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First Drive: 2011 Subaru WRX STI Page 3

 
2 5,767 views Jul 19, 2010
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2011 Subaru WRX STI

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

Driving the 2010 and 2011 STI models back to back on an imperfectly surfaced closed road course, it felt a little wondrous that so much stiffening could be done without added harshness. Overall, springs are 16 percent stiffer in front and 53 percent stiffer in back, and ride height is just 5 mm lower, and altogether I found myself more confidently rotating the tail in tight corners as well as making more precise steering adjustments off center.

The STI's willing partner is the DCCD system, which sends 41 percent of torque to the front wheels and 59 percent to the rears. There's an Auto, Auto+, Auto-, and six levels of manual center-diff lockup, all accessed through a little flip switch in the center console. Though we drove on the road for most of the time in the Auto mode, on the track we were able to get that rotation, and feel the tiny bit of power oversteer, in Auto- and the Traction mode.

STI No Longer Basic Inside

Once upon a time getting an STI meant getting a very basic tuner-car interior with limited options, but you'll no longer need to make that compromise. Subaru has become smart to the idea that WRX buyers would rather have a STI, and some STI buyers aspire to a BMW M3 or Porsche Cayman—without giving up creature comforts—so the automaker has now added an all-weather package for the STI, as well as made leather and a moonroof optional. A touch-screen nav system with Sirius Satellite Radio remains optional. And Subaru has finally added a one-touch up/down driver's window with anti-pinch. Of course all of this places the WRX and STI on stronger competitive ground against its archrival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Evolution.

We still weren't that fond of the interface or the sound quality from the audio systems in the WRX and STI models, though they now include Bluetooth connectivity—both for hands-free calling and music streaming—as well as an auxiliary input, USB, and iPod connector. Otherwise, it's easy to forget when out on the track that these are very practical, useful vehicles; with a good set of all-weather tires, they're great in the snow, they don't have the delicate groundwork of other performance cars, and back seats fold down easily for more cargo.

Both models arrive late this summer. Prices are up only modestly from 2010, with the lineup ranging from $25,495 for a base WRX sedan or hatch up to $37,345 for the WRX Limited sedan.



HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STI




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Comments (2)

  1. By Jon Posted: 7/20/2010 5:24am PDT

    Slight error. I doubt the Limited WRX Sedan is $37,000. I think you meant the STI version of the sedan is that price. Great read, I cannot wait for this car to get on the lots!
     
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  2. By VJD Posted: 11/3/2010 11:48pm PDT

    Differences noted in the road test article between the WRX and STI are right on target. Just traded in a SPT equipped 2010 WRX HB on a 2011 STI HB. My driving assessment of the two vehicles confirms what is stated in the road test.
     
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