2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Announced!
04-17-2003, 02:19 PM
#151
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ChicagoLand
Posts: 64
Car Info: 2.5rs with Eighteens!!!lol
I think this FIRST run of U.S. STIs will be similar to the run of the 22B, in that when you go to buy one, they...uh...all....be like bought already. Realistically we should expect to wait until the 2005 model to be able to do the normal go-test-drive-it-and-decide-from-there type thing. I'm personally going for the EVO because of its price, availabilty, cast iron engine, and superior tarmac ability, and the fact that with a few hundred dollars it is a guarantee that power can be made to see well above the 300 mark, if necessary.
I think the only valid knock on the EVO 8 is the fact that the U.S. market will see the 5 speed, rather than the 6 speed, tranny...and that is the ONLY thing that would make me wait until the EVO 9 and, hopefully, the 6 speed...PLUS, even though I find it to be more gimicry than gadgetry, maybe the active yaw control, ECD, and traction control will be available in next run too.
I think the only valid knock on the EVO 8 is the fact that the U.S. market will see the 5 speed, rather than the 6 speed, tranny...and that is the ONLY thing that would make me wait until the EVO 9 and, hopefully, the 6 speed...PLUS, even though I find it to be more gimicry than gadgetry, maybe the active yaw control, ECD, and traction control will be available in next run too.
04-17-2003, 02:32 PM
#154
Guest
Posts: n/a
The STi's aren't and won't be sold out. But, my guess is they will sell pretty well.
Most people talk as if they are buying but even the EVO folks made it seem as though all the cars were gone before they were even released.
But, I do think the STi will sell better due to it's low(er) price in comparison to the EVO.
What was Mits thinking? That was a high price for what appears to be a better modded WRX with BIG wheels and tires. A 5 speed? Open differential front? Over $30k with wing?
Ouch!
T
Most people talk as if they are buying but even the EVO folks made it seem as though all the cars were gone before they were even released.
But, I do think the STi will sell better due to it's low(er) price in comparison to the EVO.
What was Mits thinking? That was a high price for what appears to be a better modded WRX with BIG wheels and tires. A 5 speed? Open differential front? Over $30k with wing?
Ouch!
T
04-17-2003, 05:02 PM
#156
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by rentankonko
I think this FIRST run of U.S. STIs will be similar to the run of the 22B, in that when you go to buy one, they...uh...all....be like bought already. Realistically we should expect to wait until the 2005 model to be able to do the normal go-test-drive-it-and-decide-from-there type thing. I'm personally going for the EVO because of its price, availabilty, cast iron engine, and superior tarmac ability, and the fact that with a few hundred dollars it is a guarantee that power can be made to see well above the 300 mark, if necessary.
I think the only valid knock on the EVO 8 is the fact that the U.S. market will see the 5 speed, rather than the 6 speed, tranny...and that is the ONLY thing that would make me wait until the EVO 9 and, hopefully, the 6 speed...PLUS, even though I find it to be more gimicry than gadgetry, maybe the active yaw control, ECD, and traction control will be available in next run too.
I think this FIRST run of U.S. STIs will be similar to the run of the 22B, in that when you go to buy one, they...uh...all....be like bought already. Realistically we should expect to wait until the 2005 model to be able to do the normal go-test-drive-it-and-decide-from-there type thing. I'm personally going for the EVO because of its price, availabilty, cast iron engine, and superior tarmac ability, and the fact that with a few hundred dollars it is a guarantee that power can be made to see well above the 300 mark, if necessary.
I think the only valid knock on the EVO 8 is the fact that the U.S. market will see the 5 speed, rather than the 6 speed, tranny...and that is the ONLY thing that would make me wait until the EVO 9 and, hopefully, the 6 speed...PLUS, even though I find it to be more gimicry than gadgetry, maybe the active yaw control, ECD, and traction control will be available in next run too.
The EVO comes with a 5 speed for this country, but IMHO, I don't miss the 6th speed. My '03 Maxima SE has the 6 speed and it's just not that usefull or that much fun. I guess it's nice to have a good high overdrive for long trips, but other than that, I don't miss it.
In stock configuration, the STi will probably spank the EVO, but as far as the ACD AYC, the reviewers who tested the car without them, all said that the EVO was more than able to handle beautifully without them. The EVO has actually had a good number of very high reviews for it's overall performance, particularly the handling.....
