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Comments
Otherwise, nah. Wings are too common these days, and compared to many aftermarket jobs the STi's wing is actually pretty tame.
-Colin
I've walked into a couple of low budget speed shops, and they custome make their own body skirts and spoilers. Some of them are basically painted bondo with a metal netting frame, there is a huge difference from a quality factory body kit.
-juice
"350bhp Impreza Muscles In"
"Things move fast at Subaru... very fast. Although the new Impreza has only just arrived, the firm is already plotting to unleash an STi model that could end the Japanese supercar debate with Mitsubishi once and for all.
A senior source at the company told Auto Express: "Subaru has something quite special in the pipeline. We're now working on a 3.0-litre turbo Impreza for Japan and Europe that will generate in excess of 350bhp.
"Unfortunately, we're having teething problems with the transmission as the current WRX STi six-speed box isn't capable of handling the torque the engine produces." Several solutions are being investigated, with the most popular being to ask a company such as Getrag, which has much experience in building heavy-duty gearboxes, to work on the transmission.
But before you race down to your nearest dealer, bear in mind how long this is likely to take. Development of the car is said to be very complicated. Our source suggests we won't see the 3.0-litre turbo powering a Subaru until the next Impreza model change, due in 2007. However, anyone wanting a taste of what's to come should be aware a muscular 3.0-litre normally aspirated engine - the platform for the turbo unit - will be used in the new Legacy, here in June. Subaru says the non-turbo will pump out close to 240bhp, which is 25bhp over the current car's output.
The company also plans to scrap the twin-turbo 2.0-litre engine that powers the Japan-only Legacy B4 - a car British Subaru fans had coveted. This motor will be replaced by a 2.0-litre single-turbo B4, which will use the unit that debuted in the Impreza STi. The reworked Legacy arrives next year.
Peter Lyon" </>
Bob
So, what's next? An H-8 turbo STi for the next-next-generation Legacy? It could also mean that the rumored new "small" Subie, slotted under the Impreza, could make its way here to satisfy those who are income-challenged...
Bob
-mike
-Brian
I think a 240hp H6 that ran on 87 octane would be ideal. Honda managed it from just 3.0l, so Subaru could too.
350hp sounds sweet, but it'll also mean nose-bleed price levels that I'll likely never be able to justify. Sure, bring it on, though.
Now that we'll have all these higher powered upscale models, I'd really like to see the base engine upgraded with AVCS and maybe 180hp. It's time.
-juice
Bob
Hmmmmm....I'm thinking my waiting for the new Legacy could be a very good decision indeed. I finally test drove a WRX wagon last week and what a great car, though I would definitely prefer more room (for any backseat passengers) and maybe a bit more luxury. I've been holding out for the facelifted '04, but my wait may be extended with all this talk about the new Legacy's coming.
Keep the rumors flowing Bob!
Thanks,
-Ian
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/
Bob
I too am curious as the where the Legacy is headed.
-Brian
Besides I really love this car, and it would take a lot to make me part with him, although I am a certifiable car nut, I cannot see any other car making me any happier than I am with what I have.
I feel that if we count on an STI, or B4 or Blitzen to make us truly happy we are constantly doomed to failure,the new wears off any car in time and then we are looking for the next thing.
For evidence of this just look at the number of WRXs for sale since the announcement of the STI.
Cheers Pat.
I already know I want to replace my Outback with something else. I know it'll be another Subaru, that's for sure. We have a mini-van now, so having a wagon isn't necessary. But, I wouldn't rule it out since they are versitile.
The Imprezas are a bit too small for my tastes. And I do like the room in the Outback/Legacy. My dw won't have anything to do with a manual, even though this would be my car. ;-) VTD has my interest, so does VDC. Also of interest to me is a H6, and of course, the TT H4. (mmmm, turbot)
I'm sure I might develop a yearn for more power as time goes by, but I have to be practical too with #2 coming in June. A LPT H4 or sportier H6 would be just enough to curb my appetite.
-Brian
'04 Impreza
Detail updates, such as:
• Lit ignition key ring for all models.
• Lit power window switches for all windows, like those found on the '03 Forester.
• It was announced that the '04 WRX gets a cruise engaged light. I would hope that all Imprezas get that too.
• Cruise on/off switch incorporated into the cruise control stalk.
'04 Forester
Detail updates, such as:
• Lit ignition key ring for all models.
• I hope they re-wire the cruise engaged light so that it only appears when the cruise control is "being used," and not just "on," which is the case now.
• Cruise on/off switch incorporated into the cruise control steering column stalk.
• Make the front center armrest console standard on XS & turbo models.
• I'd like to see all tires become blackwalls, and get rid of the white-lettered tires.
'04 Forester turbo
Detail updates, such as:
• 2.5 engine with ~ 220 HP.
• A tow package with at least 3000 pound capability.
• Both automatic and 5-speed models available.
• Seats from the WRX, covered with Ecsaine fabric.
Bob
Cheers Pat.
-Brian
I have added so much to the Titan already I just cannot see me starting over with another car for a long time, new models do not do it for me anymore like when I was younger.
Now having said all that if somebody was to make me a present of a Blitzen, that would be an entirely different story, but the Titan would still stay in my stable.
Cheers Pat.
Bob - I'd add a couple of things they cost-cut out of the 2003 when it came out - mud guards, cargo liner, and cargo cover. Especially the first two, which sort of keep it clean, inside and out.
A rumor has the price increasing by $300 next month, if so I hope it's because those 3 things are being made standard.
-juice
http://www.apexjapan.com/rumours/main.html
Yummy!
