[LSE]

oh well, I can't say I'm surprised. I has hoping for 320hp and under 3350lbs and a 8K redline plus maybe some options like a sunroof. Then i'd consider paying that much and putting up with the hatch look. I miss the days of the 04-05 being a performance bargain car. My 06 felt like I was getting what I payed for, but this is like...meh, not impressed unless you really dig the brand and sti line.

I know it's a good fun car and for first time sti owners, it is sure to be a blast. but I just don't think it's worth my hard earned money.

good luck subaru. I'll pass until they bring another sti that makes me go "damn!".

enjoy to those who buy it.

[karr1008]

Originally Posted by Jaws

Yep, I'm sure there will be a few small improvements.

But let me put this into perspective: No '04-'07 owner is going to be jealous of an '08 owner.

No '04-'07 owner is feeling anywhere near enough envy to say "Man, I need to dump this and upgrade now! Wow!"

To me, that says it all.

So you can try to make it look like a much improved car all you want, but it's really just splitting hairs.

A new generation, total redesign of a car should blow the previous one away. Look at Corvette. Hell, even look at Mustang.

That is why I'm disappointed.

ditto.

Also, this "new" STI would be only good for those who never had one before but the 35K to 40K price range is a bit too much to justify it's capabilities.
We'll have to see how both the EvoX and this STI do out there against the new ! series coming up and others.

For now, I am proud to have my "raw" 06.

[Lastchild]

Originally Posted by BlueGold

First, that is probably better IF you convert either the 2008 MPG back to the "old" system or move the "old" rating to the new system.

Second, the STi is a powerful car so complaining about MPG is like eating cheesecake while *****ing about calories.

Third, I really hope you don't always believe corporate PR?

The only problem I have with the new model is the price. It is getting a little too expensive IMO.

Well owning a corvette I am used to lots of power and 30 mpgs or better on the hwy so i dont think its mutually exclusive.

MPG ratings have changed. I do believe the new sti will be better on gas in the real world.
Even if the car is only marginally more effecient the new body shape will make it alot more effecient at highway speeds of 70-80 mph which people drive in the real world.

With bad aero design after 60 mph fuel effeciencies drop rapidly. Thats why the Vette does so well. Super slick body and 1700 rpm at high cruising speed.

There a alot of costs associated with sports cars. For some the fuel costs can be the tipping point to becoming affordable. So I think its a valid point. I would actually drive the vette on long trips sometimes to make the trip more affordable.

You can ignore it all you like but energy and effeciency is the big question today. People dumped all their gas guzzlers in the 70s and that was just a temporary glitch in supply.

Alot of people are gonna be caught with big and ineficient vehicles that arent worth crap sometime in the near future.

[drdome99]

wow what a waste of money, I got my '04 for 28k w/ 500 miles on it, this will be dang near 10k more for nothing better

The whole point of STi was performance bargain now each year we keep creeping up to the cobra, M3 price with nothing good to show for it

[cars10]

I can't wait to see the new STi in white!!!!
If anyone has pictures please post them!

[system60]

Originally Posted by Ray_Sti

This is crap... $40,000 for a hatch (?)

Would it be ok if it was a Sedan ?

[wdb]

Originally Posted by karr1008

Also, this "new" STI would be only good for those who never had one before but the 35K to 40K price range is a bit too much to justify it's capabilities.

I don't understand. The '06 and '07 listed at $34995, didn't they? This car has significant improvements under the hood, a whole new rear suspension, and a bunch of electronic gadgetry to play with regarding handling, all for the same price. Plus its a w-i-d-e-b-o-d-y for heavens sake. I'm not nuts about having to pay extra for BBS wheels, but the other way of looking at that is that it is just that much more you can put towards aftermarket rims.

For now, I am proud to have my "raw" 06.

Have you driven the new STi? How much more or less 'raw' is it than your '06? Which by the way any '04 owner worth their salt would call 'soft'!

