The eagerly awaited Subaru WRX STI sports saloon has made its European debut at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, bringing it one step closer to reaching showrooms in 2014. The latest-generation of Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive performance flagship comes with a significant range of modifications and enhancements made to the body, chassis, interior and packaging of the new STI. Sporting an all new exterior, the body and chassis have been significantly stiffened to improve torsional rigidity, while the latest iteration of Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Active Torque Vectoring allows for maximum control and driver engagement.
The suspension is performance-tuned for a flat but comfortable ride and a great deal of attention of has been given the new hydraulic steering system, which uses a quicker ratio and stiffer steering rack.
Inside soft touch materials are used in key areas, new STI dials and carbon-effect and metal trim are employed for a sporty feel and higher quality ambience and there’s a new, smaller-diameter D-shaped steering wheel for better feel.
The new model is more spacious all round too. Rear seat passengers have more leg room due a 25mm increase in wheelbase and there’s also more shoulder and elbow room inside the cabin. Cargo volume in the boot is increased by 40 litres.
Helping drivers to get the best from the STI’s engine, the six-speed manual gearbox has been revised to provide an even shorter, quicker shift between gears. The new WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged version of Subaru’s iconic, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder Boxer engine which produces 300PS at 6,000rpm and 407Nm toque at 4,000rpm, delivering keen throttle response and vigorous acceleration.
The race-bred version of the WRX STI, being developed to contest the annual Nürburging 24-Hour Race in June, also appeared on Subaru’s stand at Geneva. This modified version of the showroom car will be seeking its third successive class win at the notoriously demanding race circuit in Germany’s Eifel Mountains.
