Found this over at NASIOC.
At a quick glance, it looks like just another WRX, but upon closer inspection you can notice the cobbled fender flairs with larger tires, as well as the different wheels and tires. Also four exhaust tips can be seenâa dead STI giveaway.
Then there's the clincher: Check out the interior shot...
It's clearly an STI. Also shown is the recently rumored SI-Drive controls on the console. Note the thick fat steering wheel. My guess is those wheels may be from a "Limited-level" trim, as they are a bit subtle (which I love!) for an STI. Hope they offer a "stealth" trim level like this.
As a point of reference, you can really see how the STI's larger wheels and tires really fill out the the wheel cutout space when you compare it to a stock WRX. From a visual standpoint this is is exactly what the WRX needs. As it stands, it looks under-tired.
Full story here.
As a point of reference, you can really see how the STI's larger wheels and tires really fill out the the wheel cutout space when you compare it to a stock WRX. From a visual standpoint this is is exactly what the WRX needs. As it stands, it looks under-tired.
Full story here.
ateixeira says:
08:47 AM, 08/30/07
Told ya the fenders would be flared. Even subiegal thought they wouldn't be.
Love the quad exhaust outlets.
Looks like no GPS but the original US-spec STI didn't even have a radio at all.
I didn't think they would offer an STI Limited from the get-go, I thought they would hold off like they did last time.
carlisimo says:
09:04 AM, 08/30/07
I'll be sad if the new STI is subtle.
/still not seeing what's so great about being all grown-up
SubyTrojan says:
09:18 AM, 08/30/07
As believed on NASIOC, it's probably an STI in a (slightly modified) WRX wrapper.
Subaru will get it right. They better!
rsholland says:
10:13 AM, 08/30/07
I'm sure NAV will be optional like it is on the WRX. Also, note the black brake calibers, like that on the current STI Limited.
What's so great about being grown up? Let me reverse that question: What's so great about being adolescent?
roar02ram says:
08:00 PM, 08/30/07
Wow, what a difference just a fwe changes made!
blueguydotcom says:
10:20 PM, 08/30/07
Seems nice. I love that it's not a garish boy-racer or so ugly you can't help but look at it - see the new 3 series coupe.
rsholland says:
05:46 AM, 08/31/07
Keep in mind that this is a test mule. While I'd love to see an STI like this, my guess is that all versions will come with fender bulges of some sort. Hope I'm wrong...
rsholland says:
09:28 AM, 08/31/07
roar02ram
Yep, this is a perfect example of the "devil being in the details."
rsholland says:
11:58 AM, 08/31/07
Hmmm... Just noticed the outside mirrors have turn signals, like those found on other premium Subies. The heavy-camoed images of the STI at the 'Ring hinted at that.
rdragongtr2006 says:
02:55 PM, 08/31/07
Subie's movin' on up! I wonder why there's so much distortion with the picures. Thanks rsholland for pointing out that there are turn signals in the mirrors. I think I see a little bit of leather in the interior. From what little of the front that I see, I'm judging that there's no hood scoop, which means that this isn't a production-ready model. Four tailpipes on a 4-cylinder looks a little overdone, but on a Subaru? Seriously, Subaru did a great job. I'd buy this, but I own a 2007 Legacy 2.5 GT spec. B. Now I wonder, will the DCCD still be there with the SI-Drive? And, will the I/C Water Spray still be there? (I ahould also mention that I own a 2005 STi also.)
rsholland says:
03:58 PM, 08/31/07
Keep in mind that this is a "test mule," and not a production-ready car. I expect the real deal will have more prominent fender flairs.
Having said that, I would love if they offer a more restrained looking model, much along the lines of the current STI Limited; in fact something much like this.
As to camera distortion? It's the camera lens, probably a telephoto lens of some sort was used.
SubyTrojan says:
07:47 PM, 09/ 1/07
Conspiracy theory: http://www.subie.tv/index.php/article/2008_subaru_wrx_sti_photographs_leaked/
I commented on NASIOC that Subaru probably intentionally leaked these photos because of the lack of photos of the car from better angles and the pixelation in certain places. Seriously, if you were the photographer who stumbled upon this car, why would you blur anything in these photos?
rick8365 says:
03:49 PM, 09/ 2/07
The blurred/pixelated stuff is done to whatever was caught in the reflection on the window - no?
I am liking what I see here - count me as one who would like to see a toned down scoop on the hood.