[system60]

Also where is this huge price increase ???, unless your adding Navigation the base price is only 1500 more than previous years MSRP. So getting to 40k is only by adding stuff not yet available.

[Digitalfiend]

Being an 05 owner, I saw all the 06s and 07s as "soft". More weight, no real improvements, plastic engine mounts (first half of MY06), 07s and their "hesitation problems", switch to a "softer" clutch in 06 (pull vs push type), ridiculously long gearing in 07, etc.

Unfortunately, I find a lot of prospective Subaru owners want everything for nothing. They want a 3000lb car but then want a sunroof, powerseats, leather, NAVI, lightweight wheels, and want all of that for under $30K. Yet, when it comes to other cars, it's OK for them to cost more while only providing similar features. That makes Subaru enthusiasts seem a little spoiled.

While there are a few things about the 2008s that disappointment (and might just be oversights; e.g. no heated mirrors), here is what you ARE getting over the 07:

- brake cooling ducts (read the spec sheet)
- engine bay cooling vents
- engine oil cooler (some people paid $500+ for these from the Spec-C)
- dual AVCS; should lead to better tuning results
- get to keep the aluminum hood (WRX lost it in 08)
- 18x8.5 BBS wheels with 245/40 tires! $$$
- revised DCCD and tranny (improved synchros, etc)
- engine is more powerful and likely has a wider powerband (though a 300rpm lower redline.)
- 0.3" bigger rotors (13.0/12.6 vs 12.7 & 12.3)
- only 22lbs heavier than the 07
- leather trimmed seats (I would have preferred cloth but people *****ed about not having leather. )
- greatly improved rear suspension and handling potential
- revised front end
- better/stiffer chassis
- more usable trunk space
- HIDs (04-05 CDN STIs never had them, so it is a plus for me.)
- side-curtain airbags; this allows us to put aftermarket seats in and still have some measure of side-impact protection. Yes, the Recaros would be an even better option.
- only costs $1K more in base-trim

So tell me, how is this car not a bargain?

For us Canadians, a $39K STI would be awesome. With our dollar being stronger than the US dollar, we are hoping the price of this new STI will drop from $49K to $43K-$44K. Our spec sheet includes everything in the $39K US spec sheet.

[blaznwrx]

Originally Posted by Digitalfiend

Being an 05 owner, I saw all the 06s and 07s as "soft". More weight, no real improvements, plastic engine mounts (first half of MY06), 07s and their "hesitation problems", switch to a "softer" clutch in 06 (pull vs push type), ridiculously long gearing in 07, etc.

Unfortunately, I find a lot of prospective Subaru owners want everything for nothing. They want a 3000lb car but then want a sunroof, powerseats, leather, NAVI, lightweight wheels, and want all of that for under $30K. Yet, when it comes to other cars, it's OK for them to cost more while only providing similar features. That makes Subaru enthusiasts seem a little spoiled.

While there are a few things about the 2008s that disappointment (and might just be oversights; e.g. no heated mirrors), here is what you ARE getting over the 07:

- brake cooling ducts (read the spec sheet)
- engine bay cooling vents
- engine oil cooler (some people paid $500+ for these from the Spec-C)
- dual AVCS; should lead to better tuning results
- get to keep the aluminum hood (WRX lost it in 08)
- 18x8.5 BBS wheels with 245/40 tires! $$$
- revised DCCD and tranny (improved synchros, etc)
- engine is more powerful and likely has a wider powerband (though a 300rpm lower redline.)
- 0.3" bigger rotors (13.0/12.6 vs 12.7 & 12.3)
- only 22lbs heavier than the 07
- leather trimmed seats (I would have preferred cloth but people *****ed about not having leather. )
- greatly improved rear suspension and handling potential
- revised front end
- better/stiffer chassis
- more usable trunk space
- HIDs (04-05 CDN STIs never had them, so it is a plus for me.)
- side-curtain airbags; this allows us to put aftermarket seats in and still have some measure of side-impact protection. Yes, the Recaros would be an even better option.
- only costs $1K more in base-trim

So tell me, how is this car not a bargain?

