2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Subaru has restyled its Impreza line in 2006 and in addition given the all-conquering 293-horsepower WRX STI model several performance enhancements. On the safety front, all Impreza models gained the new dualstage Subaru Advanced Airbag System.
Following an interior redesign for 2005, all Impreza models have been restyled in 2006 to reflect the new brand identity and are visually unchanged for 2007. The new Subaru signature front-end design for Impreza features a three-section mesh-type grill inspired by the company’s aircraft heritage, plus boldly styled headlights with smoke-tinted lenses. The 2007 WRX STI is distinguished by the lower-profile hood scoop from the standard WRX to aid forward visibility. Daytime running lights (DRL) are added to the safety roster to make the WRX STI more visible to other drivers. A new roof vane spoiler, inspired by the Impreza World Rally Championship competition car, contributes to stability at track speeds and reinforces the car’s high-performance attitude.
The WRX STI received several significant chassis performance enhancements for 2005, including wider wheels. In 2006, the addition of a steering sensor input to the DCCD All-Wheel Drive system enhances power distribution response by more accurately relaying the car’s cornering situation. The WRX STI is based on the Impreza WRX platform but is completely re-engineered to provide even higher levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance that challenge the world’s best sports cars. In its first year, the WRX STI won Road & Track magazine’s “Best Car 2004” Reader’s Choice Award, edging out several dedicated sports cars, including the Porsche 911 GT3.
The Impreza WRX STI is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter DOHC boxer engine producing 293 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Teamed exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission, the engine can propel the WRX STI from zero-to-60 mph in under five seconds. Power is transferred to all four wheels by a sophisticated Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) to optimize performance in all conditions.
It's been a problem with every rally replica car since Day One. They look cool squealing their way around a corner, but pull up to work in one and your boss might reconsider your management potential.
Some WRX STI buyers like it that way, but plenty of others have wished for a slightly tamer version of the ultimate Impreza, one that would include all the performance without all that bodywork. A few extra features added to the cabin wouldn't hurt either.
Those potential buyers finally get their wish with the 2007 WRX STI Limited. First off, it ditches the big rear wing in favor of a more subtle lip spoiler. There's also a revised front air dam, a standard set of foglights and new Enkei wheels that look very much like the standard STI wheels from BBS. They're even the same size and wear the same tires.
Other subtle changes include black brake calipers with white lettering in place of the usual gold binders with red letters, black-gloss B-pillars and high-luster paint for the side mirrors.
Most of the interior upgrades are minor except for the change to gray leather upholstery instead of the usual Alcantara-trimmed seats. Anything metallic in the standard model switches to gray and a sunroof is standard. Also exclusive to the STI Limited are seat heaters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, new carpeting with more sound insulation and an auxiliary audio input jack.
There's nothing new under the hood. The turbocharged, horizontally opposed four-cylinder still displaces 2.5 liters, although new SAE horsepower guidelines have dropped its numbers to 293 hp and 290 pound-feet of torque for 2007. The STI's six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive system are unchanged.
Only 800 STI Limited models will be offered, in either Satin White Pearl or Urban Gray Metallic. There will be 400 of each color and they go on sale in the fall.
