheel adds dimpled leather, satin plating and a distinctive STI centre logo.
Push button start with keyless entry is also introduced as standard.
Instrument gauges use a dual dial lay out, 3.5-inch full colour Multi-Function Display and aluminium rings, for
improved functionality - and a quality feel.
Red lighting adds to the performance aura, contrasted with the white needles.
And as another performance symbol, the Multi-Information Display includes a boost pressure display screen.
A shutter-type lid is added to WRX STI’s centre console, covering the dual cup holders.
Front and rear door openings are enlarged, making entry and exit much easier.
Boot space is expanded and made easier to use, thanks to fold-down rear seats with an opening and 60:40 split.
The side sills feature a stainless steel plate embossed with STI.
Sport Seats
The seats are designed for support – and the head restraints are embossed with an STI logo.The red-theme carries over
to the seat sides, plus air conditioner dial rings.
WRX STI features Alcantara fabric, with leather trim sides, while Premium variants add leather trim seats, with
perforated inserts.
The front seats have larger bolsters with separate tilt-adjustable head restraints.
Driver’s seat lift has greater travel, up 20 mm to 60 mm to aid visibility.
Slide travel on both front seats is increased 24 mm to 240 mm.
The backrest is 60 mm taller, for greater support.
WRX STI’s rear seats benefit from the 25 mm wheelbase increase, providing a roomier environment.
The hip point of rear-seat occupants is raised 20 mm, while retractable saddle-shaped head restraints minimise any
rear view obstruction.
Adding to WRX STI’s torsional rigidity, the rear seat side hinge is attached to both the body floor and side.
Front door armrests are longer and wider for added comfort, while sun visor vanity mirrors are now cloth-covered and
include lights.
The boot release is now electronic and includes a safety release inside the boot too.
Instruments
A 4.3-inch LCD Multi-Function Display (MFD) debuts in the upper centre of the instrument panel, for easy driver
visibility, providing a wide variety of colour information options including:
- Turbo boost pressure gauge
- Audio
- Calendar
- Fuel economy
- Eco evaluation
- Active safety (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
- Clock
- Outside temperature
- Self check
- Passenger seatbelt warning
- Air conditioning status
- SRS airbag indicator
- Reversing camera screen
The MFD switch is centrally located so both driver and front passenger can switch between displays and change
setting.
WRX STI’s new instrument cluster has a three-dimensional look, while offering a new level of information to the
driver. The red lighting and white needles of the dual metallic-type surround electroluminescent gauges add to the
sporty feel.
A 3.5-inch colour Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides a wide variety of information including:
- Driving time
- Digital speedometer
- Cruise
- Odometer, trip odometer
- Eco gauge
- SI-Drive status
Entertainment
WRX STI offers eight harman kardon® speakers, subwoofer and amplifier matched to the multi-information satellite
navigation system.
The system includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Among the harman kardon® highlights are:
- 440W eight-channel DSP processor/amplifier and nine speakers
- Metal Matrix Diaphragm speakers (MMD), using a metal base in the speaker cones
- Immediate sound with crystal clear high tones and less distortion in base tones
- Sound quality, sound field and vibration suppression tuned by harman kardon® engineers
- True sound reproduction 20Hz to 20KHz
- Distinctive bass sound quality fits car image
- Compensation for road noise based on vehicle speed information
- Mass damper added to vehicle body to suppress body vibration at high audio volumes
Chassis and Body
New WRX STI’s exclusively sedan body is more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.
Both body and suspension are stiffened, while optimised suspension geometry has quickened steering response and raised
the performance limit for cornering.
Active Torque Vectoring is added to the impressive suite of VDC technologies, for even more predictable and enjoyable
driving.
Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning have produced a flat, sporty, yet comfortable ride.
Steering is more precise, with a quickened steering gear ratio and more rigid steering system.
Steering
New WRX STI offers considerably sharper steering, with greater response and a more direct feel, all reflected in the
smaller diameter D-shaped steering wheel.
