2008 Subaru Liberty GT tuned by STI
June 10, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Subaru has announced a new range of tuned by STi GT Libertys available now. The MY08 Liberty GT tuned by STI is based on the standard Liberty GT but the boys at Subaru Tecnica International (STi) have had their way with it.
STi’s work is evident all around, firstly the performance figures. Power is up by 10 kW to 194 kW (at 6000 rpm) over the standard GT and torque hits 350 Nm at 2800 rpm up from 339 Nm. The special edition model also features STI suspension upgrades and interior treatments.
Only 250 Liberty tuned by STI vehicles will be built of the current update shape and prices start at $65,990 for the manual sedan.
Suspension is taken care of by Bilstein shock absorbers, that are designed with damping ratios unique to STi. The STi variant sits 5mm lower than the regular GT model. The rear suspension setup contains partial ball bearing-jointed bushes, which combined with the improved front shocks further improve the GT’s already outstanding handling characteristics.
Brakes are inspired by the Impreza STi with Brembo four pot brakes and the front and two pot at the rear. Although, unlike the Impreza, the callipers are painted black, complementing the sports styling. Subaru has also added a stainless steel mesh-type brake hose for better braking performance.
The wheels are what really sets the car apart, 12-spoke, 18-inch ENKEI wheels with STI badging are not only a whole lot sexier than the standard GT’s, but they also wiegh 2.5 kilograms less. This time around, the wheels are also available in luminosity silver.
As for the exterior, there are subtle STi badgings around while the front lip and rear boot STi spoilers suppress lift, improve aerodynamics and increase stability when driving enthusiastically. Meanwhile a sporty note comes out of the STi’s sports muffler with new tip design.
The interior also gets its share of new features. The seats are covered in gorgeous leather and alcantara with a cherry red STI logo while the driver’s seat now has an eight-way power system with memory settings.
The dash and instrument cluster also get a minor update with the speedometer featuring STI logo and new STI sill plates are used on all door openings.
The 2008 Subaru Liberty GT tuned by STI is available in both sedan and wagon. Buyers can pick between the unbreakable six-speed STi manual gearbox or the five-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic. The car is only available in black, silver, grey and white.
- Manual sedan $65,990
SPORTSHIFT automatic sedan $65,990 - Manual wagon $67,990
SPORTSHIFT automatic wagon $67,990
Print it: 
Great car ever seen!
^I don’t think it’s the best car I have ever seen but it is niccccccceeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i like it, but probably a bit too expensive
Unbelievable cars… just overpriced in Oz… as MOST cars. haha
surprised they are trying this again actually. Subaru were finding it hard to sell them last year. I was offered one for 62K drive away – but for all the ‘improvements’ it is not really an STi in the Impreza WRX sense. Wait for a few months and you will get these at a lesser price.
For some $10 grand more I can get BMW 135i.
JPH – You would seriously pay another $10k for a BMW 1 series ??!! As Jamison says…”overpriced in Oz”….in Europe they’re used as taxis! I’ll take the Liberty and day.
Flying High – It’s not meant to be a Liberty STI in the mould of a WRX STI…it’s “tuned by STI”.
MPL – you are right. it is ‘Tuned’ by STI. However the standard Rex will still outperform the Tuned by STi version of the Liberty. The STi badge is simply being used to sell the Liberty however I am not convinced it is worth the extra money. Like I said, on the road now at about 71K – when they don’t sell like hotcakes which they wont) it will be drive away at about 65K. Or Less.
i was one of the first in australia to get my hands on one of these and all i can say is… sure its not as FAST as a wrx but the stability of the liberty on corners and such makes it feel more superior to the wrx anyday.
its a car that makes a statement and just looks cool without requiring anymore mods aftermarket, everything is factory warranty, where else can u find that, u mod ur car u void that part of the cars warranty unless u bolt on bolt off, and that comes with the expenses of doing so everytime u have a warranty issue u wanna get checked out.
this car will outhandle the 135 easily, not as fast but ur actual feel on road and its practically, being a true 5 seater and AWD for aust roads.. its price tho high is nothing compared to the price u will have to pay for a euro car that comes even close to its score card…
It is a sweet car i just bought one, goes like a rocket
This seating arrangement is good…
I’ve got an EVO IX and the missus just bought one of these..Sure it’s no rex or Evo but it’s a very civilized, quick good looking car.
My previous car was an MY05 liberty gt. I have also driven and thrashed an 06 gt tuned by sti.
I’ve just bought an 08 135i. Neither subies come close to the bmw in terms of handling and performace. Sure the awd systems provide more grip when wet but otherwise, the 135i is in another league.