[tenderloin]

Subaru Announces Pricing and Availability of its Performance Flagship, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2007 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show pricing and availability of its performance flagship, the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The 2008 WRX STI will start at $34,995 and begin arriving in dealer showrooms in early January.

"The all-new Subaru WRX STI is more powerful and more agile than ever before," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "The WRX STI is truly race and rally bred and has the looks to match its performance."

The ultimate performance Subaru is powered by a 305-horsepower Subaru Boxer engine and features a new level of driver-selectable powertrain- and dynamic handling-control. The 2008 WRX STI is built exclusively as an aggressively styled wide-fender, 5-door model with a design strongly influenced by the brand's competition heritage.

The 2008 WRX STI is the third-generation of the rally-bred supercar, which Subaru of America first launched to the U.S. market in 2004. Developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the WRX STI features an exclusive engine, drivetrain, suspension and interior.

The WRX STI's revised 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, now with Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS), produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm, a gain of 12 over the previous model.

The 290 lb.-ft. torque peak is the same as before but arrives at 4,000 rpm, which is 400 rpm earlier, for better response. Significantly, the more powerful 2008 WRX STI achieves the very stringent Bin 5 Tier 2-Federal (EPA) and LEV2- California Tier 2/Bin 5 emissions certification.

The Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All- Wheel Drive -- which remains exclusive to the Impreza WRX STI -- takes driver- controlled response to another level for 2008. The DCCD system now offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to the six manual differential-locking settings. For the first time, the DCCD AWD system integrates the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, also with three driver-selectable positions. The 2008 WRX STI offers five-spoke 18 x 8.5-inch wheels as standard. Also available are optional 18 x 8.5 in. BBS(R) forged aluminum-alloy wheels. All 18-in. wheels wear Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 tires.

New side-curtain airbags are standard, and the new Incline Start Assist feature can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline. Even with the new, roomier 5-door body, special chassis reinforcements, new double-wishbone rear suspension and added safety features, the 2008 WRX STI (with the available BBS wheel package) weighs just 22 lbs. more than the 2007 WRX STI sedan. In addition, the 2008 WRX STI offers the added refinement instilled throughout the next-generation Impreza model line that was introduced for 2007.

The new suspension with special STI tuning along with the stiffer platform give the 2008 WRX STI the agile responses that have made this model a performance superstar. At the same time, the new WRX STI exhibits a more refined demeanor on any road. The Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The braking system is enhanced in the new 2008 WRX STI with slightly larger rotors.

The bulged fenders and rear quarter panels, along with the rear gate- mounted spoiler and aerodynamic ground effects, give the new WRX STI a direct link to Subaru competition cars. The hood scoop, brake-cooling air intakes and engine heat outlets are all functional. The standard high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams use manual height adjusters. Fog light insert covers add to the no-nonsense look, and fog lights are included with the BBS wheel option package.

Standard amenities include an automatic climate control system with cabin air filtration; a standard AM/FM premium stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers, plus a vehicle security system with engine immobilizer. The Radio Broadcast Data System can display a variety of information, including a song's title and artist. For the first time, the WRX STI is available with an optional navigation system, which integrates a vehicle information center. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. The WRX STI comes pre- wired for XM(R) or SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pricing
Base Destination Total Model Transmission MSRP and MSRP Delivery
STI MT6 $34,995 $645 $35,640 STI
BBS Package MT6 $36,995 $645 $37,640
STI BBS/Navigation Package MT6 $38,795 $645 $39,440
Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice.

Retail prices shown are suggested prices only and do not include licenses and state or local taxes. Pre-delivery services are included. Destination & Delivery includes handling and inland freight charges to the dealer's location, and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT.

Destination & Delivery to dealers in Alaska is $795.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its model line.

[guruofsubaru]

Hey all.....

2008 STI Advance order program

[Iguana]

Huh, so the BBS package doesn't just mean + BBS wheels (which seem lighter)...but rather some other goodies like the fog lights and ....stuff perhaps.

[gregginns]

Damn these things are expensive now. This puts the STI in the same class
as the G37 and the 135i as far as pricing. I got my 05 STI for 31k new.
What happened? 37,600? too much.

[tshrey]

Did you special order yours? Did you add 18" BBS rims? If you're going to compare it to previous models you can't include the upgrades in the price since they weren't available on the old models.

Wait until they've been out a few months and you should be able to get a deal (or have a wife who works for Chase and gets all Subaru's at dealer invoice through the VIP program )

[stick]

Anyone know if you can get the navi without the BBS? I'd rather get the navi and buy my own wheels.

[AP1toGDRev.G]

+22 lbs w/ BBS'...? I thought these were going to be lighter...

[guruofsubaru]

The Navi Package includes:
-Touch-screen GPS nav. system plus Audyssey MultEQ audio enhancement and aux video input(single CD) and Bluetooth capability.
-18x18.5 BBS forged Wheels, silver or gold(depending on exterior color)
-Fogs

sorry guys, Navi and BBS come together....


How many people actually replace the forged BBS wheels???

[MacAlert]

Can you get the fogs as a separate option? I could care less for the BBS wheels.

[TheLimitedProject]

Originally Posted by guruofsubaru

How many people actually replace the forged BBS wheels???

Let's just say, "a lot."

[Rootus]

Originally Posted by MacAlert

Can you get the fogs as a separate option? I could care less for the BBS wheels.

It's easy enough to get fogs installed after the fact on a GD series STI, so I'd bet it'll be the same for '08. Even if you can't get them from Subaru directly, for a few hundred bucks the dealer could easily do it.

[MacAlert]

Originally Posted by Rootus

It's easy enough to get fogs installed after the fact on a GD series STI, so I'd bet it'll be the same for '08. Even if you can't get them from Subaru directly, for a few hundred bucks the dealer could easily do it.

That's what I am hoping for. Only reason I asked was there was never a options package when I was looking for an '07. Now with the '08, the fogs are lumped in with the options package.

[jaydow11]

Anyone hear what the price is going to be in Canada?

[07STILtdGO]

Wow... nearly $40k for a fully loaded STI!?!?!?! There are a lot of other choices at that price point.

[guruofsubaru]

Originally Posted by TheLimitedProject

Let's just say, "a lot."

Fair Enough. I had no idea. The good percentage of the STI's I have sold in the past end up with a set of winter "beater" wheels on 'em if they are daily drivers. That is usually the extent of the custom wheels I see in South Jersey.