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2008 Subaru Impreza Wrx: Soft?!

What is the big news about the Subaru Impreza WRX? Well, the car boasts same power with a roomier interior and a lighter body. Also, it still rips to 60 mph in a matter of 5.9 seconds. Experts could attest to the fact that such combination is a rarity.

Today, each new model weighs more than their ancestors. This is because automakers keep adding power to compensate. But the Japanese automaker has done exactly the opposite. But it is not all roses. The new WRX is marginally slower in the quarter-mile than the car it replaces, 14.5 seconds at 94.4 mph compared to the 14.3 seconds at 95.5 mph. The car’s chassis setup, according to those who tested the car, is also noticeably softer and there is no shortage of body roll.

On paper, it sounds as if the WRX really has not changed, but the WRX we loved for its finger-in-the-air attitude is gone, replaced by a WRX with its finger on the pulse of the mainstream market, said Josh Jacquot, the Senior Road Test Editor at Edmunds, an auto shopper’s online guide.

“The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX has received shortage of coverage in the past year, but after all that hype and all that hearsay, what we really want to know is how this AWD beast performs. The guys at Inside Line recently took the 2008 Subaru WRX for a series of track tests, including the slalom and stopping distance tests, and in the end, they determined that the WRX has ‘gone soft,’” said Michael Kwan of Mobile Magazine.

At $30,000, the price point is not all that attractive either. That said, even though the new WRX five-door hatchback may look like a family car, it will certainly outrun any production Corolla or Camry, Kwan added.

The Japanese automaker officially unveiled the next generation Impreza WRX at the 2007 New York Auto Show. Since then, its appeal has captivated a multitude. And the magnetism’s blaze, illuminating as Subaru Headlights, evokes what is forthcoming. Created for the 2008 model, the new Impreza is offered as both a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The dynamic feature of the car is expected to pull more customers.

Unfortunately, not some of the aficionados find it hard to love a “soft” Subaru. “We have had a soft spot in our heart for Subarus for many, many years. In the late 70's a move to bucolic Bradford, N.H., brought a Brat into our driveway. We figured with winter coming on we needed more than two-wheel drive to make it down our narrow and winding road to work on a winter's morning,” said Ron Amadon of MarketWatch. “Over 88,000 miles, we had more fun with that little truck than we could have ever imagined at the outset. It was rock solid reliable, sounded like a tractor, and took us everywhere that we wanted to go. What it lacked was much acceleration and some sporty handling.”

But there are still lots of reason to love the car. “Enter the Impreza WRX STI. The brand's considerable experience with road rallies came into play here with a neat 2.5-liter, DOHC intercooled turbo four under the hood,” he added.

“The sounds the car makes getting up to speed are just great and give the Suby its character. And, they are enough to produce images in your brain of racing across vast surfaces of Sweden or Norway in the dead of winter. Subaru's ‘Symmetrical All Wheel Drive’ system makes sure the right amount of power goes to the proper wheels and eliminates any torque steer. It should also make it easier to get to the office in bad weather,” Amadon concluded.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Subaru - WRX STI Engine $10 Subaru - WRX STI Engine

STI Look Body Kit - FULL KIT [04-05 Subaru Impreza WRX] $749 "This Complete Kit Includes STI Look Front Bumper, STI Look Rear Bumper, and STI Look Side Skirts."

STI Look Body Kit - Side Skirts [02-07 Subaru Impreza WRX] $245 STI Look Body Kit - Side Skirts

STI Look Body Kit - Rear Bumper [04-07 Subaru Impreza WRX] $265 STI Look Body Kit - Rear Bumper

Seibon Scoops - STI Style (Carbon Fiber) [02-03 Subaru Impreza / WRX] $272 Seibon Scoops - STI Style (Carbon Fiber)

Agency Power Billet Pitch Stop Mount [02-07 Impreza WRX/STI] $95 "Your Subaru WRX or STI is not complete without one of the all new Agency Power Billet Pitch Stop Mounts. These CNC machined 6061 aluminum pitch stop mounts replace your factory unit with a strong, stylish, and functional piece. The AP mount features a urethane bushing with a durometer of 88 to assist in reducing transmission movement. Improve your performance both on and off the track by increasing rigidity in your motor and transmission. The bushing fits perfect with the included stainless steel sleeve. Each Agency Power Pitch Stop Mount comes in a polished aluminum with the Agency Power logo laser engraved. It is designed to work with all Subaru WRX and STI from 2002 and up."

Hotchkis Sway Bars - Front/Rear: 1 inch (25 mm) (H) (04-Up Impreza STI) [01-Up Subaru WRX] $641.19 Hotchkis Sway Bars - Front/Rear: 1 inch (25 mm) (H) (04-Up Impreza STI)

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Seibon Scoops - STI Style (Carbon Fiber) [04-05 Subaru Impreza / WRX / STI] $272 Seibon Scoops - STI Style (Carbon Fiber)

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Agency Power Headers - Stainless Steel Header [02-07 Impreza WRX/STI] $600 "Your Subaru WRX or STI needs more power. One way to do this is by adding a high quality header to your car. No other company manufacturer high quality, power producing, and cost effective parts like Agency Power. The all new Agency Power stainless steel header kit is now available for your 2002 and up Subaru WRX and STI. This header fits either the 2.0L or 2.5L engines. This header is made from 321 stainless steel and includes inch thick flanges. The headers have a special designed collector to give perfect flow into the uppipe providing faster turbo spool and increased horsepower. The header can work with the factory uppipe or is sold with the Agency Power stainless steel uppipe. Installing the header will not only gain you about 15 wheel horsepower, it will also change the tone of your Boxxer engine to a deeper and more aggressive sound. It is recommended to change the gaskets when installing this header kit. For questions on fitment, installation, or the product, please contact a sales associate."

