Subaru Impreza WRX

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/guest/php3/openframe.php3?page=previews/preview_main_new.php3?id=33346


    Bob

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd like to see 17" wheels as a factory option (not for an exorbitant price either), a moonroof option, and a 6 speed tranny.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    get two versions (STi & STi Prodrive) like the Brits for MY04?

    Bob
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    You beat me to it with Mike penny's report!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You gotta be quick here... ;)

    Bob
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    do look pretty sharp, although I still like the standard lamps--to me, they give the WRX a more playful look which is really in keeping with its fun-to-drive personality. When you step up to the 261 hp STi, it's a more serious car and the RP headlamps would be perfect for it.
    --RA
  • sarnysarny Member Posts: 17
    Hey,
    If you have a WRX now and want more performance equal to the STI version, check out this website:
    www.vishnuperformance.com
    For another $1000.00 you can be on par with the STI.

    Dave
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and sure enough, There's the WRX listed as one of the "10 Best!"

    I've only skimmed the issue, but it looks like it has some interesting articles.

    Bob
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    I'm test driving the WRX sedan Saturday, and then will probably look to purchase if all goes well. I am wondering if what options I should get on the car. I'm considering the following, and also wondering if I missed anything.

    Security System Upgrade Kit
    Air Filtration System
    Armrest Extension
    Auto-Dimming Mirror w/
    Upgraded Speakers
    Subwoofer/Amplifier
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Anyone see the MotorTrend website. Apparently Mitsubishi is trying to intercept WRX buyers The EVO VII is coming in 2002 and will cost $25,000. I'm glad I waited. This will absolutely kill resale value for the WRX. Also probably kill resale of other cars like the M3 ( I still see people trying to get 35K for a 3 year old BMW).Not anymore!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I heard the problem was the placement of the IC in the bumper caused it to not pass Fed. Safety Stds. Maybe they will move it.

    -mike
  • riptideriptide Member Posts: 12
    Out of curiosity, I checked the WRX availability at the local dealers. I was surprised that about 85-90% of WRXs sitting on the dealers' lots are manuals. What gives? Does Subaru import a significantly smaller percentage of automatics, or are automatics so much more popular?
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    At my local dealer, any Auto-WRXs that come in (be they wagons or sedans), are snapped up within a couple of days. They don't sit on the lot at all.

    Maybe news is getting around, about the fantastic and exclusive AWD system of the Auto-WRX (not available in any other Subarus), with a torque-sensing true planetary gear center differential and electronically controlled multi-plate continuously variable clutch packs who work together, to rapidly distribute optimum amounts of power/torque to either ends, continuously. In addition to that, the pitch of the planetary gear is set to distribute an additional 22% of the power to the rear wheels (split is 45/55) to give a slightly RWD performance driving feel, in normal driving.

    Later...AH
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Let it rest man.

    It's because only 25% of the WRXs imported are ATs IIRC and a lot of people don't drive stick here in the US.

    -mike
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    I do know that.....it is just a plug for my car. :-)

    Later...AH
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    about how the XT6 whips the WRX in auto-x with an old AT that is only 95/5 split? And make your WRX AT whine like a little girl? I didn't think so.... Let it rest buddy.

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Nooooooooooo! (biting my tongue)

    Dennis
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Are you asserting that either the WRX or the EVO will have a serious impact on the M3? I love the WRX, but I do not see much overlap in the markets. People who want an M3 and can't afford a new one will continue to pay the 35K for a used version (while knowing that they'll probably spend 1000s per year in maintenance), and not decide on a car aimed at a completely different market.

    If anything is going to drop resale on the M3, it's the introduction of the new, 333-hp version. That will make the older, "only" 250hp model less-desirable, esp. with the high cost of maintenance for these beasts.

    DjB
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Anybody know approximately when the 2003s are supposed to start trickling in? I was planning to hang onto my current car until I can get a 2003, but my current car has been using oil more rapidly than 65,000 miles justify. I'm not going to sink a wad of cash into repairing a car I plan to trade in 6 or 7 months, so I have the option of doing that or "making do" with a 2002 WRX in the spring I know which I'll choose.

    DjB
  • dill6dill6 Member Posts: 120
    Anyone want to buy an STi titanium shift knob? e-mail me.
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Like I said. Not anymore. You can't introduce a sedan like the Evo VII and the STI that offers this kind of perfomance and value and not have ripple effects. I'll say it again, I was thinkning about ponying up for a used M3. Not now!
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    You still on that auto vs. manual thing man? Why? I like my 5 speed. Never learned how to drive an auto. Sure the auto is fine for you but my WRX 5 speed is great for me. Now if I only had a Porsche AWD turbo 911. ? Why is the viscous coupling that Subaru uses on its 5 speed that you claim is inferior to the system on the auto used on the $115,000 Porsche?

