Home

Straightline

The car enthusiasts news blog from Inside Line

2011 Subaru WRX STI A-Line Sedan: Oh, To Be Automatic and Wingless

stisedan_aline_1blog.jpg

Fuji Heavy Industries recently released official photos of the A-Line version of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedan.

The A-Line isn't new, of course; it's the automatic-transmission version of the STI that Subaru sells only in Japan. Instead of the customary JDM 2.0-liter engine, it has a turbocharged, 2.5-liter boxer-four just like the North American-spec STI, plus a version of the five-speed automatic used in H6 versions of the Legacy and Outback (and, yes, the beloved 2005-2009 Legacy GT). And unlike other Japanese-spec WRX STIs, it doesn't have Recaro seats; rather it makes a luxury play with less agressively bolstered leather seats.

So looking at these photos got us thinking...

--> Wing or no wing on the STI sedan? Remember, the wing improves aerodynamics and results in a slightly higher top speed.

--> Anyone want an automatic-equipped STI? Subaru's five-speed auto isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but maybe it doesn't matter with 300 hp...

First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

 

Categories: ,,

30 Comments

mrjost55 says:

01:19 AM, 07/30/10

Why not make a Dual-Clutch transmission and sell it state side? A lot of people would be interested, it's the perfect 335i/Lancer MR/S4 competitor

scottyscooter says:

02:30 AM, 07/30/10

Automatic-equipped STI? Blasphemy!

I do think that there would be a market for this though because I’m sure that not having an automatic option translates into lost sales. It would be best if Subaru would develop a DCT like mrjost55 suggests.

I would have to see the cars in person but I think I would probably go wingless if I had that option.

throwback says:

03:37 AM, 07/30/10

Definitely no wing. I like the interior also, as for the automatic, to each his own.

lostboyz says:

03:43 AM, 07/30/10

completely against the entire idea of the car. I do like the no wing version like they've done in past 'limited edition' trims.

rsholland says:

06:06 AM, 07/30/10

Definitely a DSG (no 5EAT) and no wing.

Also, replace the current turbo engine with a new turbo engine based off that all-new engine architecture found on the 2011 Forester; the one with longer stroke and a timing chain. Finally, add some sound insulation to dampen the road/tire noise.

roadburner says:

08:28 AM, 07/30/10

DSG as an option is fine, and make the wing a delete option.

ed124c says:

08:57 AM, 07/30/10

Erin doesn't say this is coming to the US.

If it is, then my comment is: Does Subaru sell enough STIs in this country to warrant another model? Yes, they would probably sell more STIs with an automatic, but wouldn't it be better to simply offer a WRX sedan with the auto, and keep the mystique of the STI intact?

bankerdanny says:

09:13 AM, 07/30/10

Hell yes. If Subaru had offered this car in 2007 when I bought my Forester I might well have ponied up the extra few grand (which I had at the time) for one.

A sedan and wagon version would easily compete with the A3 and A4 Audis. This car is taylor made for the US market. What the heck is Subaru thinking not making a US version.

dougnash2009 says:

10:19 AM, 07/30/10

Poor idea. What they SHOULD be doing, is making an STi model Legacy. The SpecB was ever so close. But make a serious, upscale sport sedan, with an updated auto transmission. That would appeal to the right buyer more then an automatic version of a compact sports car.

Subaru is slowly losing their way. I sold my '05 STi recently. It was the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. But I can't see myself buying another Subaru with what they're currently putting to market.

ed124c says:

11:02 AM, 07/30/10

Subaru is not "slowly losing their way". They are quickly selling a lot more cars than they ever have-- in a generally weak market.

To do this, they are bringing out more mainstream, big volume sales vehicles. This may not be comforting to the typical WRX/STI byers, but it allows Subaru to continue making these lower profit, and slower selling, sporty cars, including the LegacyGT. And to still offer stickshifts on all their cars except the (probably soon to be gone) Tribeca.

This is now becoming a very well rounded line of cars. With the advent of the FT-86 and a seven passenger version of the Outback (to replace the unloved Tribeca), and probably other models we haven't even heard about yet, Subaru seems to be set for the foreseeable future.

ms3hothatch says:

11:06 AM, 07/30/10

I have to say it again. As long as the STI's interior is based on my wife's Forester, I will NEVER buy one. I want a $30,000 plus car to have an interior feel like it's worth it. Subaru - don't do that next time around. Give the Impreza line a different interior.

carlisimo says:

12:33 PM, 07/30/10

How much performance are you willing to give up for that nice interior at the same price point?

tmanz says:

12:37 PM, 07/30/10

"Give the Impreza line a different interior. "

I agree. The Legacy comes with a really sharp looking interior. They had an Impreza parked next a Legacy on the lot and when I commented that the interior was a lot of plastic on the Impreza and looked fairly cheap the salesman pointed out that the entire Impreza is recylceable. I'd prefer that Subaru would use some better materials in the impreza and give it a powertrain that can at least get the same mpg that the legacy gets.

aaykay says:

01:19 PM, 07/30/10

Every time I look at those "flatties" (the flat, useless, un-bolstered seats) that have become the staple in every single WRX and STI models that have come since the 2002/2003 years, I feel like puking.

