'06 WRX and STi photos released - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Tech · 07-25-2005, 05:53 PM

don't know about this one... that front end...

WRX

STi

STi stuff...

Quote:

Source: Subaru

For 2006, Subaru restyled its Impreza line and in addition gave the all-conquering 300-horsepower WRX STI model several performance enhancements. On the safety front, all Impreza models gained the new dualstage Subaru Advanced Airbag System.

The Impreza WRX STi was redesigned for 2006 to reflect the new brand identity. The new Subaru signature front-end design for Impreza features a three-section mesh-type grill inspired by the company’s aircraft heritage, plus boldly styled headlights with smoke-tinted lenses. All 2006
models can also identified by a new tail lamp cluster design.

The 2006 WRX STI is also distinguished by the lower-profile hood scoop from the standard WRX to aid forward visibility. Daytime running lights (DRL) are added to the safety roster to make the WRX STI more visible to other drivers. A new roof vane spoiler, inspired by the Impreza World Rally Championship competition car, contributes to stability at track speeds and reinforces the car’s highperformance attitude.

The WRX STI received several significant chassis performance enhancements for 2005, including wider wheels. For 2006, the addition of a steering sensor input to the DCCD All-Wheel Drive system enhances power distribution response by more accurately relaying the car’s cornering situation. The WRX STI is based on the Impreza WRX platform but is completely re-engineered to provide even higher levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance that challenge the world’s best sports cars.

The Impreza WRX STI is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter DOHC boxer engine producing 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Teamed exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission, the engine can propel the WRX STI from zero-to-60 mph in under five seconds. Power is transferred to all four wheels by a sophisticated Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) to optimize performance in all conditions.

Rally Tested, Road Ready

The WRX STI draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition and is designed to appeal to the most serious driving enthusiasts. STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

In its exterior design, Impreza WRX STI leaves no doubts about its performance potential – a look that is equally functional. The scoop in the aluminum hood feeds outside air to an intercooler that is significantly larger than the intercooler used on WRX models. The dual-plane rear spoiler – which appears to be borrowed directly from the Impreza World Rally Car – helps reduce lift and improve stability at track speeds. An aerodynamic underbody cover and the new roof vane spoiler contribute to enhanced high-speed track stability. Airflow is also managed via front side spoilers on the front bumper and STI-design aerodynamic side ground effects.

The front fascia features a four-beam headlight system with high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams. Distinctive STI fog light insert covers add to the no-nonsense look. Large diameter Brembo® brakes are clearly visible between the spokes of the 17-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy BBS® wheels.

300 Horsepower Turbo Legend

The 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder engine is based on a specially reinforced semiclosed deck engine block with forged aluminum-alloy pistons, forged high-carbon steel connecting rods and sodium-filled exhaust valves. The Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing technology helps provide strong torque characteristics throughout the engine’s operating range.

The turbocharger produces 14.5 psi of maximum boost compared to 13.5 in the standard WRX. The large capacity intercooler uses a manually operated water spray feature to enhance intercooler efficiency during high-performance driving. Symmetric All-Wheel Drive with DCCD

The Impreza WRX STI is equipped with the brand’s most performance-directed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system featuring Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD). A planetary center differential provides a performance-oriented 35 percent front / 65 percent rear power split. Set in automatic mode, the electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch can vary the torque distribution ratio as needed to suit driving and road-surface conditions.

Automatic mode provides the best all-around performance for most drivers and circumstances, varying the front/rear torque distribution automatically depending on driving conditions and driver input. The system determines the ideal power distribution in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle, cornering force and wheel slippage.

In manual mode, DCCD allows the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution (up to 50/50 maximum) to optimize All-Wheel Drive performance for varying driving conditions. The driver first selects manual mode with a console-mounted button and then turns a thumbwheel on the center console to select from among six levels of center differential locking. Increasing the lock factor keeps more power at the front wheels, which the driver might want in certain driving conditions, on particular roads or to suit an individual driving style.

A helical-type limited-slip front differential and mechanical clutch-type limited-slip rear differential help to optimize power distribution side-to-side, helping to ensure that the inside wheels don’t slip during cornering. Competition-Bred Chassis

A super-stiff Ring Frame Reinforced body structure with a hydroformed front subframe provides the foundation for the high-integrity Impreza platform. Compared to the standard WRX models, the WRX STI is lowered by 0.4-inch to help yield a lower center of gravity. The 4-wheel independent suspension inherits technology from the Impreza WRC competition car, but has been strictly optimized in the WRX STI for high cornering performance on paved roads.