    TWRX
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Don't sweat the Mitsu. I think most of us with WRX's like them quite well and don't plan to trade them in soon unless it is on the upcoming STI. Resale value does not bother me at the present time. Also I can't believe that the Mitsu will put Subaru into any problem. The WRX was here first and will have a lot of loyal owner re-buying. Plus check out Subaru's site and read the press releases about sales each month. This is a company on an incredible roll. I don't think we have seen all they have got either. With the Subaru (STX, BRAT, NOT BRAT, BAJA, OUTBACK PICK UP) (PLEASE TELL US PATTI!) they will have a new niche to exploit. This is the beauty of all wheel drive, oops I mean Subaru, they may only be niche player but they keep comong up with new niches to exploit. (Crossover sport ute, rally car and now crossover pickup).
    TWRX
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    TWRX, the porsche doesn't use the same coupling, IIRC the porsche uses one that puts more power to the rear. With a VC you can't have the normal split be anything other than 50/50. With that said I'm not trying to re-debate the AT v. MT thing. AH is just hung up on it.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob: in the same magazine, did you notice the Liberty and Freelander V6s were slower to 60 than the last Forester they tested? Even with automatic!

    The Evo at $25k would be a real threat. I dunno about M3 buyers, but A4 and WRX buyers will think twice.

    I wonder though, if it'll catch Chrysler disease. The Galant went from top of the heap to a heap of junk. Mitsu had that hidden recall scandal, too. At least the Lancer seems more Japanese and far less influenced by DCX.

    Still, I hope it does cost $25k. Subaru will be pressured to add content without increasing the price. So we could get a moonroof and 17" wheels for nothing. Sweet!

    In a way, that happened with the Forester. It costs just $300 more than it did five model years ago. That's not even keeping pace with inflation, never mind that they added 1-2 items per year since 1998.

    So, competition is good, it indeed improves the breed. Bring it on, Mitsu.

    -juice
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    ....it has been laid to rest. But if you notice, I never mentioned the VC at all in my previous post. ;-)

    Later...AH
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    No, I didn't notice that. Doesn't surprise me though.

    What did surprise me was that they rated the Freelander above the Liberty, mainly due to better on-road manners. Off-road they indicated it to be a draw, which I find hard to believe.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I saw a liberty blow up it's front Diffy up at Paragon Off-road course a few weeks ago. Doesn't bode well for it's off-road capabilities. I drove my buddy's it's ok, but totally uncomfortable with poor ergonomics and a host of other things that make it feel cheap IMHO.

    -mike
  • boomn29boomn29 Member Posts: 189
    I started a new discussion for the EVO and STI in the sports cars forum if you'd like to participate!
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    The Porsche uses the VC.
    I would be willing to bet that this is AH's first Subaru. Imagine an Outback VDC owner saying to an LL Bean guy, "Man, your LL Bean sucks! It uses the really bad AWD without traction control." :-p

    The Liberty's biggest problem is that it's a Chrysler.

    -Dennis
    97 Outback Sport 5-speed Viscous Coupling All Wheel Drive System
    former 95 Dodge Neon owner
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    How does the porsche system get a RWD bias out of a VC? Not fighting the point, just trying to understand it.

    liberty: have to agree on the DC thing

    -mike
    former user of 3 generations of K-cars
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    mike - Check out http://www.porsche.com/english/911/c4cabrio/chassis/fourwheeldrive.htm

    "Power is distributed to the front and rear wheels by an ingenious device known as a viscous coupling"


    Dennis

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I guess they have a way to vary the torque then. Although I doubt the subaru one is anywhere near the caliper of the porsche one (no ofense to subie owners meant here)

    -mike
  • taos2taos2 Member Posts: 31
    I see no logic in the inefficiency of having
    to read two separate WRX forums under wagons and
    sedans. The issues discussed rarely deal with
    the differences. Why not merge?

    SKIREX
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Someone went and started an STI one...

    -mike
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    The car in the article is a JDM EVO..still needs a lot of work to get here...FMIC needs to be moved...safety and emissions testing...they say possibly well under $30K..who knows?
  • gmcafeegmcafee Member Posts: 11
    Just picked up my WRX today. Silver sedan with wing. Driving this thing made me feel at one with the road (and 20 years younger!). The break-in period is a killer though. This thing wants to gooooooo.

    I noticed the smell of burnt plastic pulling into the garage. I'm not worried about it. I read other posts containing the same phenomenon and rather expected it.

    It will take awhile for my rear end to get used to the firmer seats. I'm a little sore after a couple of hours driving around town. Pretty sad, huh?

    Sorry to litter the board with another "new owner" post, but I'm a little excited and have to share my enthusiasm!

    Gary
  • andrewinla1andrewinla1 Member Posts: 3
    I made the trip in 1 hour 45 minutes trying to vary my speeds for my break in. I was up to 95mph on some open strech and the car starts to feel a little light. I wonder if wider tires with 17" wheels will help.

