Subaru WRX STI Carbon Tokyo preview
October 1, 2009 by George Skentzos
When the latest generation Subaru Impreza made its official debut it alienated some of the more devoted performance fans mostly due to its subdued styling which had softened the boy-racer image.
This was a notion embraced by Subaru, even going so far as to introduce an automatic transmission on its performance flagship STI model for the first time ever with the Japan-only A-Line model.
Now the brand has unveiled a new special edition variant based on the STI A-Line model called the Impreza WRX STI Carbon which – as its name suggests – includes new carbon fibre components to reduce weight.
The roof has been refinished in carbon fibre which helps to lower the car’s centre of gravity while the interior boasts a plethora of new suede-covered surfaces.
The WRX STI Carbon will make its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show with no word as yet on whether this same treatment would be carried over to the standard STI.
Using the familiar 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine, the A-Line is equipped exclusively with the five-speed automatic transmission from the Liberty 2.5 GT in an attempt to offer a “distinctive driving pleasure to a wider range of customers.”
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Uhh, I’m pretty sure this car is just a concept based on the A-Line. That’s what all the other sites are saying.
surely they wouldnt make something like this auto-only..? itd be a complete waste…!?
Subaru made an Auto WRX when they released the 02 “Bug Eyed Impreza”.. It would possibly be better if they used a DSG or SST gearbox like the one in the Evo Lancer
there are rumours going around that Subaru are working with Aisin on a dual-clutch box for the STi. they really need one of these, a traditional slushbox just doesn’t suit a sports car. add direct injection and they’ll be seeing a lot more buyers.
The hood should of been carbon fiber, but anyways doesnt matter aftermarket already selling carbon fiber hoods.
and about the automatic… RdS
I agree its a waste… but in japan, automatic cars are pretty much becomming normal as the road type they have there isnt really manual friendly… automatic transmission has longer life span than manual, also less maintenance.. for the majority thats what they want.
for the rev heads yes obviously manual… its more fun and truelly for the driver in all of us.
Suede interior! I like it :o)
Auto box? Subaru are trying to increase market share and appeal to lazy drivers that want something fast. Interestingly enought Ford have already done this with the XR6 Turbo and ZF Box. A very fast combo for the garden variety driver so there is a market here for this new Subi offering too.
but the regular lazy driver that wants a fast doesn’t want a car that rides rock hard with tuned suspension. OK to make an auto in the WRX, slightly tuned suspension with fast engine, however, on a carbon edition, highly tuned suspension, lighter and faster, manual or a dual clutch system is the way to go
sorry Subaru, bad move…….
This is great news when. Who wants to change gears in peak hour taffic etc.