Inverted struts used for the front and rear suspension increase bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. A rally-derived variation on the MacPherson-type strut, the inverted strut essentially functions like a conventional shock absorber set upside-down and encased by another tube. The strength of the outer steel tube bears the brunt of bending forces acting upon the strut under cornering, rather than the internal piston rod. The piston rod operates in the lower portion of the strut tube rather than the upper section.

The secondary upper tube mounts to the inner fender where the piston rod would mount in a conventional strut. The piston’s stroke remains consistent during hard cornering, helping to maintain the ideal tire-toroad surface contact pattern for increased traction and cornering power.

Aluminum front suspension lower control arms and aluminum rear suspension lateral links reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The standard BBS light-alloy wheels measure 17 x 8-inches and are equipped with 225/45 ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 directional performance tires.

The quick-ratio steering system yields 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, and the steering rack uses a “cannon mount” for greater rigidity that improves on-center response. A damper valve helps reduce kickback that the increased rigidity might cause. Brembo Brakes with Super Sport ABS

Subaru equipped Impreza WRX STI with one of the most advanced and performance-optimized braking systems on the market today. The powerful Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4- wheel disc brakes to help ensure stopping power and consistency commensurate with the vehicle’s high performance capability. The front discs measure 12.7 inches in diameter and 1.2-inch thick and utilize 4- piston, fixed-position calipers. The rear discs are 12.3 inches in diameter and 0.8-inch thick and use 2- piston, fixed-position calipers.

A combination of Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Super Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to reduce stopping distances and understeer compared to conventional ABS systems. EBD provides precise control of braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to improve stability and stopping distances. Conventional ABS systems control the rear wheels as a pair, reducing the braking force to both rear wheels. Super Sport ABS, using input from a lateral gsensor, can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, optimizing the braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.

Performance-Directed Interior

The WRX STI conveys its performance attitude from the inside, as well. The driver grips a MOMO® 3- spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Performance design front seats feature substantial side bolsters, integrated head restraints and embroidered “STI” logos. The seats are upholstered in unique perforated blue high-grip Ecsaine® fabric with contrasting black knit bolsters, complemented by matching blue door trim and blue floor carpeting.

The WRX STI instrument gauge cluster places a 9,000-rpm tachometer in the center, flanked by a 160- mph speedometer, DCCD display and fuel and temperature gauges. All three primary gauges feature aluminum trim rings. Red LED indicators and an illuminated “STI” logo in the tachometer reinforce the sporty driving environment. Previewing the vehicle’s performance potential, all the gauge needles swing to their maximum positions when the ignition is switched on, and then return to their normal positions.

The standard automatic climate control system integrates cabin air filtration. The standard 140-watt AM/FM premium stereo plays through six speakers and includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. An engine immobilizer security system is standard equipment.

New Safety Technology for 2006

Front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS) are standard, and all Impreza models for 2006 get the new Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag system. The driver’s side air bag deploys according to the driver’s proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it’s occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features a new “Airbag” indicator light.

Front seatbelts integrate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters. A safety pedal system in all Impreza models is designed to prevent injury to the driver’s lower limbs in the event of a serious frontend collision.

punx1325 · 07-25-2005, 06:17 PM

I dunno, I think they could have done better desining it. Hopefully the 2008 will be nice...

silent_jay · 07-25-2005, 06:20 PM

That front end is hideous, but I expected it to make its way to the WXR after seeing the Tribeca, I figure this will be a passing fancy for Subaru, much like the bug eye headlights of a couple of years ago. At least I hope it's a passing fancy.

todd · 07-25-2005, 06:27 PM

I HATE that grill. What the hell? It looks like an Alfa Romeo or something

The performance upgrades look sweet, but as for the restyling I don't like it much at all. It looks like the front half is the only thing that changed (thankfully), other than the second spoiler added on the back of the roof. The headlights are workable, but not when they are surrounded by that ugly hood/grill assembly. If it had the previous style hood that flowed down and wrapped around the headlights, and had thicker walls between the grill and lights, it would look pretty cool I think. I like that new spoiler a lot though I'd like to put one of those on the '03-'05 WRX STi which I love dearly.

Speaking of which, I just bought a 1:18 scale model of one...
http://www.diecast.toddfx.com/img/impreza/

1slOwCD8 · 07-25-2005, 07:12 PM

OMG! That is horrible. Like the spoiler isnt big enough, so lets add a second one. And while were at it, we'll rice up the taillights and steal the headlights from a saturn ion.

