2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update 4: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by William Walker
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
As the proud owner of a 2003 WRX wagon, online editor Michael Floyd says, "This new WRX is worlds better in almost every conceivable area. While the shift throws are longish and the pedal is softer, I find it nicer to row through the gears, and the overall clutch operation to be easier to manage than with the previous-gen. The horizontally opposed 2.5-liter is plenty willing, and the turbo sends it into a frenzy past 3000 rpm, all the way up to redline.
"And inside, it's no contest, thanks to available navigation, much better interior materials, improved ergonomics, superior creature comforts, and framed windows, the last of which help decrease interior noise, one of my wife's (our WRX is her daily driver) biggest complaints with the 2003."
Saturday, October 4, 2008
2008 Subaru WRX - Update 3
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update 3: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
"Had a good time driving the WRX this weekend," says senior editor Ed Loh. "Fast and tossable, the Rex seems invincible, feeling like a budget rally car right out of the box. There's a ton of suspension travel, and it's all very well damped-as though you're constantly riding in the sweet spot of the springs. Bumps literally get soaked up, and there is some body roll, too, but as you corner, this imparts the feeling the loaded wheels are getting max traction (again, like a rally car)."
He adds, "It's geared to go fast. Shifts under full throttle like rapid-firing slingshots-the engine winds and thwacks you every time you clutch out." With the WRX parked back in the Motor Trend garage, Loh ponders, "I remember when the first WRX came out in 2002-how much buzz there was that we finally got this world famous rally car. Now that it's been here a few years, and we've had several iterations of the STI, we've become jaded. Perhaps we've forgotten how capable and competent the WRX is."
Long Term Update 3: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
"Had a good time driving the WRX this weekend," says senior editor Ed Loh. "Fast and tossable, the Rex seems invincible, feeling like a budget rally car right out of the box. There's a ton of suspension travel, and it's all very well damped-as though you're constantly riding in the sweet spot of the springs. Bumps literally get soaked up, and there is some body roll, too, but as you corner, this imparts the feeling the loaded wheels are getting max traction (again, like a rally car)."
He adds, "It's geared to go fast. Shifts under full throttle like rapid-firing slingshots-the engine winds and thwacks you every time you clutch out." With the WRX parked back in the Motor Trend garage, Loh ponders, "I remember when the first WRX came out in 2002-how much buzz there was that we finally got this world famous rally car. Now that it's been here a few years, and we've had several iterations of the STI, we've become jaded. Perhaps we've forgotten how capable and competent the WRX is."
2008 Subaru WRX - Update 2
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update 2: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
by Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Photographer Julia LaPalme, who in the WRX's last update claimed Subaru seemed to be "dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle," has, following another stint, reconsidered.
"Well, after a second go in this sporty sedan, I'm over my initial shock. Just adjusting to changes in a beloved rally car. It's actually starting to grow on me." Indeed, LaPalme, former owner of a 2002 WRX, fully appreciates the 2008's fold-down back seat, large sunvisors, quiet cabin, comfy front seats, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. After more drive time, editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie has changed his tune, as well.
"I may have been too hard on this thing during Car of the Year. Around town, it's a pleasant device. The ride is smooth and well controlled, and the engine is punchy. As a reasonably quick, yet slightly stealthy all-weather commuter, it has its attractions."
Long Term Update 2: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
by Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Photographer Julia LaPalme, who in the WRX's last update claimed Subaru seemed to be "dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle," has, following another stint, reconsidered.
"Well, after a second go in this sporty sedan, I'm over my initial shock. Just adjusting to changes in a beloved rally car. It's actually starting to grow on me." Indeed, LaPalme, former owner of a 2002 WRX, fully appreciates the 2008's fold-down back seat, large sunvisors, quiet cabin, comfy front seats, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. After more drive time, editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie has changed his tune, as well.
"I may have been too hard on this thing during Car of the Year. Around town, it's a pleasant device. The ride is smooth and well controlled, and the engine is punchy. As a reasonably quick, yet slightly stealthy all-weather commuter, it has its attractions."
