New York 2010: Subaru STI 4-door Returns!

When Subaru introduced the current generation of Impreza 3 years ago, one thing was missing: an STI sedan. Sure, you could get the fire-breathing STI in nifty (and arguably better-looking) five-door hatchback form, but it was a bit strange to not be able to get an STI sedan.  Subaru has finally seen fit to remedy this, and along with the updated Impreza/WRX lineup for 2011, you can now get your fire-breathing rally homologation special in four-door format.

This is the first time that US consumers will be able to choose a body style for their STI since the model first went on sale here in 2004.  The 5-door will remain in production, but now there's a four door to chose from as well.  And being a four-door STI, this marks the return of the GSW, or "Giant Subaru Wing."  It's gaudy, it's tacky, and it's a crucial part of the STI's identity - so I'm glad to see it back!

The engine is a carryover from last year, but when you've got an all-aluminum 2.5L turbocharged flat four spitting out 305bhp and 290lb-ft of torque, who's going to cry about that?  Changes to the STI this year are all suspension-related.  Stiffer bushings in the front control arms and rear subframe, springs, and thicker anti-roll bars combine with lighter wheels (18 pounds less unsprung mass all around!) to make handling sharper and more responsive.  And of course the 14" tall rear wing is supposed to contribute to high-speed stability.  I'd hope so!

The STI sedan gets the same beefy wide-body treatment as the 2011 WRX sedan, so it doesn't look quite so much like a Corolla any more.  Another difference over the STI 5-door is the use of twin mufflers (rather than one giant one) which Subaru says will give the car a meaner, snarlier (is that a word?) sound - always welcome in an STI, thank you!

The outside appearance of the STI has been altered to provide some differentiation over the regular WRX, with a bunch of blacked-out trim bits up front and four large exhaust pipes out back.  I can't say I get that - one exhaust pipe for each cylinder?  Couldn't you save some weight and just do one big one?  Hell, the MKIV Supra had 6 cylinders and two turbos, but only one exhaust pipe to save weight.  At least it looks cool.

Anyways, the revised 2011 STI sedan (and 5-door) will both go on sale this summer in the US.  Pricing is expected to remain about the same as the 2010 models, and there will be a Limited package available with leather seating and a sunroof.  Other goodies standard on the STI include a head unit with bluetooth compatibility and a USB port, an auxiliary jack and satellite radio capabilities.  If you're feelin' extra pimp, some silver-coated 18x8.5" BBS wheels are available - sadly not in gold, though.  And of course the good stuff like the variable torque-split center differential and intercooler spray button remain for when you're feeling a bit Colin McRae.  Glad to see Subaru's still sticking to their roots!