2007 Subarus at NY
While it may not score very high on the automotive news-o-meter, Subaru announced a number of interesting (if not significant) upgrades to a couple of their existing models at NY.
WRX STI LimitedIn Europe this vehicle is marketed as the WRX STI spec.D (as in
discrete). What it is, is your basic STI street-brawler, but now dressed in a business suit. No more juvenile street-racer clothing here folks...
This STI just graduated from charm school, and is ready to take on customers who loved the performance, but hated the looks. I sense this model will transition nicely into the all-new (and more upscale) '08 Impreza.
Besides losing the huge signature STI wing (it now has a tiny rear deck "lip"), it comes with leather, moonroof, heated seats and a satellite radio. The wheels are also different, and the Brembo brake calibers are painted black, instead of gold. There will be only 800 made for '06, so the name "Limited" does indeed apply.
Legacy 2.5 GT spec.BChanges to the new spec.B are more subtle, but there are two items worth noting: It now has a 6-speed manual transmission, replacing the 5-speed unit. Even more interesting is that there is now a driver-controlled engine mapping called SI Drive. SI Drive has three modes: Intelligent (economy), Sport (default) and Sport Sharp (performance).
This SI Drive will be standard on all '07 Legacy and Outback turbos. Not only does it control the engine, but also the transmission too (if you have the 5EAT). In the Sport Sharp mode the tranny shifts reportedly will be much more direct.
The spec.B also comes with VDC (a first for Subies with a manual tranny) and a new Torsen LSD. Good stuff...
spec.B
Now, if Subaru kept the price the same, added 'spec.B' badging and offered another interior color besides red leather, they might have something going. Funny/interesting they have introduced this 'SI Drive' on the '07 model as it sounds very similar to the 'Power Mode' settings from the first general Legacy's equipped with the 4EAT.
The '07 spec.B has a charcoal gray leather interior with blue seat & door inserts. No more red leather.
If you click on this link, and go to "ONLY ON THE spec.B," there are 2 links that show the seats.
http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/2007/spec.B/index.html
I admire Subaru but I believe they are overdue for both a revamped Imprezza WRX ......and for something less expensive than the Imprezza WRX. Maybe a 2 door hatch based on the Imprezza with sub WRX performance. Put the prior 2 litre in it or even a 1.8 and AWD and offer performance in a lower cost package. No, not another "Justy" but a serious WRX like 2 door hatch that is just less expensive. K
I think you will see some if not most of those issues addressed in 2008, as an all-new Impreza will debut then.
The new seats looks great, but it's that rock-solid 6 speed and the Torsen that get my attention.
This is a serious sports sedan that can stand up to competition that costs $42 grand, even.
Price should be around $35k, not bad considering it has moonroof, NAV, and heated leather standard.
Reffering to: http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/2007/spec.B/index.html "ONLY ON THE spec.B"
Does anyone know why its advertised "243-HP Turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine"? Has the horsepower rating been revised for SAE standards? Or has it been tuned differently for a broader power range?
You can blaim the new lower horsepower ratings on the SAE. I suspect all Subarus for '07 will be rated a bit lower than the '06 models.
blaim? Sorry, I meant "blame."