Andrewza

The UK (and europe) only got an official STi for the MY02, just lots of imports in the UK since we're RHD, and even that STi(I own one myself) wasn't quite up to the JDM one. I'm not counting the P1, which while a special Impreza, wasn't up to the cars it's based on. Nor the 22B, which was never available in numbers and hugely expensive.

Now the US has an STi that is certainly better the the MY02, which we have, and the MY03, we're getting, and probably better than the JDM car (twin scroll turbo and all) so not entirely suprised subaru enthusiasts in this country might be somewhat miffed.

However, from Subarus point of view the US Sti is understandable, they're bringing out a car into a large market that beats it's direct competitor the evo.

I'm just thinking Subaru has shot themselves (and IM) in the foot, as no enthusiast (the very people likely to buy an STi) is going to buy a MY03 knowing a full blown version with 2.5 could turn up a year later.

dsmawd

"Why only 300bhp then ?????? Surely they must have thought about it."

Emissions, that's why.

- Trent

Razor2001

Sorry, no one with a 2.0 litre or 2.2 litre stock imprezza is going to convince me that their car is better than the new 2.5 litre USA STI. New build quality etc with the low down torque we have been waiting for 100% stock. Gurantee the 300 bhp STi-7 PPP does not feel anywhere near as good below 4,000 rpms as the new 2.5 litre USA STI does...and neither does your RA

Razor2001

By the way, does the V-Ltd. have all the comforts that the new USA STI has, like a/c, power windows, etc etc ? I know it does not have the same build quality...yes the USA has little more weight but it has 2.5 litres, superb build and feel ( I am gueesing based on the STI-7 platform) and 300 bhp and 300 ft. lbs stock

Edcase

Monovich - good for you!

Seriously tho, don't take the sarky remarks to heart, the UK market is just smarting a bit from the bugeye pricecuts / facelift / no DCCD or Twin Scroll, and now this totally unforseen bombshell, so it's just the British way of dealing with things to then take the mickey out of whoever is getting a better deal than them. Its a touch of jealousy mixed with a touch of indignation at IM / FHI.

Pavlo

Yup, fraid so. The non V-ltd RA doesn't but that is lighter again.

paul

dwx

I hope they release the car elsewhere in the world. I don't see why they wouldn't/couldn't as at least a special edition model. Unless it uses a different ECU/wiring harness which I seriously doubt. Honestly I still think the DCCD should be an option. For alot of guys it's just going to be something that isn't going to be used and is just an added expense. As much as I'd like to trade in my WRX and get one right now, I'm going to wait until at least this winter when some of the hype dies down and the 2.5L is dissected and proven.

I don't think the car competes with the 22B for the power/weight reason. The 22B is likely going to weigh 500 lbs less than this car and make just as much hp/torque.

If the 2.5 motor is good, it should be trivial to get 400+ hp out of it.

johnfelstead

Learn to understand the English language a bit better please Jason, I said "give them lazy low down torque to suit USA tastes" meaning USA drivers like big torque low down grunt engines, not that they are lazy. I was explaining that the 2.5Turbo isn’t the thing that will **** the UK prospective owner off, it’s the DCCD.

Yes Jason, I have, I think it was the 2nd or 3rd one ever built in the USA. I have driven a NA 2.5RS, in a rally, on a frozen lake too, have you? but you should know that because I have spoken to you about that before.

We are talking about standard spec cars here Jason. I didn’t even make much of a thing about the 2.5T engine, my point was all about the DCCD, but seem as though you are being a bit pedantic I’ll just remind you that my standard STi5 TypeRA will still blow the wheels of your 2.5T STi due to its lighter weight (higher power/weight ratio) and lower gearing, not to mention the quickrack steering that makes it a faster drivers car.

You want wheelspin, not sure why? I managed to do a wheelspin in 3rd gear at 60MPH in my STi the other week when trying some P1 Pirelli’s, do a search on this BBS. I don’t want that, I suggest nick buys some decent tyres.