-tom
Is this the first of the long-rumored Phase III engines? Does this mean all 2.5 engines will eventually get this new engine block?
I guess this confirms those who stated the current 2.5 couldn't handle a turbo upgrade.
Bob
:^(
-Brian
Hope that rumor is true, but the source isn't always reliable.
-juice
I wonder what'll happen to the EJ25 Phase II engine. Will it stay or change to the DOHC engine(even without AVCS) used on the STi?
Ken
Bob
Then again, only the USDM ever got an SOHC engine. It could be another first.
Ken
- D
Then offer an Outback Sport model as another version of the Legacy-based Outback, but with the low-boost 2.5 turbo!
Bob
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30- 8900
As Ken is so fond of saying: "Man, this is really getting interesting!"
Bob
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=3278- - 635
And an even more interesting quote from Paul Hansen, responding to a poster's question, from that thread:
Okay, so let's fantasize for a few secs that the 2.5T will be available later this year.
It's not a fantasy, mate. It's happening.
Seeing the extra space, my wife would opt for the Forester, however, it can't match the performance and looks of the WRX wagon.
Actually, the first generation of Forester turbo was a bit faster through the slalom than a GC8 WRX turbo of the same vintage. The current Forester turbo is lighter than an equivelant WRX Turbo in Japan. Not only that, but it rides on a wider wheelbase with bigger rubber. Yes, it rides higher, and it's boxier, but it handles *very* well despite that. I drove a Forester turbo with STi suspension bits behind a Prodrive set-up STi, and at what you can sanely do in non-track conditions, it didn't give up much. And my definition of sane is just a bit higher than most folks.
Do I have an argument or am I spinning my 17' wheels? Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Forester sit on the Impreza chassis, only it's taller/boxier?
A variant of the Impreza chassis. By definition, so is the Legacy. What it does mean is that you have a Impreza with a slightly higher centre of gravity, which is offset by the wider track and rubber.
I really don't want to give up driving a fun, yet functional car. Would any of you opt for the Forester if you were in my shoes?
As a reporter that's driven the entire lineup of Subaru high-power turbo's (that is currently available), with a choice of either the WRX turbo, the STi, the Legacy B4 and the Forester Turbo (I'll ignore the Pleo ), my money vote goes this way:
1) Legacy B4
2) Forester Turbo
3) Legacy H6 GT
4) STi
5) WRX turbo
And to be honest, because of the interior on the Forester, I'd have a hard choice between the B4 and the Crossport version of the Forester Turbo. If your ego can handle the looks, the Forester turbo is literally the best buy out of Subaru. However, I don't know the full American pricing yet, and that will be the final determination.
But don't be mistaken about this. A Forester 2.5-litre turbo won't be just a little bit faster than a WRX 2.0-litre turbo - it will be a lot faster than it in all situations except all-out track driving. The only thing that would subtract from that possibility is if Subaru does indeed only sell the 2.5-litre turbo with an automatic. However, that would be a 5-speed automatic, so it would still be a very close battle.
Cheers,
Paul Hansen
Whew!
Bob
RV kind of sounds like something that would appeal to older folks.
The Outback Sport you're planning is the Legacy GT.
I hope Paul is right, 225hp/240ft-lbs for the Forester? Man that is serious torque! 10 more of each for the Legacy, and both with FIVE speed shiftronic?
NOW you're talking. Ed's gonna have to change his pants!
If the manual is a year away, that's OK, I can't afford to trade mine in this year anyway.
-juice
Bob
Bob
-Colin
The segment is getting crowded and the main thing Subaru has to distinguish itself is that it was the first.
But that's what Jeep was to SUVs, and look at how poorly their sales are now. Competitors are eating their lunch.
They have to innovate, at least keep up, if not lead, the segment.
-juice
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/index.asp?id=646
If Subaru introduces both the turbo Forester and turbo Baja at Chicago, what will they introduce at NY? The all-new Legacy I bet, which would indeed make it an '04 model, and not an '05 model as originally predicted!
It's hard to believe Subaru would introduce so many new models in one year! I guess we'll know, or at least have a much better idea, in two weeks!
Bob
That's a good idea, though, I think competitors have really ramped up the latest generation. 90s was about cost cutting, but this decade is about horsepower and features.
Sales for 2002 were down for the first time since 1995, when the Outback was launched and they went AWD only. They want to reverse that trend, which takes some radical thinking when there are more and more competitors.
-juice
The thought of the new Legacy intro being pulled in is very exciting! More choices for me when I'm back in the market. :-)
With a turbo Forester and 5EAT or a Legacy GT turbo, I think I won't fall to the dark side.
Perhaps the USDM new model intros will become synchronized with Japan for once!
Ken
Yes, the competition really has heated up in the mid-sized sedan market over the last few years. Begining with the Altima, the Accord and Mazda 6 have brought higher levels of performance to a once ho-hum market.
Subaru has typically competed against main stream sedans by offering extras like standard AWD but also a little more grunt. 165HP used to be pretty decent. The bar's been raised!
Ken
I'd have no problem car shopping this fall for a 'new' Legacy. ;-)
-Brian
Ed
Jeep's market share has eroded, though. Sales for the class were way up, and they failed to capitalize on a market they once owned.
-juice
http://www.globeandmail.com/globemegawheels/20030130/covert.html
Bob
I figure they are the 2004 WRX, the 2004 STi, the Forester turbo, the Baja Sport, the Baja turbo, and ...
#6 is the big one. Next Legacy? Seems too soon.
-juice
Bob
Subaru's market share has fluctuated between 0.9% and 1.1%, but up until 2002 it had been increasing.
-juice