My experience with the car is quite good, I'm very impressed with the EVO even when compared with a good number of excellent high performance cars that I've owned and driven. It's by far faster and quicker than my modified WRX that I traded for it (Stage II, 3" turboback exhaust and Unichip/ABC). It's also faster than my supercharged Integra GSR and much faster than my turbo charged '91 Miata or my '95 type R supercharged Miata. The handling is not as neutral as the Miatas but it certainly will hang in there with them
Still, if the STi is gonna come in at the same price as the EVO, I'm sure going to have some regrets....
04-17-2003, 07:03 PM
#157
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: california, LOS ANGELES
Posts: 1,013
Car Info: dream car Subaru STi
yes im sure the sti will come aroun the same price, maybe not exactly but around the same.. but it dont matter too much cause u still have an evo8 which owns a lot of cars out there. im sure a good driver in an evo8 still has a chance against a noobie sti, a lot of it has to do with driver skills too. its like a video game
04-30-2003, 12:42 PM
#158
Guest
Posts: n/a
Pricing announced (to me at least)
quote from my dealer "my district rep was here thursday and told me we will get two in late may, yours ofcourse being the first. And yes, the pricing has been confirmed $31,545.00( including the freight). Talk to you soon."
Does not include the radio. For the nay-sayers - a full package for the WRX would run 30k without the HP. (Spoilers, suspension, exhaust, etc)
I will be getting this, brakes, DCCD, IC Spray, and 75 HP.
Does not include the radio. For the nay-sayers - a full package for the WRX would run 30k without the HP. (Spoilers, suspension, exhaust, etc)
I will be getting this, brakes, DCCD, IC Spray, and 75 HP.
04-30-2003, 05:07 PM
#160
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ChicagoLand
Posts: 64
Car Info: 2.5rs with Eighteens!!!lol
I really believe that the STI will end up being closer to 40 thousand dollars when all is said and done. Granted, the STI is going to be, by all accounts, a superb automobile. I like what Yellow REX said about the simpler design of the EVO too. Both of these cars, especially the EVO, have made me seriously think about selling my 98 RS, and that is crazy because I absolutely love the RS...I'm actually planning an STI engine/drivetrain swap as soon as I can find the right circumstance. As far as the 6-speed vs. 5-speed issue: I tried to downplay this issue, but it is an issue, regardless. The pivotal concern is not necessarily the presence of a sixth gear, but instead HOW the presence of a sixth gear enables the rest of the gears to be closer ratios. To me, this matters significantly because I am sort of a driving technique/racing geek, and the benefits of a closer ratio'ed gearbox with high top-end capability is more attractive. As well, one might also logically assume that the EVO 6-speed is more heavily fortified, similar to the STI 6-speed. But, regardless of this concern, I'm still leaning toward the EVO...hmmm...though the normal WRX is starting to look even better too, for some reason.
04-30-2003, 05:14 PM
#161
Guest
Posts: n/a
rentankonko: 'I really believe that the STI will end up being closer to 40 thousand dollars when all is said and done. '
Why do you say this? I have been researching this car since Oct, and by all accounts Subaru is targeting the Evo price - even to the point of breaking even on it. I think the radio delete 'option' really is a way to shave 300-400 dollars off, so they can have another go fast goody. Taxes, tag, and fees I think 32,500 will be your baseline - with the radio being the only big option. What else is there in the parts bin?
Why do you say this? I have been researching this car since Oct, and by all accounts Subaru is targeting the Evo price - even to the point of breaking even on it. I think the radio delete 'option' really is a way to shave 300-400 dollars off, so they can have another go fast goody. Taxes, tag, and fees I think 32,500 will be your baseline - with the radio being the only big option. What else is there in the parts bin?
04-30-2003, 07:46 PM
#162
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ChicagoLand
Posts: 64
Car Info: 2.5rs with Eighteens!!!lol
Beyond there being possible, and anticipated, dealer mark-ups...Plainly and simply, my statement is just based upon what the current prices of 2004 STIs are in Japan and Europe, and how those prices might generally translate into U.S. dollars, as indicated by a simple currency conversion. I tended to estimate on the higher end because of, not only the unique qualities of the U.S. model, but also my personal opinion of what Subaru's market focus will be with the STI...that it would be directed towards potential BMW M3, Audi S4, and Infiniti GS consumers, for example.
But, it very well may be that the STI will be base-priced at around 32 grand. At 32,000 U.S. dollars there would be a justifiably significant price gap between it and the regular WRX...so that the necessary level of exclusivity would be achieved.
I hope I'm wrong about my projected higher price prediction. If Subaru, miraculously, can market the near-perfect STI, with all of its abundance of awesome racecar-like-features, at around 32,000 dollars...THAN I WILL ABSOLUTLEY proceed to direct all of my efforts towards aquiring one immediately.
