2018 WRX/STI Refresh
 

Official release from Subaru

http://media.subaru.com/newsrelease.do?id=1067&mid=1


Highlights:

-Revised front styling for a more aggressive look
-Suspension optimized for better handling and ride comfort
-New 19-inch wheels, upgraded 6 piston Brembo® brakes and revised DCCD All-Wheel Drive give WRX STI wider performance envelope
-New available Recaro® power seats
-Performance Package option for WRX models
-New EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology safety features
-Upgraded interior materials and quieter cabin

Fluff.

Wonder what's the problem with a 300hp FA20 in North America.

Maybe Subaru still hasn't quite nailed down their DI...

Looks nice. Sounds heavy though

IF we get an FA20 powered STI here, I suspect it won't be until the 2020 MY car. That's just speculation though.

^^ Concur

I'm still waiting for the WRX hatchback :bonk:

How is this a performance improvement? Especially when the tires are still 245's.
It isn't difficult to have a more aggressive stance when the previous year's wheels had a +55 offset.

Isn't the "next generation" due in 2020? Also would be nice to see how hard Subaru can push the FA20.

Hey, the 18 has back seat cup holders and "faster" trunk opening isn't that close enough?

EJ motor = do not want.

Agreed. I'm not a fan of the 19s, but I am a fan of the larger brakes. I hope 19s aren't required to clear the calipers.

Yes. I'll continue to remain skeptical until I see the FA is capable of holding higher power levels reliably. I'm not caught up on numbers, but I'd be totally content with just a small bump to say 320hp or so. Gimme that with forged internals and a CF roof and driveshaft, and I'd probably trade mine in a heartbeat.

I have little faith though :lol:

I'll take the EJ over the FA20DIT any day of the week.

*sales performance

296hp/295 ft-lbs in JDM for the past ~4 years.
Wiki only lists the Legacy and Levorg, but I'm positive it's in the STI as well, just can't find a nice source.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._engines#FA20F

Too lazy to find something better so here's MotorAuthority claiming 305/311

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ype-s-in-japan

320 is a proper number. Don't need to be some dyno queen like the RS. I mean, when I build my FRS motor, I don't want anything more than 325. haha.

And why EJ>FA?

When going from the EJ to the FA, you're just trading one weakness for others. Aside from better fuel economy, there's no real benefit to the new engine. EJs are known to have ringlands or bearings go. FAs have seen the same issues, plus rod failures when modified. It isn't really an upgrade; you're just picking which failures you'd prefer to have lol.

Furthermore, it sounds gross (subjective) and falls on its face at higher RPMs.

Now, if they gave us an FA20DIT that utilized forged internals, better cooling, and more top end power, while increasing reliabilty/durability, I'd be on board. Until that day comes though, I'll stick with the EJ.

I heard the 18 was going to be AWD turbo, too.












Wait, wrong thread..

Eh. The 16 already had rear cup holders

Exactly

I thought the WRX already had the DIT? Why would the STI get anything different

Not surprised it has few performance enhancements and while it is a mild facelift/refresh, I like the newer look (too bad they didn't change the rear though). The 2017 WRX wheels are a much welcomed change versus the previous WRX wheels which looked too bulky and dull in my opinion.

It does. I'm talking about the internals, turbo, and power delivery though.

The FA is still heavily flawed to me, and I don't consider it an upgrade from the EJ platform. More like a lateral step. I think Subaru is on the right track, but not quite there.

This is great. I'm actually looking to buy a WRX/STI in 2 years :)
I like the small change in the front end. Also the Performance Package looks good with those seats :)

Oh sorry, arm rest WITH cup holders!

Improved Usability with a Sporting Edge
The everyday usability that has contributed to WRX and STI popularity gets even better for 2018. All models feature upgraded interior materials, rear seat armrest with cup holders, redesigned interior door grips and faster remote trunk opening.

When do we get a rear seat armrest with cup holders in the Twins? What a rip off they get it.

I think the most welcome change is the Recaro seat option. Always disliked the stock seats on my old STI for how unsupportive they were so that sounds like a nice upgrade. The least welcome change IMO is making the center differential fully electronic. The cynic in me says that was based on cost-savings (previous STI's had electronically controlled, planetary-type center diff), but I guess we'll see how the new setup does in the real world.

I am a little surprised Subaru didn't bump the power to try to match the 350 hp Focus RS. I don't think they needed to go with the FA20DIT per se, but a power bump would be welcome after 12 years of essentially the same engine.

The BRZ GT300 car is still using an EJ20.

I like the new multi-function display, making the jdm leather hood for it usdm, quieter cabin, and adjustable lumbar support, but it ain't going to be worth the extra $2k it'd cost over my 16 Limited. From the sounds of it, the performance package isn't available for Limiteds either. I think the 17's are going to be the best buy unless you REALLY like the new front bumper.

What I'd really like to see is auto windows for all the doors.

I wouldn't want a 17 though because they put check valves on every vacuum hose in the engine bay. Then they have the car hooked up to SOA, so you'll get an email when your tire is low on air pressure.

Sounds like with the MY17, you can't even sneeze in the car without Subaru knowing about it:lol:

Agreed. Would you rather have rod failure when modified past 300-350whp or bearing/ringland issues.
You're joking right?......:bellyroll:

If they keep improving the looks (I know some will hate me but I considered ALL the previous gens ugly as fuck) then this may be the way I go in 2020 when it is time to get something new again.

You don't like the stylistic and cutting edge "Blob eye" or "bug eye"? Truly works of art! :wub:

In all seriousness, had it not been for Subi making the WRX look more like an Evo X than a subi, I wouldn't be driving on either.

Yep. We have talked about this before. At least now with the Evo gone the newer updates will not be held in close comparison anymore.

It also means no more top gear comparison videos...I miss those things :(

Even if the Evo was there, I don't think they'd do the new Impreza anyways. I recall them stating a few seasons back that the UK wasn't getting the new Impreza.

Nope lol. Cars are becoming too complex and smart for their own good. Early 2015s had a known issue with tolerances in the bearings. The 2017s have this extra BS that just makes life more difficult. I'm jealous that the driver and passenger side window is fully automatic in the MY17 though. I'm more than content with my MY16.

I liked the bug eye. Bug eyes seem to be rally-inspired but the subsequent generations seemed ashamed of this heritage.

The current one is worse than ugly. It's bland!

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I had a bugeye, but I liked the 04-05 better. I thought the edgy aggressive hoodscoop and vehicle lines fit the motorsports image Subaru was trying to portray. The bugeye was round and soft.

Meh. Other than those oversized head and fog lights popping out the front the rest of the body was as totally uninspiring as any other four door sedan.

I see a highly-depreciated Jaguar XE in your future... One of the few sexy 4-doors

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Must be new. The only 4 door I would even consider would be the WRX/STi. Even that is only a consider at this point. I may never own a 4 door again.

STI Ver. 6 will forever be my favorite.

http://www.autolifers.com/wp-content...-STI-WRX-1.jpg

Ahhh the 2 door. That was a whole different ball of wax! So rare here I had never even heard of it until Gramm mentioned his last year. That is a work of art that I would have in a heartbeat if new.

GM8 is best Subaru.

http://www.tyeeimports.com/jdm-cars-...%20VERSION%206

Canadians are lucky to only have to wait 15 years.

I'm compelled to have one shipped over when the 25 year mark hits for one of these. Same powertrain but in a 2800lb car. Or I can just buy a 2.5RS and do everything myself here, which would be a fun project.