http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090224....line-announced

Subaru has introduced the new Impreza WRX STI A-Line edition and, like an old friend who checks in with you from time to time, it's always nice to hear from Subaru, isn't it?
The A-Line is a more accessible, comfy version of the WRX STI meant to attract more distinguishing and less dedicated customers to Subaru. It features Subaru's 2.5 liter Boxer engine, coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission trademarked by Subaru as the SPORTSHIFT.

Comfort comes by way of an 8-directional electronically adjustable driver's seat with optional leather seats and leather trim on the inner door paneling highlighted with silver stitching. A new color, "Satin White Pearl", is also made available in the A-Line.

But this WRX STI A-Line's still got the boogie. That 2.5 liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine comes with 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque. A single scroll turbocharger helps the engine produce a steady stream of torque within a mid-rev to high-rev range.

And there is lots of technology to keep this Subaru humming with speed and comfort. A Downshifting Blipping Control allows the automatic transmission to have a quick chat with the engine management system to increase engine speed while downshifting gears in order to have as smooth a shift as possible.

The VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) AWD system provides electronic control of torque distribution between the rear and front axles dependent on driving conditions to maintain a keen sense of balance on the road for this WRX STI.

There's also a Tumble Generation Valve that controls air intake for maximum combustion efficiency under the hood.

Good to hear the new news, Subaru. Hope to see you around again soon.
]http://www.worldcarfans.com/90...unced

 

Good news and sure to generate significant incremental sales. Maybe a 6, 7, or 8 speed tranny to follow later.....

 

I guess it's good but the Subaru purists (almost all Subaru buyers) will be upset.
It still doesn't compete with the Evo (DSG > 5 speed auto) though. The Ru won my favor over the Evo in terms of looks though.

I'm still waiting for a STI coupe or something of similar design (Celica All-Trac).

 

Talk about jumping the shark...

 

I bet this is going to generate better sales number for Subaru......

 

I am sure this is going to appeal to a lot more buyers in this country because of the domination of the automatic, unlike when I was in Mexico where it was just the other way around.

 

I love going to Mexico, where you can still rent a new car with a manual tranny, always a treat.

 

Good find, Mike. Thanks for posting.

Now, it's obvious where the next automatic will probably end up..................

 

It doesn't seem likely. In fact, much of the WRX line sold is MTs, hence the reason why all WRXs now are MTs. I'm not sure why Subaru would do this before offering the Spec. B. in an AT.

 

Why? Simple.

THIS is why.

 

Pshhh, lazies. I do it. People in Europe do it.

 

It's surprising how many Americans can't even drive a stick.

But back on topic, I think this is a good business decision for Subie to add decent automatics as a choice, not as standard equipment. I think they can gain additional sales volume without cannibalizing their own sales.

 

It's a 5 speed auto, it's not that exciting. Perhaps if it were a dual clutch. I think this is just diluting the STi. It's not worth it. And I always lauded Subaru for only offering their highest models of Legacy and Impreza in strictly MT form despite demand for an automatic Legacy Spec B.

 

Well, many people CAN drive a stick, but simply prefer not to do so in stop-and-go conditions. I, for one, feel that way myself. I can easily drive a stick (no problem at all if the clutch and shift linkage are halfway decent) when I'm in someone else's car, or when I'm doing manual-transmission reviews, but in the traffic conditions where I live (the second-most-dense traffic in the country), I wouldn't want to own a car with it and do it every day.

While it's not necessarily cast in stone, don't be surprised to see a slushbox Evo either.......or at least a SMT/DSG-type tranny.

 

Great move Subiyota,

I would like to get an STI for my kid in college (and that I can beat on when he is home) but he would not learn to drive a stick.

He wouldn't even learn when I had the S2000. Can you imagine a high school kid who did not want to drive and S2000?

I am saying this to point out the dying stick issue and the advantage of auto for the traffic pictured by m marshall.