But, it very well may be that the STI will be base-priced at around 32 grand. At 32,000 U.S. dollars there would be a justifiably significant price gap between it and the regular WRX...so that the necessary level of exclusivity would be achieved.
I hope I'm wrong about my projected higher price prediction. If Subaru, miraculously, can market the near-perfect STI, with all of its abundance of awesome racecar-like-features, at around 32,000 dollars...THAN I WILL ABSOLUTLEY proceed to direct all of my efforts towards aquiring one immediately.
04-30-2003, 08:13 PM
#163
Guest
Posts: n/a
but also my personal opinion of what Subaru's market focus will be with the STI...that it would be directed towards potential BMW M3, Audi S4, and Infiniti GS consumers, for example.
*********
I don't agree. Some of those buyers may consider and even less will actually want the STi. The buyers of those, higher luxury content, vehicles want the luxury and the brand and their resale value along with perceived qulity.
The STi buyer is a different buyer. He/She values performance and uniqueness. The STi buyer is the EVO and WRX buyer.
But there are those who consider an M3 or S4 who will look at the STi but most will pass if off. M3 and S4 performance is amazing and very much in line with the STi/EVO along with having more creature comforts and a vast array of everyday practicality which the STi/EVO don't have. The STi even more so for it's lack of stereo. You may argue that "real" enthusiasts don't car about audio systems, but I beg to differ. If I'm an M3 or S4 buyer I sure as heck am looking for those creature comforts along with my performance, such as;
heated seats, leather or similar quality materials, interior design made to impress, sunroof, etc...
I'm currently deciding between entry luxury sport-sedan and EVO.
It's a tough choice as I love performance but really wanted something nicer, quieter, everyday sport. I looked at the 04 WRX and it's too small and the seats are awful and there is NO headroom for anyone over 6' when equipped with a sunroof. The STi will be the same interior room as the WRX and that means it's smaller than the EVO in every demension in the interior.
The EVO has more headroom, and still plenty with a sunroof. There is more shoulder room, leg room, and back seat room for passengers.
That is a major consideration to me. The STi may have the edge in straight line acceleration, but on twisty bits I doubt anyone would notice any shortcomings in the EVO, and may find it handles better.
Besides, I think the EVO is a much better looking automobile than the STi.
The STi looks a bit droopy by comparison to the angular aggressive muscular stance of the EVO. I'm willing to give up the few extra HP to get the other things that will make everyday ownership more liveable.
I don't knock the STi or it's owners, it'll be one fine ride. But, we all don't like the same things and we value some things more than others. Luckily we have a choice.
That's the good part.
T
*********
I don't agree. Some of those buyers may consider and even less will actually want the STi. The buyers of those, higher luxury content, vehicles want the luxury and the brand and their resale value along with perceived qulity.
The STi buyer is a different buyer. He/She values performance and uniqueness. The STi buyer is the EVO and WRX buyer.
But there are those who consider an M3 or S4 who will look at the STi but most will pass if off. M3 and S4 performance is amazing and very much in line with the STi/EVO along with having more creature comforts and a vast array of everyday practicality which the STi/EVO don't have. The STi even more so for it's lack of stereo. You may argue that "real" enthusiasts don't car about audio systems, but I beg to differ. If I'm an M3 or S4 buyer I sure as heck am looking for those creature comforts along with my performance, such as;
heated seats, leather or similar quality materials, interior design made to impress, sunroof, etc...
I'm currently deciding between entry luxury sport-sedan and EVO.
It's a tough choice as I love performance but really wanted something nicer, quieter, everyday sport. I looked at the 04 WRX and it's too small and the seats are awful and there is NO headroom for anyone over 6' when equipped with a sunroof. The STi will be the same interior room as the WRX and that means it's smaller than the EVO in every demension in the interior.
The EVO has more headroom, and still plenty with a sunroof. There is more shoulder room, leg room, and back seat room for passengers.
That is a major consideration to me. The STi may have the edge in straight line acceleration, but on twisty bits I doubt anyone would notice any shortcomings in the EVO, and may find it handles better.
Besides, I think the EVO is a much better looking automobile than the STi.
The STi looks a bit droopy by comparison to the angular aggressive muscular stance of the EVO. I'm willing to give up the few extra HP to get the other things that will make everyday ownership more liveable.
I don't knock the STi or it's owners, it'll be one fine ride. But, we all don't like the same things and we value some things more than others. Luckily we have a choice.
That's the good part.T
05-01-2003, 06:12 AM
#164
Guest
Posts: n/a
Pricing and Interior Room
rentankonko - would refer you to the pricing thread, but I see your point - markups will kill the market for this car and set unreasonable "resale" expectations. I have it in writing my price will not exceed MSRP, so if they screw me - I will make sure SOA understands a loyal customer was screwed and generally make an *** of myself.
