http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/t...nt-make-sense/



Tokyo Preview: Subaru WRX STI Carbon doesn't make sense

Subaru has announced a new version of the WRX STI that will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. We've looked at this one six ways 'til Sunday (maybe seven) and we still can't make sense of it. But, hear us out. One of the main knocks against the STI has long been that it's a little too porky. But, when you base a performance car on a plebeian chassis, that's the price you pay. Another knock is that the STI – while potent – is just not as hardcore as the Mitsubishi EVO, even though the EVO X is a little, well, less hardcore than the EVO IX. So obviously Subaru's going to address these concerns with a special, lightweight edition STI, right? Well...

Meet the WRX STI Carbon. It has a carbon fiber roof. And a five-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the Legacy – no manual. And... suede seats. Yup, that's it. Now, we like the roof, don't get us wrong. Removing weight and lowering the center of gravity is exactly what the STI needs. But, a slushbox? For reals? Subaru says the five-speed auto is there to offer, "distinctive driving pleasure to a wider range of customers." Ah, the old dumbing it down so you can sell more trick. Hey, it worked for Porsche (see: Cayenne).

Let's see here, the last time Subaru tried this maneuver was in 2008 with the GE/GH third generation WRX. That went so well that Subaru was forced to relaunch the car twelve months later and rename to the 2008 WRX as the auto-only 2.5 GT. In other words, we just don't get the STI Carbon. Maybe in a year's time, Subaru will be forced to rename it the Carbon GT. That would at least make some sense. Right?

 

Yeah, the 5 speed auto in this vehicle is a sell out. Subaru used to offer their most high end vehicles with only MTs, catering to the enthusiast crowd. What is odd is that they need this do well. They already are ahead of the game.

 

the STi has lost it's mojo. Went from a sexy rally beast to a modded outback. The previous generation. I loved the grille and the aggressive sedan look. I think I'd rather have the EXO X over this.

 

An STi sedan was supposed to be coming out. This gen. Impreza really does very little for me.

 

This is just a straight 5 speed auto? Really? I would understand if they were going to offer something DSG/SMG like, but a plain OLD 5 speed auto? hhhmmm...

 

This has been out for a while in Japan under the appelation 'WRX STi A-Line.' The 5-speed auto is a welcomed addition as it will allow the STi to compete directly with the Evo X MR which is an overall better performer. Still would've liked to see a twin-clutch automated manual like in the MR, though, or at least a 6-speed automatic. Big disappointment there.

We'll have to wait and see I guess, though... if it's nearly as good as the 5-speed automatics Acura has been putting in the new TL, or Mercedes has been putting in their performance cars for decades (SLK55 AMG comes to mind as well as the SLR) I'll be satisfied.

 

I dunno, I was never impressed by the 5EAT Legacy GT.

 

^^^
As much as the GDB-F was a landmark vehicle in itself, I still believe that the GRB is also a force to be reckoned with.

Heck, the hatchback design gives it more agility so definitely, the GRB>GDB-F.

Just my two cents

 

a 5 speed matic STI? no thanks