2008 Subaru WRX - Update 1
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update : 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Julia LaPalme
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
As a former owner of a 2002 WRX, photographer Julia LaPalme isn't especially impressed with this 2008 model: "Everything feels softened on this Subie. The clutch engagement is squishy (sometimes I let it out too soon, other times too late). The engine is so quiet and smooth at 3000 rpm that I find myself speeding a bit too easily (me+WRX=trouble). And I hope trouble doesn't require quick braking-the binders feel soft and slow to bite, making me dig in my foot much deeper to get the stopping action I expect, a disappointing trait for a rally-bred car."
Alas, LaPalme continues venting: "I'm rowing through this slushy gearbox, half the time bumping my elbow on the center armrest latch, causing it to pop up unexpectedly. What's with that? Overall it feels like Subaru is dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle. I, for one, will be nursing a broken heart because of it."
Long Term Update : 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Julia LaPalme
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
As a former owner of a 2002 WRX, photographer Julia LaPalme isn't especially impressed with this 2008 model: "Everything feels softened on this Subie. The clutch engagement is squishy (sometimes I let it out too soon, other times too late). The engine is so quiet and smooth at 3000 rpm that I find myself speeding a bit too easily (me+WRX=trouble). And I hope trouble doesn't require quick braking-the binders feel soft and slow to bite, making me dig in my foot much deeper to get the stopping action I expect, a disappointing trait for a rally-bred car."
Alas, LaPalme continues venting: "I'm rowing through this slushy gearbox, half the time bumping my elbow on the center armrest latch, causing it to pop up unexpectedly. What's with that? Overall it feels like Subaru is dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle. I, for one, will be nursing a broken heart because of it."
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Arrival: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Edward Loh
Photography by Jessica Germiller
Exactly one year ago, our May 2007 cover of the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX lit the Interwebs on fire. It also ignited a still-burning debate about the value of embargoed vehicle launches, but only in the backbiting, internecine world of hack auto journalists.
Long Term Arrival: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Edward Loh
Photography by Jessica Germiller
Exactly one year ago, our May 2007 cover of the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX lit the Interwebs on fire. It also ignited a still-burning debate about the value of embargoed vehicle launches, but only in the backbiting, internecine world of hack auto journalists.
Turns out John Q. Public is more concerned about the way the new Rex looks and drives, so we decided to investigate and requested that Subaru immediately send us over one of its very latest.
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Say what you want about the looks (we say they're growing on us), but this is one well-equipped vehicle. Not only does it have the segment standard bells and whistles-such as automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and an audio AUX-in jack-but Subaru also includes endearing features like optional heated front seats and side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icers, and an incline start-assist system that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward.
The WRX is bigger, too, though this has been a sore point for some fans who've also lambasted Fuji Heavy for simply repurposing chassis and powertrain components from the larger Legacy sedan. Of course, another way to look at it is that consumers are getting many of the flagship goodies at a much lower price. Plus, there's no denying the larger body and redesigned rear suspension mean significantly more rear passenger and cargo room than previous-generation WRX sedans, without an appreciable drop in performance. Our WRX's 224-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four propelled it to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
You certainly pay for what you get, though the way WRXs are bundled, you won't see a string of dollar signs on the window sticker. The MSRP for our Lightning Red WRX came in at $24,995. Tack on $2100 for a premium package (those heated goodies, foglights, etc.), $2000 for navigation and Sirius Satellite Radio, and $163 for a center armrest, and you're looking at $29,258.
So far we've had the WRX for five months, and it's rarely spent a weekend in our G3 garage. In fact, we recently spent $111.48 at the local dealership for the standard 7500 service: a chassis lube, oil and oil filter replacement, and tire rotation.
Motor Trend was the first to break cover on the all-new Subaru WRX, so why not join us for the ride through the ownership experience?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
What if you could "Make it Up In Volume'!
Conventional wisdom is that a small to mid-sized automobile dealership has a very difficult time trying to make it in a high volume environment. The larger volume stores get all the additional breaks when it come to incentive bonuses and assistance from their corresponding manufacturers.
Some smaller dealerships are bucking this trend. It takes an enormous amount of faith in their system and a relentless passion for selling.
There is a particular segment, Subaru WRX Cincinnati Dealers, that can be exampled as a prototype for this process. If you start with a small segment, as opposed to the entire model line, your risk versus reward ratio tips into your favor.
We will discuss the step by step process in a later blog.
Some smaller dealerships are bucking this trend. It takes an enormous amount of faith in their system and a relentless passion for selling.
