2008 SEMA Show -- Day 2, November 5
Today I thought I'd focus on the three WRX and WRX STI models. (Tomorrow I'll cover the two Forester concepts and the Harman Kardon Legacy, and Friday I'll finish with the three racers!)
For all the vehicles at the show, we’ll have complete lists of features on this Web site when the next issue of
2009 Impreza WRX 5-door by Subaru Performance Tuning
As I pointed out yesterday, the pixilated-patch graphics on this car are intriguing. I like the way the SPT logo is worked into the graphics design.
Just about every modification to this WRX came from SPT, STI (Subaru Tecnica International), or Genuine Subaru Accessories. Exceptions include the graphics (too bad!), the 19-inch OZ Racing wheels, and the 225/35 R19 Yokohama tires. Everything else is available from Subaru for your own WRX (www.spt.subaru.com)!
Besides the tough-looking wheels and tires on the car's exterior, this WRX has a Front Lip Spoiler by STI and Genuine Subaru Accessory Fog Light Protectors.
Inside, a number of practical Genuine Subaru Accessories have been added -- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass & HomeLink(R), Rear Cargo Tray, and Security System Shock Sensor. So have accessories for the audio system -- iPod Interface Kit and Subwoofer. Besides that, the shifter knob has been replaced with a Duracon Shift Knob 5MT by STI, and a Short Throw Shifter by STI has been installed.
More to the heart of things are the performance upgrades. SPT parts include Turbo Heat Shield, Performance Exhaust System, Lower Chassis Brace, and Front Strut Tower Brace. Performance Springs by STI also have been installed. Horsepower for the WRX is estimated at 275 (@ 6,000 rpm) and torque at 250 lb-ft (@ 4,000 rpm).
Engine dress-up parts by SPT include Battery Hold Down and Oil Cap.
These are all very doable modifications for a WRX.
2009 Impreza WRX 4-door by AEM
Advanced Engine Management (AEM) notches up the performance levels of this WRX to 449 horsepower/411 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. A lot of work went into this car!
Under the hood, the stock turbocharger has been replaced by a Garrett GT3582R turbo. Modifications also include a V44 wastegate and 50 mm blow-off valve by TiAL Sport. Among the other added parts are Harman Motive front-mount intercooler kit, up- and down-pipe, and air/oil separator. AEM contributed air intake temperature and manifold absolute pressure sensors, programmable engine management system, dryflow air filter, and water injection kit. The 850 cc fuel injectors are by Deatschwerks. A three-puck racing clutch by STI was installed. Engine work was finished off by a Performance Exhaust System by SPT.
Other engine-bay parts include a 1.3-bar Radiator Cap by STI and Battery Hold Down and Oil Cap by SPT.
AEM also installed a fully synchronized, close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, and Walbro in-tank fuel pump.
Suspension work includes the addition of an SPT Strut Tower Brace and Lower Chassis Brace. Volk Racing 18-inch GTV wheels carry Toyo Proxes R1R extreme-performance tires. Front brakes are 330 mm by Prodrive.
On the exterior are an STI Front Lip Spoiler, SPT Sport Mesh Grille, and Genuine Subaru Accessory Roof Carrier Base with Subaru Yakima Equipped Snowboard Carrier and Surfboard Carrier. These are hauling custom equipment -- a skateboard and snowboard by Revolution and a surfboard by HoriBoards. Artwork for the boards and decals is by KTC Media Group, and Sticky Fingers did the decals. This WRX has plenty of graphics on the custom flat white pearl paint (Mobworks) to tell you that it's something different.
Inside, the driver sits in a Milano 2 seat by Sparco, which also contributed harness bar, four-point safety harnesses, and Carbon 385 steering wheel. At the driver's feet is a Pedal Pad set by STI. Added gauges include Turbo Boost Gauge (SPT) and oil pressure gauge (AEM).
Creative Car Audio & Motorsports installed Clarion components, including front and rear Multifit Speaker System, two subwoofers, 850W mono power amplifier, 680W 4/3/2 channel power amplifier, and a 2-DIN multimedia station with 6.5-inch touch panel control. That's power in the cabin to match the power under the hood.
Fast and Furious 4 Subaru WRX STI
The STI on exhibit is one of several used by the film crew in the making of Fast and Furious 4 -- all made to look like the same car. You can see it (or another one) in the movie's trailer at the Web site www.fastandfuriousmovie.net. It's the same one being shown on a monitor next to the car.
More tomorrow!