How could they equip a high performance car with such useless seats with a straight face ? Having had 2002 and 2007 WRXs in the past, I sorely miss the seats that came on the 2002 WRX, which for some strange reason, Subaru decided to replace with these "flatties". Why, Subaru, why ?

I am looking at the 2011 STI Wagon/hatch and everything about the car is just perfect.......except for these useless seats. Sure, I wish the steering was a bit tighter and a few other knick-knacks but the seats are a major letdown for me, since that is something that one uses every day and is a key high performance component, almost as important as the suspension, the transmission and the engine. This would not have been such an issue if they had never offered better seats in the US (the 2002/2003 WRXs refute that claim) or did not have better seats anywhere else in the world (the JDM versions of the STI do come with Recaros).

cz_75 says:

02:40 PM, 07/30/10

How about a wingless upscale version with a manual? The more I look at this generation of WRX/STI, the more I like the last generation, even those with the "nostril."

tarmacdaddy says:

02:50 PM, 07/30/10

it's a shame more coupes/sedans aren't equipped with a rear wiper. it's one of most missed items of my evo viii.

dougnash2009 says:

03:07 PM, 07/30/10

ed124c. Would you mind posting the link to the gross sales numbers for Subaru? I'd be curious to see those, if they are indeed selling more cars. I'd like to see how they compare to the other manufacturers.

Thanks.

But they have lost their way. Even if they are selling cars, it's important to create some brand loyalty, of which mine, they've lost.

herrstreet says:

08:48 PM, 07/30/10

just give me the leather seats and the hatch but with last year's 5 spoke wheels... oh yeah... and how about some direct injection so the mpg and turbo lag can go away?

huyracing says:

10:44 PM, 07/30/10

obviously this is meant to appeal to a different crowd. its fine. the auto is laggy, so it makes sense they switched to the 2.5L.

mmman2 says:

11:44 PM, 07/30/10

LEAVE THE WING ON

herrstreet says:

01:27 AM, 07/31/10

The no leather and heated seats for 36 k and the absurd gas mileage is what kept me away from both this and the Evo. I really like these cars conceptually but my wife has to be convinced to get in it and the fact that they look so ridiculous means I need a bit of luxury. She loves the G8 we have because the seat heaters actually get uncomfortably hot and the seats are very comfortable.

moethepaki says:

06:53 AM, 07/31/10

Is that all the standard STI sedan bodywork? If so, it looks great without the wing.

zeroto60 says:

12:21 PM, 07/31/10

An STI with no wing....doesn't sound right to me!

deathtollwrx says:

01:25 PM, 07/31/10

If it's going to be an STI it needs to at least have a DSG or paddle shifters! I do like the color in the photos, It's almost an off world rally blue.

sportyaccordy says:

07:29 PM, 07/31/10

That interior looks pretty good. I'm no fan of the current WRX's looks, but this looks good and seems like a viable + cheap alternative to the overpriced German alternatives. This could fill the void left by the old Legacy GT Limited's disappearance. I'm intrigued

lions208487 says:

08:12 PM, 07/31/10

80% of Americans buy an Automatic, and for those who want a daily driver with some marbles, this is a great option for the 30 something crowd left needing something fast yet more comfortable to dive down the 101, 405, and 5 freeways. I know I do. I could have bought the 2010 Legacy GT, however, the 09 came with an auto. Do I prefer stick for weekend trips to have fun... heck yes!!!! but for the every day, there was no way I was going to be stuck in traffic having to shift gears and have my leg hurt from the clutch for an hour and a half on my way home.

I would totally have bought an STI if it had an auto option. Stick is great, but with an auto option, Subaru STI sales will more then double, and after all they do need to make a profit in order not to end up like two out of the big three.

rsuryase says:

01:30 AM, 08/ 1/10

They should get rid of the GT line and put back Automatic option on the WRX. :P

jazzor says:

11:14 AM, 08/ 1/10

LOL @ Subaru aiming at the Evo MR Touring and falling off short ^_^

Recaros vs No Recaros (Evo wins), 5-speed Automatic vs 6-speed Dual-Clutch (Evo wins), Ugly and Wingless 'Rex vs Beautiful and Wingless Evo (Evo wins!)

Yes, the Evo wins again! ^_^

alex38 says:

12:42 AM, 08/ 2/10

I like the interior minus the blood red lights. Seats look comfy. Exterior does NOT do anything for me. Going wingless probably more practical for rearward visibility but the overall design too busy. I liked the previous generation Subarus a whole lot more.

Is it just me or are there hints of Scion in the tail lights? Sure, Subaru/Toyota teaming up but sharing the parts bin? Just playin'

virtualscouser says:

11:04 AM, 08/ 2/10

@jazzor

Evo MR Touring with no options: $42k vs. STi Special Edition with no options: $33k...er...$9k more? You sure about the win?

Add a comment

Advertisement

Latest Poll

What was your favorite Super Bowl XLVI Commercial?

Recent Posts

Advertisement

Tip the Editors

Got a breaking news tip for the Inside Line editors?

Send it to tips@edmunds.com

Browse Archives