I don’t lump all USA drivers into the same bracket, it was a generalisation, as you should be able to see. If I thought all USA drivers were rubbish I wouldn’t fly 5000 miles to co-drive for one in a rally car would I? I am one of the more vocal supporters of USA drivers in rallying and am hoping they carry on improving. As you should know I am a great friend to one of the leading up and comers in USA rallying and know North America’s best hope for a WRC pro driver, Pat Richard.

Very disappointed in your whole tone in that post Jason, especially so when I have given you plenty of free advice in the past.

Take a chill pill dude.

Blow

this is all very interesting,
question? is this the same 2.5 turbo thats (rumoured) to be coming to the Uk in the brand new Legacy. its a LPT version from what I have heard on the B4 website. Correct me if I'm wrong.
But why do that when subaru developed a new H6 only last year?
Tim

kevvwil

I wouldn't take anything personally, John. Most of us know that your generalization wasn't at all specific. Just driving to work this morning, there were not just one, but a series of people, driving big vehicles in the passing lane at about 5 mph under the speed limit. They were on the phone, you see, and if they drive in the right hand lane, people would be merging and all...might interrupt the chat.

Heck, I would wager that many of the people on Impreza.net aren't as good a driver as they think they are. Only time will tell if the STi is too much car for our market. I suspect that it won't be, only because the price will keep out the *******.

But, after all, there are crashed 911s and Ferraris, so perhaps price isn't the critical factor.

Oh, about the Legacy question...there's much speculation about that one. One has that there will be two versions, the regular 2.5-T Legacy GT (do you lads have the GT designation, or some other?), and the 3.0T, making something north of 300hp, more like 350.

Other speculation is that there will simply be one or the other. Either way, be sure that the Legacy will get a substantive motivational upgrade. Further, I will have a Legacy wagon, be it 2.5L-t or 3.0L-t.

Interestingly, now nothing is beyond the realm of possibility, given the arrival of an STi that exceeds any Scooby lover's (in the U.S., so far) wildest expectations. We'll just have to wait and see.

Kevin

Razor2001

Hi John,

I will start admitting I don't know squat compared to you; however, don't you think that you may be able to post a similar speed / time on a track with the new USA STI as your STI-5 RA (both 100% stock, both good quality tyres and both broken in nicely) ?

Just curious.

Cheers,
Ray

johnfelstead

I would be quicker in my RA, and it would do it with less driver input. The USA car would be pretty close though, i am not in any way saying its not going to be a great car, it certainly is. The USA STi will be faster than an STi Type-UK which is the main issue really

Until i drive one i cant comment fairly, but based on simple physics my RA will be faster. A 22B would be even quicker still.

Now if SOA want to fly me to a racetrack somewhere in the USA to prove me wrong i would be more than happy to give up some time.

TheScooby

It is interesting to see all the closet american subaru supporters spring up when the news of the STi is released. I know if I was in your situation I would be saying "about time"....

TheScooby

mutant_matt

Agreed. It is about time the US got a decent Impreza variant!! I also can't believe that the Japanese Domestic Market won't get this car also (as they have to have the best of their own products in their own markets) and that will mean it should be available to Grey Import here also.

Only trouble is, it's getting difficult to insure Grey's in many parts of the country

Matt

chrisp

And electrically folding wing mirrors .

Also my VF29 turbo starts to really push at 2,500 by the time it reaches 4000rpm it hit maximum torque. What you have to remember is the RAs are low geared. Forget 0-60 has anyone seen any proper figures 0-100mph. It would be interesting to see if a 2.5 can do 0-100 in 12 seconds. If it can I would be impressed .

