Some pundits have expressed disappointment with the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, singling-out its softer suspension as evidence of weakness. But the WRX STI model exists partly for FIA-homologation for rally competition, so performance on dirt matters, too. A more compliant suspension helps improve mechanical grip on rough roads and washboard dirt and gravel surfaces, so this might be a case of "I meant to do that" on Subaru's part.
The Subie and I are in Las Vegas this weekend. A good-sized dry lake sits about 5 miles south of Interstate 15, so I made a detour to try out the STI on a bit of dirt.
Time and sunlight were in short supply, but the STI excelled on a variety of surfaces:
The lumpy, poorly-paved entrance road--The STI's suspension absorbed the potholes, protruding lumps and places where the pavement had been washed away on this barely-paved road with ho-hum, "is-that-all-you've-got?" confidence.
Rutted, narrow dirt tracks with loosened rocks and whoops from passing dirt bikes and quads--Enough clearance, short overhangs (especially in the rear) and a highish stance menat that negotiating the trails between the "road" and the dry lake itself wasn't a problem. Of course this isn't a 4x4, so there are limits to what the Subie can be expected to do.
The dry lake bed itself--Are you kidding? This was a festival of humugous slideways drifts and donuts. If only I'd had more time to play with all of the diff settings and set out cones and timing lights. Perhaps we'll save that for another day.
Graded dirt roads with a washboard surface--Washboard? What washboard? At speed, at least, I couldn't even tell it was there.
I'm not convinced the WRX STI rides the way it does in order to improve ride comfort compared to the last-generation car. It would seem that Subaru engineers kept the rally nature of this car in mind and put a suspension tune on the car that would work well on unpaved roads and tortured tarmac. The aftermarket is always out there for those out there who don't care about that and simply want to optimize the car for track days.
Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 2,913 miles
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Dan, it's cool to see and read what you (and Josh previously) could do with the car on its Dunlop SP Sport 600 max performance summer tires, which were developed specifically for the global market STI (Dunlop press release, HTML used due to link length). For those who don't know, the JDM STI rides on Bridgestone Potenza RE050A max performance summer tires.
Imagine what might be possible with M+S-rated or full-blown dirt/rally tires, although I doubt the latter are widely available in 18-inch tire sizes.
Hope the family is having a nice Mother's Day appreciating "f1mom!" :o)
Dan you made me want one even more. Argh, you're partially responsible for talking me into trying an R56 Cooper!
I dig the concept of that STI so much. I'm afraid if I drive one i'll end up opening it. I need to stop buying cars every 2 years!
Still...relatively small exterior, hatchback, 4 doors, nice interior space, gobs of power, go-anywhere, sinister styling.
Hopefully the Cooper S can last...
I have two years left on the warranty on my SRT-4... after that I'll be tripping over my feet to the Suby dealership- hopefully they'll keep the hatch design for the STI but clean up the headlight design a bit. I'm with Trojan on this one, though, red with gold wheels to show SC pride, if they offer it.
The Subie's styling might be a little bland from the front, but I love the "Batman" look of the back, and those quad exhaust pipes.
There's alot to love about this car, but it needs to be 30-32k and have a Legacy-grade interior.
I like the fact that the suspension is softer and really appreciate this post in that it points out that Subaru didn't soften the suspension for mass-market appeal (they didn't need a good ride on the last model, did they?)...
Joe
Subaru's never had a problem with traction, it'll make quick work of slippery mud even with summer tires. If you are racing off road then that is where better tires would help. Anyways, ride height is the limiting factor if you like to explore the wilderness...
Glad to see someone finally using the car in a manner for which it was designed to do. It's sad, but 99.9% of STi owners will never take their cars to the dirt.
HUZZAH!! Good to read an understanding and appreciation of the STI's roots and design philosophy! Contrast this with the Motor Trend's comparison of the STI .vs. the Evo, where the test driver berated the STI for being a "rally car".
There are lots of fine track cars, including the Evo, that would be kicked to pieces by what Dan drove the STI over. A pity the USA's poor infrastructure maintance's making those washboard-style roads more commonplace.
hey dan, you and josh should take it out to the rally-x events out in san bernardino. they usually hold it on saturday/sunday afternoons. :) gravel crew represents in full-force. usually... it should be fun. just watch out for errant noobs.
I'll admit that I disliked this STI' styling before, but the pictures of the your guys LT car have sort of changed that, I guess it must be growing on me. The pics, toghether with this description you just made, make me think it would be a great go-fast car for my hometown (crappy and/or sandy roads everywhere).
Now I have to find a way to afford one.
I go down to that dry lake bed fairly frequently. Its a good place to shoot (although not at signs as pictured) and unload the dirt bikes.
Curse you, Mr. Edmunds! Not only do you have one of the world's best jobs, but you're also making me want to buy another STI, and I can't afford one right now... :/