NY Show 2010 Highlights: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

In the wake of the news that all 2011 Impreza WRXs would be getting wider tracks and STI-inspired wide-body styling, we figured the nails were already being driven into the STI’s coffin. We were so wrong, as Subaru shows it has no plans of killing the STI with this additional new sedan body style, which dropped at New York auto show. Only offered in hatchback form since its redesign in 2008, the STI still will be available in the more practical form, and it will be upgraded to match the specification of the new sedan.

(By the way, what is it with Subaru and upgrading the WRX and STI basically every year? Are they trying to screw with their customer base? “I’ll just wait until next year to buy that STI . . . but what if they upgrade it again!? ACK! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" *BANG*)

With 305 hp already on tap from the STI’s turbocharged flat-four, there wasn’t much need for more power, so Subaru’s engineers focused on what needed help the most: the suspension and on-road handling. The upgrades made to create the 2010 STI Special Edition were only the beginning; the ’11 STI goes further with an even more aggressive suspension to reduce body roll and create more neutral handling. Compared with last year’s STI, the ride has been lowered and both the front and rear anti-roll bars have been beefed-up in diameter by 1 mm. Stiffer springs—to the tune of 15.6 percent in the front and 53 percent in the rear—are installed, as are more rigid rear subframe bushings and new pillow-ball bushings in the front. Subaru says that extensive testing on the Nürburgring resulted in crisper handling while maintaining a livable ride.

Beyond its new sedan body style, the STI gains some other aesthetic tweaks for 2011. Like the ’11 WRX, the grille is revised, the bumpers are more aggressive, and the fog lights are blacked-out. But differentiating the STI from the lesser WRX is the huge rear spoiler—Subie says it enhances high-speed stability and helps achieve zero aerodynamic lift—and polished quad tailpipes. New standard 18-inch wheels are said to save a total of 17.6 pounds over the old rims. BBS-brand 18s will continue to be optional, and both rollers will come wearing summer-only 245/40 Dunlop SP600 rubber.

As mentioned—although it hasn’t yet been officially announced—Subaru confirms that all the above will be reflected on the five-door hatchback when the 2011 models go on sale this summer. After our time in the STI Special Edition, we’re pretty confident this new STI will make good on its promise of improved handling. That thing we said about the STI being killed? After seeing this 2011, all we have to say is this: Over our dead bodies.

Thanks to: Car and Driver