The hydraulic power assisted steering produces a natural feel, while also contributing to a 2.0 per cent improvement
in fuel efficiency.
It has a quicker steering ratio of 13.0:1 while the gearbox mount bushings are 230 per cent stiffer.
Suspension
New WRX STI’s impressive handling is the product of multiple front and rear suspension changes that have produced a
much tighter package.
The front suspension features:
- Stiffened cross-members
- More rigid control arm bushings
- Thickened strut cylinders
- Stabiliser bar diameter up from 21 to 24 mm
- Higher spring rates (+39 per cent)
- Transverse link rear bushings 10 mm lower for improved agility
- Added stiffening plates to support front mounts for more linear handling response
- Front control arm plate thickened for reduced road noise and added rigidity
- Lateral stiffness up 14 per cent
Rear suspension features:
- Stiffened sub frame and trailing link bushings
- Rear lateral outer bushings changed to racing-type pillow ball
- Stabiliser diameter up from 19 to 20 mm
- Stiffened springs (+62 per cent)
- Lowered rear sub frame front mounts for lateral links and 3 mm of initial toe-in added
- Added rear sub frame supports
- Shock mounts on rear lateral arms moved 10mm outward
- Lateral stiffness up 35 per cent
Body
New WRX STI has an overall stiffer structure, with increased use of high-strength steels.
While offering similar weight to the superseded model, it is significantly stronger.
It features a 9.0 per cent increase in use of 590 MPa steel, adds 980 MPa steel - representing 4.0 per cent of the
body - and hot stamp steel equaling 2.0 per cent.
There are significant structural reinforcements with broad benefits including:
- Torsional and bending rigidity increased for body stiffness and durability
- Front bulkhead and A-pillar joints
- Rear floor and rear apron joints
- Rear apron and rear panel joints
- Torsional rigidity up approximately 40 per cent
- Bending rigidity up approximately 30 per cent
Active Torque Vectoring System
This improves near-limit cornering performance by applying the brake to the inner front wheel and distributing torque
to the outer front wheel. This produces more neutral steering.
The difference between Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is that the latter monitors yaw rate and
controls each of the brakes in the event of over or understeer, for stable cornering.
Multi-Mode VDC System
This system offers drivers the ability to choose a mode to suit their situation. For example:
Off Mode
- When trying to get out of slippery conditions, such as mud or snow
- Certain race track situations
Traction Mode
- Cancels VDC and Traction Control System (TCS)-only
- Torque Vectoring still active
- Effective on race tracks
WRX STI’s combined steering, suspension, body and system changes combine to greatly enhance handling.
FHI engineers benchmarked the best-in-class for emergency lane changes, producing a new WRX STI with:
- Improved tyre grip, particularly rear-end
- A more rigid chassis
- Improved VDC control
- Higher lateral acceleration limits
- Quicker and more linear response to steering inputs
- Increased turn-in, even in high-G situations
Engine
New WRX STI has a 2.5-litre turbocharged Direct Overhead Camshaft Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine with dual Active
Valve Control System (AVCS).
It produces an impressive 221 Kilowatts of power at 6,000 rpm and 407 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,000 rpm, while
meeting strict EURO5 emission standards.
Acceleration response is enhanced through fine-tuning of the Engine Control Unit computing power and boost pressure
control, delivering an even more agile drive experience.
The larger intercooler is reshaped to maintain distance between it and the car’s frame structure.
Dual AVCS
The dual AVCS optimises torque performance via valve timing, especially in the most frequently used 2,000-4,000 rpm
range.
A new secondary air system links to the exhaust port of the cylinder head, aiding cold starts. It reduces hydrocarbon
emissions by re-combusting unburned fuel and helping earlier activation of the catalytic converter.
Transmission
WRX STI has a reinforced six-speed manual transmission. Coupled with short throw shifting, the combination provides a
thrilling drive.