For us Canadians, a $39K STI would be awesome. With our dollar being stronger than the US dollar, we are hoping the price of this new STI will drop from $49K to $43K-$44K. Our spec sheet includes everything in the $39K US spec sheet.

Well friggin said man.

I cant wait to see the #s AFTER tuning.
i think we'll be almost hitting 400whp w/ the same mods that we currently see 350whps

[jaydow11]

I'm not really impressed by the specs... but maybe once people drive it they may change their mind....


However, I don't think there is enough of the "wow" factor as some have said to make me want to go out and buy the car....

I'll save my hard opinion after I drive it.

Jay

[sticop]

just when i thought they couldnt make wheels that are a bigger pita to clean

[ScubaSmith7599]

You ain't got nothin to complain about until you try cleaning the original 14" rims on a E28 chassis BMW....

[Digitalfiend]

For an 06-07 owner, you're right. There really isn't much point in upgrading. Yes the 08 will be a better car, but it's not going to be a night and day difference or anything.

My only gripe is people that try to justify their purchases by playing down the new 08 as though it doesn't have any improvements. Looks are completely subjective, but the facts are that mechanically, the new car is better and should have more potential.

As an 05 owner, I see a lot of things in the new car (including the looks) that really get my chops watering.

Originally Posted by jaydow11

I'm not really impressed by the specs... but maybe once people drive it they may change their mind....


However, I don't think there is enough of the "wow" factor as some have said to make me want to go out and buy the car....

I'll save my hard opinion after I drive it.

Jay

[STIVendetta]

Originally Posted by Digitalfiend

Being an 05 owner, I saw all the 06s and 07s as "soft". More weight, no real improvements, plastic engine mounts (first half of MY06), 07s and their "hesitation problems", switch to a "softer" clutch in 06 (pull vs push type), ridiculously long gearing in 07, etc.

Unfortunately, I find a lot of prospective Subaru owners want everything for nothing. They want a 3000lb car but then want a sunroof, powerseats, leather, NAVI, lightweight wheels, and want all of that for under $30K. Yet, when it comes to other cars, it's OK for them to cost more while only providing similar features. That makes Subaru enthusiasts seem a little spoiled.

While there are a few things about the 2008s that disappointment (and might just be oversights; e.g. no heated mirrors), here is what you ARE getting over the 07:

- brake cooling ducts (read the spec sheet)
- engine bay cooling vents
- engine oil cooler (some people paid $500+ for these from the Spec-C)
- dual AVCS; should lead to better tuning results
- get to keep the aluminum hood (WRX lost it in 08)
- 18x8.5 BBS wheels with 245/40 tires! $$$
- revised DCCD and tranny (improved synchros, etc)
- engine is more powerful and likely has a wider powerband (though a 300rpm lower redline.)
- 0.3" bigger rotors (13.0/12.6 vs 12.7 & 12.3)
- only 22lbs heavier than the 07
- leather trimmed seats (I would have preferred cloth but people *****ed about not having leather. )
- greatly improved rear suspension and handling potential
- revised front end
- better/stiffer chassis
- more usable trunk space
- HIDs (04-05 CDN STIs never had them, so it is a plus for me.)
- side-curtain airbags; this allows us to put aftermarket seats in and still have some measure of side-impact protection. Yes, the Recaros would be an even better option.
- only costs $1K more in base-trim

So tell me, how is this car not a bargain?

For us Canadians, a $39K STI would be awesome. With our dollar being stronger than the US dollar, we are hoping the price of this new STI will drop from $49K to $43K-$44K. Our spec sheet includes everything in the $39K US spec sheet.

Very Well Said!...$1,000 bucks more look what we get....