As for the interior dimensions, WoRX... Have they changed the interior that much? 'Cause in my 2002 WRX I was very comfortable - good head and leg room, supportive seats, etc. I am 6 1 and 220lbs and have more issues in my mustang than the WRX. The sun roof would be an issue depending on the way it opened. I guess I never have been spoiled On three separate occasions I have heard Mustang GT owners wish for the WRX seats. If they were grey I would swap out a set myself.
re: M3 and S4... Don't get me wrong I would love them, but in Northern VA the M3's are like WRX's. S4's are rare, but 3 are in the parking garage. ug. looking for a more limited availability car, that is fast and can handle well in the inclimate weather. Somewhat loyal to Subaru since the listened to the market and brought the big gun to town. (a little pissed that they started with the WRX and hooked me - then enticed me to the STi Whereas Mitsu, waited to see the WRX impact then watered down the EVO from the JDM market.
As for the interior dimensions, WoRX... Have they changed the interior that much? 'Cause in my 2002 WRX I was very comfortable - good head and leg room, supportive seats, etc. I am 6 1 and 220lbs and have more issues in my mustang than the WRX. The sun roof would be an issue depending on the way it opened. I guess I never have been spoiled
On three separate occasions I have heard Mustang GT owners wish for the WRX seats. If they were grey I would swap out a set myself. re: M3 and S4... Don't get me wrong I would love them, but in Northern VA the M3's are like WRX's. S4's are rare, but 3 are in the parking garage. ug. looking for a more limited availability car, that is fast and can handle well in the inclimate weather. Somewhat loyal to Subaru since the listened to the market and brought the big gun to town. (a little pissed that they started with the WRX and hooked me - then enticed me to the STi
Whereas Mitsu, waited to see the WRX impact then watered down the EVO from the JDM market.
05-01-2003, 08:04 AM
#165
Guest
Posts: n/a
The interior is the same size. The seats are completely different.
They don't have the same hug you in place feel. You sit more "on" the seat that "in" the seat like before. The side bolsters aren't as nice and prominent and the seat bottom doesn't have the padding it did on the 02-03.
Without the sunroof, the headroom is fine, so in the STi you should have plenty of headroom as it doesn't come with a sunroof, nor the option.
As far as interior demensions, the EVO IS bigger in all demensions to the WRX/STi. There is more headroom, leg room, shoulder, and the back seats have much more room. I like that.
And, I like the look of the EVO more. That of course is subjective. We have to decide for ourselves.
Either car, STi or EVO will be very rare and more exclusive than M3's. The new S4 should sell very well so we should see a lot of them on the road.
"Whereas Mitsu, waited to see the WRX impact then watered down the EVO from the JDM market."
**********
I don't see that this affects me at all. Even Subaru waited to bring the WRX, so what? Mits waiting to see how the WRX did is a smart decision. But, Mits failed in the pricing area. The EVO in comparison to the STi is overpriced when considering power output and technical "wow".
Also, Subaru waited twice for Mits to first announce what the EVO was powered by and how much and then they waited for EVO sales to see how much to price the STi at. So, waiting to see you competitor's mistakes or wins is not a bad or negative thing.
I'm sure you'll love the STi.
T
They don't have the same hug you in place feel. You sit more "on" the seat that "in" the seat like before. The side bolsters aren't as nice and prominent and the seat bottom doesn't have the padding it did on the 02-03.
Without the sunroof, the headroom is fine, so in the STi you should have plenty of headroom as it doesn't come with a sunroof, nor the option.
As far as interior demensions, the EVO IS bigger in all demensions to the WRX/STi. There is more headroom, leg room, shoulder, and the back seats have much more room. I like that.
And, I like the look of the EVO more. That of course is subjective. We have to decide for ourselves.
Either car, STi or EVO will be very rare and more exclusive than M3's. The new S4 should sell very well so we should see a lot of them on the road.
"Whereas Mitsu, waited to see the WRX impact then watered down the EVO from the JDM market."
**********
I don't see that this affects me at all. Even Subaru waited to bring the WRX, so what? Mits waiting to see how the WRX did is a smart decision. But, Mits failed in the pricing area. The EVO in comparison to the STi is overpriced when considering power output and technical "wow".
Also, Subaru waited twice for Mits to first announce what the EVO was powered by and how much and then they waited for EVO sales to see how much to price the STi at. So, waiting to see you competitor's mistakes or wins is not a bad or negative thing.
I'm sure you'll love the STi.
T