The revised transmission has better tactile feedback, for a sportier shift feel.
It includes the multi-mode DCCD system, allowing the driver to freely select centre differential control
characteristics, depending upon road conditions and driver preferences.
Shifting of the six-speed manual transmission is made easier, while vibration is reduced.
The shift detent mechanism is revised to increase tactile feedback and a smoother shift feel.
Vibration noise is reduced through fine-tuning of the scissor gear spring of the reverse idler gear.
SI-Drive
WRX STI drivers can use three operation modes, using the proven Subaru Intelligent (SI-Drive) system.
SI-Drive Modes
- I (Intelligent) - Provides smooth power output and improved fuel economy. Variable shift when accelerator
position less than 40 per cent.
- S (Sport) - Increases use of higher engine speeds for sporty driving. Variable shift when accelerator position
less than 30 per cent.
- S# (Sport Sharp) - Sharper throttle response.
Multi-Mode Driver Control Centre Differential
The system allows drivers to select centre differential characteristics to suit road conditions, using the Multi-Mode
Control knob in the centre console.
- AUTO MODE
The default setting is “AUTO” when the engine is started, providing all-round control across the broad range of
driving conditions.
- AUTO+ MODE
“AUTO+” mode sets the rear differential limiting to high. Focusing on traction, it is suited to slippery surfaces and
conditions needing stability.
- AUTO- MODE
“AUTO-” mode sets the rear differential limiting torque to low, increasing steering response for a lighter, more
agile drive.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
WRX STI’s “always on” AWD system features a Viscous Limited Slip Centre Differential.
It produces minimal powertrain loss and aids driving dynamics, regardless of road surface or weather.
WRX STI’s AWD also offers added traction to get full capability from the chassis.
Wheels
WRX STI has 18 x 8.5J dark gunmetal alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT 245/40R18 97W tyres.
The standard wheel is 15 per cent more rigid while weighing 1 kg less, for improved handling stability and ride
comfort.
WRX STI Premium has the same size tyre, with BBS forged cast alloy wheel, which is also 1 kg lighter.
Safety
WRX STI safety is enhanced in all areas, reflected in its five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian
New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
The addition of a driver’s knee airbag takes the overall airbag count to seven.
Among the safety features:
- Seven Airbags
- Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system
- Ring-shaped reinforcement frames around the cabin – protects occupants in event of heavy collision or roll-over
- Brake Assist and Brake Override
- Driver’s side knee airbag (new)
- Reversing camera
Brakes
WRX STI features Brembo brakes, distinguished visually by a white STI logo on the black painted callipers, with
17-inch 4POT front and 17-inch 2POT rear.
The booster features high response 8-inch and 9-inch tandem tie rods.
Structure
Rigidity is improved and chassis performance enhanced along with Vehicle Dynamics Control.
According to Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, WRX STI offers the best obstacle avoidance
performance in its class, making driving excitement a safe endeavour in most scenarios.
Underlining passive safety credentials, WRX STI employs more high tensile steel plating, with strengthened joints of
key structures. While reducing weight, these changes also produce a stronger body with world-class safety performance in
front, rear, or side collisions.
In addition to extensive use of collision-absorbing structure in the bonnet and bulkhead, similar materials are added
in the side of the engine compartment, for increased pedestrian protection.
Lights
All WRX STI’s feature LED headlights with halogen high-beam, with light distribution increased around 35 per cent over
the superseded model.
All variants have Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED tail lights, LED indicator lights - integrated into the side
mirrors – and front and rear fog lights.
“Welcome home” lights are also added, which operate by pulling the light stalk, once the ignition is switched off,
activating headlights to illuminate the area ahead of the car for up to 30 seconds.
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
..... more
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Subaru WRX STI MY15 Manufacturer's List Pricing*
- WRX STI sedan manual $49,990*
- WRX STI Premium sedan manual $54,990*
NOTE:
* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as
on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are
the specifications.
E&OE.
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