    But I love the comfort level of this car at highway speeds. Also appreciate the in Dash CD changer, it make the trip much easier.

    I will be watching an AutoX down here in San Diego but not participating this time. My friend has an M Roadster and we had it up to about 100mph and it was rock steady. I want that feel in my WRX.
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    is a car with stunning capabilities and razor-sharp handling, but it comes at the expense of driver comfort and everyday drivability. I'd love to rent one for a day and take it out on the twisties, but don't think I'd want to drive one to work everyday. The Rex is really more refined and better as a daily driver. When you hit a bump or a pothole in the Evo, your kidneys are going to know it.

    Gary--congratulations-- i've always admired the sedan in silver and think it's a great choice. you're going to to be in driver's nirvana once you get past the break-in :) !! --RA
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Don't worry I'll bet the one that comes here will be de-tuned, de-suspensioned, etc. etc. Everything that accompanies a US spec car.

    -mike
  • viet2viet2 Member Posts: 66
    If Mitsubishi EVO is here, there will be red light grandprix all over the country. But I like the WRX's mechanical setting, easier to service. the Misu have a transverse mount engine, and it would be tougher to change clutch, which will be needed more often when the Evo is here.
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    We'll see what the EVO is like. I'm sure that Mitsubishi is saying, "yeah, lets import a car that will underperform the WRX." Detuned or not, the performance and styling will be better. The quality/reliability however, probably will not be.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well it's just a fact that we always get the muted, de-tuned, emissionless, softer sprung, vehicles when imported. Lets hope this isn't one of them.

    -mike
  • ramiller1ramiller1 Member Posts: 124
    The Evo may make it to the States with its performance intact, but if it does it probably won't be for $25K--more like $27-$28K. Mitsu isn't going to leave that extra money on the table when they know they can get that much for it. Still a killer car tho, they'll probably sell all they can bring over.
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    My car with options of Security System Upgrade Kit,Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass,Armrest Extension, Air Filtration System and Rubber Floor Mats will be arriving with the the January allocation. I test drove today and it was a blast. I can't wait for the boat to dock January 14. Just came home from celebrating the purchase...cheers :)
    -- Eric
  • wrxguywrxguy Member Posts: 51
    Congrats!
    I didnt have the ability to delay gratification and boought mine off the lot.
    nice goodies.. auto dimming mirror thats one I wished I had............You will have a great fun
    January 14 :)
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Congrats on your new upcoming car. I am sure you will have a blast, just driving around with it. I too would have preferred the Auto-dimming mirrors, since I have it in my other car and sorely miss it in the WRX. I guess I will buy it from subaruparts.com and fit it separately.

    Later...AH
  • bobdolemitebobdolemite Member Posts: 4
    Just bought mine off the lot yesterday w/ the rear deck spoiler, armrest ext, auto dimming mirror/compass, upgraded security and speakers. Still in the break in but I haven't had this much fun driving since I had my M3 three years ago. I lost that car to winter weather (freak snow and I was on my way home to switch cars, honest) and the AWD was a big attraction of the WRX. 2 days, 200 miles. Wow, what a fun car, hope it continues.

    The only real downer has been the insurance. After calling the insurance company with the new car's VIN I found out that the quote on the car they had previously given me was on a 2.5RS and not the WRX. Boo.
  • elec3elec3 Member Posts: 160
    Because some of you guys might get a kick out of it. I'm coming home from WalMart tonight in my Mazda Protege5. Now you have to understand that this is ricer country and, even though my Pro5 is stock and auto, I get a lot of people who want to do the stoplight grand prix with me just because it LOOKS like it should be a ricer (and someday it may, if I can find money for intake and exhaust - emissions testing is nonexistant here making catalytic converters largely optional and that's an easy 15 to 20 horses for me, but I digress). So I'm pulling away from a stoplight and this silver sedan slowly pulls up next to me. I see what he's doing, so I speed up a bit. The funny thing is that I was pulling away all the way up to about 40mph and wasn't even pushing my Protege very hard. Then I imagine he got his revs in the right spot, downshifted, and took off like a rocket. I blinked in disbelief, knowing I had just witnessed either a big turbo or a short shot of NOS. He did a 40-60 in about a second and a half tops. I got in behind him and saw that it was a silver WRX sedan. Once I saw that, I knew he was fun to play with but, with nearly 100 horses more than I had, way out of my league. I gave him a thumbs up before we went our separate ways.

    The WRX (or any of its future incarnations) is definitely high on my list for next car. I figure in another 3 and a half years I'll have my Protege5 paid off, be established in my career, and hit that magical age of 25 when insurance drops to near-acceptable levels. By then I imagine a WRX might be just what the doctor ordered. Unless of course I get into motorcycles first ;)
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