Dragonknight · 07-25-2005, 07:22 PM

my baby is starting to loose the small amount of individualism it has. i LOVE my 03 WRX, (just wish it was a STI but oh well). now it's starting to look like all the other cars. that sucks

mechanicman · 07-25-2005, 08:19 PM

nice article. do you have a link to the original so I can print it out? When I try to print from here is chops some of the lines between pages.

stingc · 07-25-2005, 08:22 PM

Although pretty ugly, I actually like the front better than the old one. The back is even worse than the last model, though.

Tech · 07-25-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechanicman

nice article. do you have a link to the original so I can print it out? When I try to print from here is chops some of the lines between pages.

http://www.fast-autos.net/subaru/06subarusti.html

there ya go

optik_nerve · 07-25-2005, 08:34 PM

Eh...it kinda sucks actually. I don't like the front end. I like the older ones better...

and, fuck that spoiler.

mechanicman · 07-25-2005, 08:41 PM

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

politicophile · 07-26-2005, 07:03 AM

I'm a big Subaru fan and although I certainly don't love the styling on this one, it sounds like they've done a very good job of improving the breed. But the article that was posted hinted at, but failed to point out, the biggest change:

http://www.fast-autos.net/subaru/06subaruwrx.html

The regular WRX dumps the old 2.0 liter for the 2.5, albeit at lower boost pressures. Still, that gives it 3 extra hp and 18 ft-lbs of torque. Mmmm.... torque....

Scorps · 07-26-2005, 10:49 AM

UGLY!!!!!!!!

ChrisJericho · 07-26-2005, 02:18 PM

The front end logo is OK. I think there's kind of an immediate backlash whenever a vehicle company does an overhaul. I doubt it will dissuade anyone who was going to buy a subaru before from getting one now.

billege · 07-27-2005, 07:24 AM

That is pretty fucking ugly. Really. Neat car, but damn, that's ugly.

Tickford · 08-15-2005, 04:19 AM

Well despite all the negative comments, I kinda like it. I think thats its a nice improvement on the current model (of which I own one)

I really like the shape of the new head and tail lights. Cant wait to see the hatch.

rideough · 08-15-2005, 03:09 PM

Oh My God it looks like an Edsel!

I don't llike the Tribeca-ized front but the rest is seriously cool.

woody18228 · 08-15-2005, 08:17 PM

Very happy I have an 04 WRX
I like the splitter next to the fogs being included, and painted side skirts.

tspikes51 · 08-15-2005, 08:56 PM

To quote Doug Niedermayer:
"You're a goddamned disgrace!!!"

Scorps · 08-16-2005, 08:33 AM

That thing look just like the SUV they got out in the commericals..I guess they can't come up with 2 ugly designs!

irseg · 08-24-2005, 03:40 AM

I like the new front end--it's agressive and distinctive. Yeah it's a little Edsel-ish, but for some reason I think it works.

I wonder if you can get an STi with more tasteful wheels and minus the enormous wing. Yes I'm sure it's somewhat functional on those cars, but it still screams "rice" to me.

vautrain · 08-24-2005, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todd

I HATE that grill. What the hell? It looks like an Alfa Romeo or something

Good eye. Actually, Subaru recently added a former Alfa Romeo designer to their design team. No joke.

BalloonKnots · 08-24-2005, 08:06 AM

They actually paid someone to design that front end???!!!! They need to fire that Alfa Romero guy, I'm sure he had a say in the design of that FUGLY nose!

Lord, I really hope they come up with a better design when I'm in the market to buy one in a couple of years.

tec-9-7 · 08-26-2005, 09:23 PM

The word that leaps to mind is... polarizing...

07-25-2005, 06:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
punx1325 Junkie Location: San Diego	I dunno, I think they could have done better desining it. Hopefully the 2008 will be nice... __________________ If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is....

07-25-2005, 06:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
silent_jay Her Jay Location: Ontario for now....	That front end is hideous, but I expected it to make its way to the WXR after seeing the Tribeca, I figure this will be a passing fancy for Subaru, much like the bug eye headlights of a couple of years ago. At least I hope it's a passing fancy. __________________ Absence makes the heart grow fonder

07-25-2005, 06:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
todd Addict Location: Chicago	I HATE that grill. What the hell? It looks like an Alfa Romeo or something The performance upgrades look sweet, but as for the restyling I don't like it much at all. It looks like the front half is the only thing that changed (thankfully), other than the second spoiler added on the back of the roof. The headlights are workable, but not when they are surrounded by that ugly hood/grill assembly. If it had the previous style hood that flowed down and wrapped around the headlights, and had thicker walls between the grill and lights, it would look pretty cool I think. I like that new spoiler a lot though I'd like to put one of those on the '03-'05 WRX STi which I love dearly. Speaking of which, I just bought a 1:18 scale model of one... http://www.diecast.toddfx.com/img/impreza/ Last edited by todd; 07-25-2005 at 06:30 PM..