Agency Power Downpipes - Racing Downpipe [02-07 Impreza WRX/STI] $350 "Continually developing and enhancing the Subaru WRX and STI cars has been the goal of Agency Power. With a complete line up to make your Subaru the best in it competition, Agency Power has just released their all new Racing Downpipe. This downpipe fits all Subaru WRX or STI cars from 2002 to 2007. The downpipe is full stainless steel with a cast bell mouth upper section. The thich flanges ensure a tight and strong seal. The downpipe deletes both your catalytic converters and bolts to all factory style turbos. The downpipes precision welds and polished piping give the AP Racing Downpipe that cutting edge. Each downpipe includes a bung for an aftermarket air/fuel sensor as well as a bung for the factory O2 sensor.;;;;When adding an Agency Power Racing Downpipe to your Subaru WRX or STI, you will gain more horsepower and overall performance. The downpipe allows for better flow of the turbine and wastegate gasses. Unlike the factor downpipe that blocks the wastegate gasses from being released in an efficient manner, the AP downpipe has a large bell mouth which allows for both to flow smoothly out and down the pipe. The 3 inch diameter piping is the perfect size for the turbo cars from stock hp to 500 whp. The bellmouth will also allow for a little boost increase since there is less restriction. Mate this downpipe up with your aftermarket catback exhaust or one of our Agency Power catbacks for an amazing sound and almost 25 wheel horsepower gain."

GT Spec Exhaust Manifolds - SS Equal Length Exhaust Manifold [01-07 Impreza (WRX/Sti)] $838.8 "GTSPEC GEN III racing exhaust manifold for 02+ WRX / STI. Equal length design. Will fit into EJ207/EJ257 engine, including 04+ Legacy GT turbo. Twin spool turbo version available"

1:36 Remote Control Subaru Impreza WRX STI Gymkhana Play Set $29.99 Rip up the track and get dirty with the Gymkhana Play Set, featuring the Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car. With superior drive forward, reverse, left and right steering handling, you get maximum control of your RC car for maximum fun! This item ships assorted colours and frequencies: Green 49 mHz and Orange mHz. This item requires Requires 3 x AAA and 2 x AA batteries (not included). UPC: 50211036206 Manufacturer's Part Number: 3620

Replicarz RAM427 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI#44; Monte Carlo#44; Burri and Rey $47.24 Nicely done in 1:43 scale by IXO this is the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI driven at Monte Carlo Rally by O. Burri and S. Rey. Superb detail and accuracy IXO is one of the premier lines of finished 1:43 models. Includes nice quality acrylic display case to protect your collection. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Goodridge Brake Lines [08-Up Impreza WRX / STi] $115.04 "Goodridge offer the widest range of high performance hose and fittings in the world, and a complete range of pre-assembled stainless steel brakeline kits to suit every make and model of car. Goodridge performance brakeline kits offer sharper, firmer braking than standard rubber hoses, and reduce overall stopping distances."

Option Racing Radiator [03-05 Impreza WRX/STI] $495 Option Racing Radiator

Tradesonic Downpipes [02-05 Subaru Impreza WRX / STi] $322.5 100% Brand New in Box. Straight thru design and bolt-on installation. Replace factory catalytic converter in order to get the best performance. CNC mandrel bends with precision-welded fittings deliver perfect fit. CNC-machined flanges eliminate leaks. High quality polished T-304 Stainless Steel with ultra light weight design. 3 inch inlet.

Carbon Creations Carbon Fiber Hoods - STI Style [04-05 Subaru Impreza WRX] $681.87 Carbon Creations Carbon Fiber Hoods - STI Style

Agency Power Clutch Lines - Steel Braided Clutch Line [02-07 Impreza WRX;;04-08 Impreza STI] $40 Agency Power steel braided clutch line is now available for your 5speed WRX from 2002 and up or your 6speed STI from 2004 and up. The lines are made to work for either car and include necessary hardware for a easy fitment.;;;;Steel braided line gives your clutch pedal a much firmer feel allowing you for better control in drag racing and shifting. The lines are smoked with CNC machined gold ends. Great upgrade for better drivability.

1:16 R/C WRX STI Mitsubishi $36.67 1:16 scale radio control R/C Touch Assortment. Choose from Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X or Subaru Impreza RX STi. A full function Touch Screen radio transmitter controls Forward/Reverse Drive and Left/Right steering. Transmitter's internal battery is recharged by the vehicle.

Xtuner Subaru Impreza WRX STI 49Mhz 1:55 Scale Die-Cast R/C Vehicle $19.95 From New Ray comes the Xtuner RC/BO 1:55 Scale Subaru WRX STI R/C featuring die-cast construction and high quality designs. The best part is that the car is charged inside the transmitter in pop-open window form so you never have to worry about losing your charger! Works over 7 m! This awesome 1:55 Scale Subaru WRX STI R/C is perfect for anyone who likes the idea of R/C whether they are an avid fan or someone who's just getting started! Type: Cars Color: Assorted Material: Diecast