[Draco-REX]

We've all see the new Impreza, and the opinion is pretty unanimous. It also seems that it is all but set in stone that the new STI will be 5-door only. Subsequently, there are other cars out there that are looking more attractive to many of us STI buyers.

So the question is:

Knowing the above, what will it take to make the STI a car you would consider buying?


Myself:

Appearance:
Aggresive fender flares. The new body is much to econo-boxy and high-
sided. The STI must have good flares to conteract this and preserve the muscular Rally look.

A large wing. This seems like a no brainer, but with the new conservative bent that Subaru's designers seem to be taking, we may see the death of the 'bulls-eye.' Granted, many of us would liek to see that thing go, but I think we can all agree that the big wing is part of what makes the STI what it is.

The same BBS Rims. Again, another piece of what makes the STI what it is. Though many of us have/will change them for something else, if pressed to describe an STI, those rims would be in the description.

Handling:
Same or Wider tires. Subaru has seemed to be on the verge of going to 235s since '05. With the pre-rolled finders and the move from 7" to 7.5" rims, I'm amazed they haven't already. NOW is the time to make that move and give the STI some more meat under the fenders.

Improved Turn-in. The STI, now that Subaru seems to be trying to distance it from it's normal offerings, needs some TLC in the steering department. Many have remarked that the STI seems a bit reluctant on turn-in, and this is a great time to fix that.

Less Understeer. The skeleton in the STI's closet. Though easily corrected by the enthusiast, the STI has consistently lost points in reviews because of its tendency to understeer in stock configuration. Since the new STI is a redesign, it's time to fix this.

Drivetrain:
More Power. Yes, the WRC limits the cars to 300HP, and there may be a 'gentleman's agreement' in Japan for 276hp, but the American, European, and Austrailian markets are a different matter. Power is king, and everyone is sure the Evo X will be going well over 300hp in stock trim; some estimates are as high as 350hp. We know the power is there to be had, unleash some of it to keep the Evo from taking the power crown.

Larger Turbo. Our current turbos, even the '07s, start to run out of breath in the top end. Since it seems like Subaru is positioning the STI as mroe of a specialist car, a little more lag should not be an issue. Instead, provide a larger turbo for the enthusiasts, and try to take the 'bang-for-the-buck-tuner' crown from the Evo.

Don't Force a Paddle-shifter on us. The EVO X will come with a Dual-Clutch paddle-shifting tranny with an optional manual. Paddle-shifters are very enticing nowa days, being a compromise between Auto and Manual. But I think Subaru should hold off on it until they see how the EVO crowd take to it. But most of all, if Subaru does go with a DCT, follow Mitsu's example and offer a true manual.

Interior:
Better Seats. Yes, us Americans can be fat-asses. However, the STI's seats have been considered inadequate for the car's handling capabilities by nearly everyone, large or small. The STI is a car that holds the road like rails, it should have seats to match.

GPS/Nav. Though the rally car image is what really makes the STI, it is still going to be a daily-driver for many people. As a $30K car currently, certain amenities are becoming more and more expected. Since the WRX and Base Impreza have a GPS offering, it should be available on the best of the line as well.


Overall, the lack of distinctive exterior styling and/or backing down on any of the STI's performance numbers would be a deal breaker for me. Subaru should see this as an opportunity to show dominance in the STI's market. This new STI should be able to out handle, out accellerate, and out brake the current STI. And it should do it while looking every bit as much of a Street-Legal Rally Car as it currently does, or moreso.

Anything less is unacceptable.

[Fast_STi]

Well stated! Let us hope that the "new" STi is everything we expect it to be and more.

[ACHAHockey]

i agree. with the wheels, i think they should offer other kinds of bbs'. the wheels are awesome, but itd be even cooler to have an extra 2 or 3 sets to choose from/upgrade to.

[raymond555]

make the steering like the evo 9,and im buying it,the hatch really looking quite good for me,the new wrx both the hatch and seden really not looking that bad at all,you just got dissapointed because you have been exepted for somthing really bombastic,and thats not happend!!!
ugly car are cars like:mazda 3(looks narrow and high,like a bath)the new lancer really looking awfull,all dodge's cars,new civic hatch(looks like the car got stretched while she came out of mama-honda ASS!)
the new impreza look too much solid,thats the problem!