Subaru "SlushBox"

Hmmm....Whats up with the boys at Subaru.....

http://www.scoobyblog.com/2009-10-03/ridiculous-new-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-carbon

It's called "Increasing market share by appealing to a wider demographic"

In my opinion it's to increase sales by appealing to the fanboy crowd who want the 'look' of a rally car but the civility of an auto trans. The '08+ models have become more mainstream and more people are looking at them as a viable commuter option and styling is on cue with current trends. Also, the production numbers may allow for inclusion in some race series who's homologation requires a minimum production number to qualify; carbon roof = lower CG as stated. I think this is the case.

Bummer for enthusiasts and purists that have followed this car maker for a couple decades along with its racing heritage....survival mode for car manufacturers is paramount these days.

J

2008 British Auto Show: Subaru Impreza WRX STI 380S
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LONDON, England — Subaru has rolled out its most impressive Impreza to date here at the 2008 British Auto Show. The Impreza WRX STI 380S is described as a concept, but the company is quick to point out that it "could become available within the next six months pending positive customer response." Right.

The WRX STI 380S, as its name implies, pumps out a whopping 380 PS, or 375 horsepower in U.S.-style numbers.

Subaru's longtime motorsports and WRC collaborator Prodrive did a complete engine rebuild to squeeze maximum output from the flat-four. Subaru also has upgraded the suspension and exhaust system, fitted a full-on aero body kit and added 245/40R-18 performance tires on gold- or silver-colored BBS alloy wheels.

Subaru says it will finalize specs on the STI 380S "following customer input" and plans to begin hand-building the car to order by year's end.

Also on display here is another Prodrive-modified Impreza, due to reach U.K. dealers in September. The 251-hp Impreza WRX-S is priced at $45,200. A more potent 325-hp WRX STI 330S is also slated to appear in showrooms about the same time, priced at $60,250.

The WRX-S gets a modified ECU and exhaust system, and its 2.5-liter flat-four engine now delivers 288 lb-ft of torque. Top speed remains 130 mph, but 0-to-60-mph acceleration is trimmed to 5.5 seconds. The car gets STI body bits and rides on 225/40R-18 tires and anthracite alloy wheels.

The top WRX STI 330S has twin stainless-steel exhaust pipes and a reprogrammed ECU, with torque climbing to 347 lb-ft and the 0-to-60-mph time slashed to 4.8 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph.

Upgrades from the standard STI include Recaro leather seats, satellite navigation, keyless entry, push-button start and 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires.

the british is upgrading the STI to and 380 still a concept car