[JJ]

Here is the latest scoop via our friends at autoweek:

"Europe gets its hot Subaru Impreza WRX STi (for Subaru Technica International) in January, but U.S. customers lusting after the high(er)-performance model needn’t despair. We’re told the beefed-up STi will come to the States in 2003 as a 2004 model, most likely with all the hardware available in the European model.

That makes it a sizeable step up from the rally-bred all-wheel-drive WRX already on sale here. The STi employs a redesigned flat four generating up to 261 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque (compared to 227 hp and 217 lb-ft for the current WRX). The heavily modified, turbocharged engine with active valve control even employs a switch that sprays the enlarged intercooler with water.

The car is fitted with 225/45 tires on gold-spoked, 17-inch alloy wheels, stiffer suspension and front and rear limited-slip differentials, a six-speed gearbox and Brembo brakes. Interior upgrades include blue “suede-effect” seats.

Two STis debuted at the Frankfurt show: a standard STi and a special-edition Prodrive Style modified by the British race-engineering company responsible for Subaru’s world rally cars. The Prodrive Style comes with a huge rear spoiler, a deeper front bumper and a bigger hood scoop, all to make it look more like the competition car. "

Source: Autoweek October 1, 2001 Issue

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=07370487

JJ

[tisbe]

Yeah, they said the same thing on the Autoweek show on Speedvision the other day. They showed a picture of the STi too.