Subaru Press Release
Subaru of America today introduced a new 4-door version of its
Impreza WRX STI performance flagship model. This will be the
first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles
(5-door and 4-door). In addition to the new styling, the 2011
WRX STI features significantly revised suspension tuning and
lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.
The WRX STI has been a recipient of continuous improvement since
its introduction. Most recently, the 2010 WRX STI Special
Edition previewed some of the suspension enhancements now
migrated to the 2011 WRX STI. Thorough and painstakingly
detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany's
famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling
Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.
"The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is
driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of
enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,"
said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of
America, Inc. "The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of
this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving
enthusiasts."
New Designs for 2011
In front, the 2011 WRX STI models feature sharpened bumper
corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate
the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with
three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent.
The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out
Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire
front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger
grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 4-door models, newly designed wider rear fenders are
stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps, accentuating a
look of power and stability. The new design details contribute
to an improved drag coefficient.
New Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance
machine. Specific chassis tuning. Aluminum front lower L-arms
reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Major chassis tuning changes
include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in
front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports
the double-wishbone suspension – these improve camber and toe
stiffness.
Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate
springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010
model: 21 mm vs. 20 mm in front and 19 mm vs. 18 mm in rear.
Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53
percent in the rear.
New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint
and weigh 17.6 lbs. less than the previous standard wheels. The
optional 18 x 8.5-in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels, which
further reduce unsprung vehicle weight, are highlighted by
silver high-luster paint for 2011.
Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System
uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes
with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Super Sport ABS
can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently,
which optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to help
reduce understeer.
The Ultimate Performance Subaru
The 2011 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru
with its high-boost 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cyl. Boxer
engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The STI also features
Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version
of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with three "Auto" modes, as well
as a manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking
settings.
The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems,
as well: the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability
and traction control system is standard and features a track
performance-optimized mode; Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)
technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving
characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes –
"Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" – using a rotary dial
on the center console.
The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships
late this summer.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and
silver to highlight its sporty design. Trim panels, the steering
wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark
cast metallic.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a
three-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo
and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone
function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features
Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control
capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS
satellite radio (subscription is extra). An available navigation
system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth
hands-free calling.
[Source:
media.subaru.com] |
| 2011
Subaru WRX STi |
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2010 Subaru WRX STi |
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