Frederf220

The US got the 2.5L T because Subaru couldn't get the proper amount of horsepower out of the 2.0L T with 91 octane gas to compete with Mitsubishi... simple as that. Unless EU and other areas get limited to such low quality gas, there's no need for the 2.5.

johnfelstead

i know rich, as soon as i posted i remembered. LOL

stanmo

iTrader: (1)

Well, perhaps now we'll see a Subaru in The Fast and the Furious 2/3

I didn't think companies needed to build cars for homologation anymore ? Which means that FHI can put anything they want in their cars, irrespective of the domestic market.

johnfelstead

you only need to homologate for GroupN, 2500 cars have to be made, it doesnt matter whisch market they are sold in. The WRC car doesnt use GroupA style homologation anymore.

Pity it took me 5 mins to work those figures out.

rsquire

then why do the pumps say 98???


Lieing buggers these fuel companies

OBTW John Just seen my first 22B in Sydney

License plate was "22B" Had a chat with the owner and interesting the changes they have had to make to them.

johnfelstead

We used to have 98RON rich, it was dropped to 97RON a few years ago, some of the pumps still say 98RON.

The only fuel that is 98RON is Optimax, but even thats isnt a proper 98RON as its a 95RON with aditives to get round the tax crap over here.

Fill me in on te changes then!

rsquire

Okay mate.. Bending the thread a little.. Sheesh never done that before

1. Orange rear indicators
2. Different seat belts!! WTF!!! LOL
3. Lighter Tint on the rear side and rear window
4. Different cat
5. changed side mirror glass.. flat not convex

Oh and no badge below the ashtray.. ie no xxx/400 badge

Good thing is this owner knows all the other 22B owners here and is also the MD of the Lotus Sports importer here in Sydney..

Can you say track days?

Adam M

John,

read your other post on dccd, dont worry, wasnt offended at all!

was going to ask if you wouldnt mind copying it across to 22B.com or at least posting a link to it as all 22B drivers have that diff control and could benefit.

I am wondering if as a lame **** the automatic control might be retro fittable to the manual only diff in my car.


With regard to the american car, I am dead pleased for them to finally get this model. I happen to completely agree that the 2.5 is the way to go.

anyone fancy a 2.5 turbo in a 22B? surely that would be the best of all worlds? low weight, short ratios (not for long), uprated internals, 8.5:1 compression, massive torque and massive power from an uprated internals 2.5, now surely that would be the way to go?

hope its ready in time for you john, dont think I would trust anyone else with it.

And to think I was going to fit a modena centre atb to cope with the power. Perhaps ou can extract more from the dccd then.

johnfelstead

Am i missing something Adam? Do you want me to drive your 22B at the ten of the best?

Some bizzare changes there richard.

rsquire

Yeah the seat belt kinda threw me too..

Seems Japanese seat belts don't meet Australian Design Rules (ADR)

the other one was the Orange rear indicators ...

There are so many cars here with clear rears it's not funny. But for some reason the 22B's had to have Orange

Mmmm Lexus must have a better ADR lawyer than Subaru

Adam M

John, that you are .

In answer to your guess, yes, I was hoping you might.

I assumed you got the remainder of the group emails, perhaps you didn't.

doesnt matter. If its ready and you don't mind, I would like you to have driven it. If you would rather not, that is also fine, I will attend btu wont embarass myself by attempting to drive.

rsquire

Come on John!!!! ....

You kmow you want to

Gawd Adam.. He'll be asking for a McRae sized salary next

johnfelstead

LOL Sorry Adam, i misunderstood the mails. It would be a real honour, your car is going to be very special. Look out Gareth Lloyd

So thats 2 cooking 22B's i'll be pedling then. Not to mention my RA. Maybe keep my RA as a reserve choice would be the best option.

I need to get myself a PA, Burns stylee.

Mossman

10 of the best is shaping up nicely!
Hi Adam, how is the car!?
Mossman

P20SPD

iTrader: (1)

John, if your going to be driving Adams 22b, then i am DEFINATELY going to Elvington.

1 to see how it goes, and 2, to see Adams face as you put it through its paces.