07-26-2005, 02:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
ChrisJericho eat more fruit Location: Seattle	The front end logo is OK. I think there's kind of an immediate backlash whenever a vehicle company does an overhaul. I doubt it will dissuade anyone who was going to buy a subaru before from getting one now. __________________ "A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows us that faith proves nothing." - Friedrich Nietzsche

07-27-2005, 07:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	That is pretty fucking ugly. Really. Neat car, but damn, that's ugly. __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

07-25-2005, 07:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
1slOwCD8 Psycho Location: chicago, illinois	OMG! That is horrible. Like the spoiler isnt big enough, so lets add a second one. And while were at it, we'll rice up the taillights and steal the headlights from a saturn ion.

07-25-2005, 07:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dragonknight Insane Location: Hawaii	my baby is starting to loose the small amount of individualism it has. i LOVE my 03 WRX, (just wish it was a STI but oh well). now it's starting to look like all the other cars. that sucks

07-25-2005, 08:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
mechanicman Upright Location: Glendale, AZ	nice article. do you have a link to the original so I can print it out? When I try to print from here is chops some of the lines between pages.

07-25-2005, 08:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
stingc Psycho Location: PA	Although pretty ugly, I actually like the front better than the old one. The back is even worse than the last model, though.

07-25-2005, 08:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
optik_nerve Psycho Location: Florida	Eh...it kinda sucks actually. I don't like the front end. I like the older ones better... and, fuck that spoiler.

07-25-2005, 08:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
mechanicman Upright Location: Glendale, AZ	Thanks man, I appreciate it.

07-26-2005, 07:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
politicophile Addict	I'm a big Subaru fan and although I certainly don't love the styling on this one, it sounds like they've done a very good job of improving the breed. But the article that was posted hinted at, but failed to point out, the biggest change: http://www.fast-autos.net/subaru/06subaruwrx.html The regular WRX dumps the old 2.0 liter for the 2.5, albeit at lower boost pressures. Still, that gives it 3 extra hp and 18 ft-lbs of torque. Mmmm.... torque....

07-26-2005, 10:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	UGLY!!!!!!!!

08-15-2005, 04:19 AM	#16 (permalink)
Tickford Insane Location: Australia	Well despite all the negative comments, I kinda like it. I think thats its a nice improvement on the current model (of which I own one) I really like the shape of the new head and tail lights. Cant wait to see the hatch. __________________ Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined. Samuel Goldwyn

08-15-2005, 03:09 PM	#17 (permalink)
rideough Insane Location: Ottawa...the greatest city in Canada...down the road from silentjay!	Oh My God it looks like an Edsel! I don't llike the Tribeca-ized front but the rest is seriously cool. __________________ i may or may not be on acid right now....

08-15-2005, 08:56 PM	#19 (permalink)
tspikes51 Fuckin' A Location: Lex Vegas	To quote Doug Niedermayer: "You're a goddamned disgrace!!!" __________________ "I'm telling you, we need to get rid of a few people or a million." -Maddox

08-15-2005, 08:17 PM	#18 (permalink)
woody18228 Upright	Very happy I have an 04 WRX I like the splitter next to the fogs being included, and painted side skirts.

08-16-2005, 08:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	That thing look just like the SUV they got out in the commericals..I guess they can't come up with 2 ugly designs!

08-24-2005, 03:40 AM	#21 (permalink)
irseg Junkie Location: Florida	I like the new front end--it's agressive and distinctive. Yeah it's a little Edsel-ish, but for some reason I think it works. I wonder if you can get an STi with more tasteful wheels and minus the enormous wing. Yes I'm sure it's somewhat functional on those cars, but it still screams "rice" to me.

08-24-2005, 08:06 AM	#23 (permalink)
BalloonKnots Tilted	They actually paid someone to design that front end???!!!! They need to fire that Alfa Romero guy, I'm sure he had a say in the design of that FUGLY nose! Lord, I really hope they come up with a better design when I'm in the market to buy one in a couple of years.

08-26-2005, 09:23 PM	#24 (permalink)
tec-9-7 Insane Location: Rainy Washington	The word that leaps to mind is... polarizing...