Bar & Track - 2015 Subaru WRX Review

[DarkSunrise]

Speaking as a former STI owner, I think most STI owners would rather take a chance with the FA20t over the EJ257. The EJ257 is known to have fragile ringlands. While it's true the FA20 is less well understood, at least it doesn't suffer from any significant issues (yet).

Also surprised you didn't mention the F/R limited slip differentials in the STI. Those are a significant cost upgrade for a WRX.

[tahdizzle]

In my opinion, the differential and the EJ are the only things that are STI exclusive, on the STI.

Personally, i'd take a 15 WRX over a 15 STI.

[chulooz]

That is a pretty narrow opinion.

[MokSpeed]

Originally Posted by N_A

Personally, I think this car looks fantastic. I see a lot of GC8 resemblance in the front end. If I didn't have my FRS and loved it so much, I'd seriously consider this car.

GC8 > All

[robot]

I want my GD sti back...that, or a GR hatch sti.

This thing does nothing for me.

[fang_gt86]

Originally Posted by FT-86 SpeedFactory

^ This guy! Best transaction ever. Anyone thinking about one, Clint is the man to work with.

BTW it's looking like this now... More next week.

That second photo reminds me of older Si.

[Dezoris]

Another polarizing car that won't sell outside the Subaru loyalists. I just don't get it, they keep changing the car in hopes to get mass appeal but you won't see someone cross shopping an Accord, Camry and then going to look at this car, namely for what you get in the price point. It's such a confused moniker.

[thill]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

Another polarizing car that won't sell outside the Subaru loyalists. I just don't get it, they keep changing the car in hopes to get mass appeal but you won't see someone cross shopping an Accord, Camry and then going to look at this car, namely for what you get in the price point. It's such a confused moniker.

WRX has had it's best sales recently than in the last 10 years. If you ask me, Subaru is smart because they created something that other car manufacturers don't offer in same price range.

AWD, good handling, good power, good MPG, with a good size trunk and useable backseat. You simply can't get this much car for under $27K from anyone else if you need a practical fun car that does very well in in climate weather.

Some of you guys should really drive the 2015 before you write it off. IMHO, it is much improved in terms of driving dynamics than the previous model. It drives much closer to the Evo than the previous gen but is a little more forgiving in terms of the ride, MPG, and has an improved interior.

Styling is what it is. I wish Subaru would have gone more aggressive, but at the same time the car is so much more improved that the styling is secondary to me.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by thill

WRX has had it's best sales recently than in the last 10 years. If you ask me, Subaru is smart because they created something that other car manufacturers don't offer in same price range.

AWD, good handling, good power, good MPG, with a good size trunk and useable backseat. You simply can't get this much car for under $27K from anyone else if you need a practical fun car that does very well in in climate weather.

Some of you guys should really drive the 2015 before you write it off. IMHO, it is much improved in terms of driving dynamics than the previous model. It drives much closer to the Evo than the previous gen but is a little more forgiving in terms of the ride, MPG, and has an improved interior.

Styling is what it is. I wish Subaru would have gone more aggressive, but at the same time the car is so much more improved that the styling is secondary to me.

My point was they keep trying to go different ways hoping to mainstream the car, and their sales numbers for the WRX have been usually 4000-5000 units a month. That is very niche so with those numbers I don't see why they don't just try and appeal to their base and core fans instead of constantly trying to go farther away from them.

Nothing wrong with the new car BTW.

[FT-86 SpeedFactory]

After all this debate, I feel like we should grab up a 2015 STI and give her the treatment.....

We got the track portion filmed this weekend....

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDlg5iAhXh4"]Bar & Track - Mid-America Motorplex and Downtown Omaha Preview - YouTube[/ame]

[wbradley]

I bought a low mileage loaded 2011 GR wagon last Dec as my winter car. After Cobb Stg1 high octane (want to stay close to stock) it is a quick practical all weather car that feels cushy compared to the FR-S. The only real weakness for me is the terrible fuel economy. That's where I am sure the new WRX reigns supreme. Plus slick panel displays and a 6 SPD vs a truck like shifter in the GR. Gotta say though, my car has character. Subies seem to stay desirable with age for me . I still like the first generation Impreza also because it has character. There is a 95,555 package right drive one for sale nearby. I often stop to admire it but insurance and practically make it prohibitive. 270ish HP and about 2300 lbs. My GR is close to 300 HP and 900 or so lbs more. At least the 5,SPD gearing ensures impressive 0-60 times, faster than the STI.

These cars have character! They don't get long in the tooth for me!

[jflogerzi]

Trying to find a dealer near me that will really let me test drive a 15 WRX. So far none have been receptive to the idea.

[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

My point was they keep trying to go different ways hoping to mainstream the car, and their sales numbers for the WRX have been usually 4000-5000 units a month. That is very niche so with those numbers I don't see why they don't just try and appeal to their base and core fans instead of constantly trying to go farther away from them.

Nothing wrong with the new car BTW.

Lol, I'm pretty sure you mean 4000-5000 units PER YEAR, not month.


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[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

You'd rather have 7 less horsepower for steering that is not guaranteed to be better? That's how much power a crank driven hydraulic pump eats. I think that dull electric PS is mostly intentional, cranking the wheel of a new Porsche reveals that the steering column is extremely stiff torsionally compared to the usual hydraulic rack, and it doesn't take much effort to "fight" the unpowered motor, so all they need to do is cut the assist. Unfortunately most people like their steering feather light.

Anyways, I actually really like that interior, very utilitarian looking, and the dash is very creative.

The STI with EJ20 is extremely stupid IMO, you can just swap the turbochargers and bam the FA20 WRX will have more power output than the STI. If you were given the difference in cost to spend on a WRX, you could raise the compression ratio by a tiny bit, buy a new turbine housing, and have a faster car plus more money to spend on suspension or cosmetics or whatever.

7 horsepower? Yes I'd give that up for better steering feel. And how hard would it be for Subaru to gain back that 7 hp though a design change? On a turbo motor, extremely easy.

And as for Porsche my 987's steering feel and feedback is heads and shoulders above the steering feel of the 981 (2014 Cayman). I've had one as a loaner for a day and also drove them both back to back. It's like night and day.

The STI - first off the engine is 2.5 liters. Come on guys! Rookie mistake. Anyway, it's nice to see that the STI can finally handle as well as the 8 year old Evo. Talk about progress! (Yup...sarcasm there)


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