The fourth-generation Subaru WRX, the "hottest" sedan with the addition of "STI" to its name, celebrated its international debut at the very beginning of 2014 on the stage of the North American Motor Show.
Well, three years later, an updated car made its debut at the same place, which was corrected in the spirit of the fifth generation "Impreza", the interior was made better, and technical improvements were separated (in particular, a corrected suspension, a new power steering and an upgraded DCCD center differential).
The fourth generation Subaru WRX STI boasts harmonious body contours with an abundance of sporty decorative elements that also serve to improve aerodynamics. According to most experts, the updated Subaru WRX STI, although somewhat similar to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, is clearly better in terms of design compared to its predecessors. However, everyone has different tastes, so we will not say unequivocally.
The length of the new generation Subaru WRX STI is 4595 mm, the length of the wheelbase is 2650 mm, the body height is within the frame of 1475 mm, and the width, excluding mirrors, does not exceed 1795 mm. The front and rear track widths reach 1535 and 1540 mm, respectively. The curb weight of the sedan as standard is 1507 kg.
The interior looks noticeably more ergonomic and sportier than its predecessor, offering not only a high level of comfort, but also excellent driver information support. In particular, the upper display of the center console is capable of displaying transmission modes, fuel consumption graph, boost pressure, ESP operating time and even the angle of rotation of the wheels.
The front seats have pronounced lateral support, and the rear sofa can accommodate three passengers without any problems. In addition, the sports sedan has a large enough trunk, which can "swallow" up to 460 liters of cargo.
Specifications. The choice of engines for the Subaru WRX STI is not provided. For the car, a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed engine with high-pressure turbocharging, multipoint injection, a large-volume intercooler and a 16-valve DOHC PMG is announced. It produces 300 "horses" at 6000 rpm and 407 Nm of peak thrust at 4000 rpm.
As a gearbox, the Japanese offer a new 6-speed "mechanics", thanks to which the three-box easily accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h - within 5.2 seconds. The maximum speed of the Subaru WRX STI is electronically limited to 255 km / h, but the real capabilities of the sedan are much higher.
As for fuel consumption, in urban conditions the projected consumption of AI-98 gasoline is declared by the manufacturer at the level of 14.0 liters, on a suburban highway the sedan should be limited to 8.4 liters, and in the combined cycle of operation the consumption will not exceed 10.4 liters.
Inverted MacPherson struts are used on the front of the sports sedan, and a multi-link structure is installed at the back.
All wheels use ventilated disc brakes, with the front wheels getting Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers. The rack and pinion steering features a 13: 1 gear ratio and is electrically powered as a reliable companion.
Nominally, the Subaru WRX STI is equipped with a Symmetrical AWD all-wheel drive system with three differentials. A screw-type limited slip differential is used at the front, a Torsen differential with longitudinal satellites is installed at the rear, and the main load falls on the DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) center differential, which combines a mechanical block and an electromagnetic lock drive.
In the normal state, the DCCD transmits 59% of the traction to the rear axle, but, depending on the preset operation algorithm, it can redistribute the torque between the axles in any ratio, up to rigid blocking of only one of the axles.
Options and prices. Subaru WRX STI is delivered to Russia in the only GQ configuration, for which dealers demand at least 3 399 000 rubles. For that kind of money, the car is equipped with LED optics, leather interior, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, electric trunk opening, dual-zone "climate", seven airbags, multimedia center, ABS, ESP, "cruise" and a bunch of other equipment.