There is a particular segment, Subaru WRX Cincinnati Dealers, that can be exampled as a prototype for this process. If you start with a small segment, as opposed to the entire model line, your risk versus reward ratio tips into your favor.
We will discuss the step by step process in a later blog.
2008 Subaru WRX, better than you think?
Chris Powell, a reader and new owner of a 2008 WRX, left an interesting comment on this blog about the new 2008 WRX. Seeing as the new car has received pretty bad comments from readers of this blog, I think Chris’ opinion is worth sharing.
He says:
“Interesting list of quotes from the trade magazines, even more interesting comments from the readers of this blog. My only question is, do you own one? Well I do! I think the car is great. I’ve had it a week now and traded in my 2003 WRX Wagon for the 2008 5 door.
The previous blogger Timis posted “make a comparison with latest VW Golf / Audi A3 / BMW 120i / Opel-Vauxhall Astra models”. Well he is right, only one big difference, it’s a Subaru! I upgraded the car with STI metal pedals and a short-throw shifter. Unfortunately that is all you can get right now from SPT at Subaru. I’ll add intake and exhaust upgrades from the dealership as soon as they become available.
The first thing you notice (apart from the more stylish and mature look of the car) is the sound of the doors when you close them. They sound and feel much more like a BMW or Audi rather than that “tin” door feel of my 2003 WRX. As soon as I took off from the dealership I immediately noticed the lower end torque of the 2.5 Liter engine versus my old 2.0 liter block. You also notice much more of the hood out the front windshield in the new version of the car.
The handling is completely legendary Subaru. Just yesterday I flew in to a 90 degree left turn on the way to work. I remember quite distinctly in the old wagon that I tried the same turn some years back “a bit too fast”. In that “incident”, I under-steered and nearly slid off the road on the right hand side of the corner as I came out of the turn. This time in the 2008, I hit that hard left (well in to the oncoming lane), and only slid a half lane to the right. I was in much better control of the situation. I was probably well over 100-110kph around the turn in third gear and I mean a two lane, hard 90 degree left (we drive on the right here in the US just in case you haven’t been here). It was only then that I noticed the car also has additional traction control and I saw a wonderful little orange indicator light come on in the dash to let me know I had lost traction. I‘m going to light up that baby more often! I didn’t have any indicators like that at all in the 2003.
All in all, the car is very impressive and with the new quiet in the cockpit, the 6 C/D stereo sounds much, much, better. Buy one if you can, we only had five, 5 doors here in Houston (Sept. 07) and the charcoal grey one is smoking tires on the street as you read this!”
Well it sure sounds like a fun car to drive and I’m glad people are actually enjoying the new car!
By Phil
He says:
“Interesting list of quotes from the trade magazines, even more interesting comments from the readers of this blog. My only question is, do you own one? Well I do! I think the car is great. I’ve had it a week now and traded in my 2003 WRX Wagon for the 2008 5 door.
The previous blogger Timis posted “make a comparison with latest VW Golf / Audi A3 / BMW 120i / Opel-Vauxhall Astra models”. Well he is right, only one big difference, it’s a Subaru! I upgraded the car with STI metal pedals and a short-throw shifter. Unfortunately that is all you can get right now from SPT at Subaru. I’ll add intake and exhaust upgrades from the dealership as soon as they become available.
The first thing you notice (apart from the more stylish and mature look of the car) is the sound of the doors when you close them. They sound and feel much more like a BMW or Audi rather than that “tin” door feel of my 2003 WRX. As soon as I took off from the dealership I immediately noticed the lower end torque of the 2.5 Liter engine versus my old 2.0 liter block. You also notice much more of the hood out the front windshield in the new version of the car.
The handling is completely legendary Subaru. Just yesterday I flew in to a 90 degree left turn on the way to work. I remember quite distinctly in the old wagon that I tried the same turn some years back “a bit too fast”. In that “incident”, I under-steered and nearly slid off the road on the right hand side of the corner as I came out of the turn. This time in the 2008, I hit that hard left (well in to the oncoming lane), and only slid a half lane to the right. I was in much better control of the situation. I was probably well over 100-110kph around the turn in third gear and I mean a two lane, hard 90 degree left (we drive on the right here in the US just in case you haven’t been here). It was only then that I noticed the car also has additional traction control and I saw a wonderful little orange indicator light come on in the dash to let me know I had lost traction. I‘m going to light up that baby more often! I didn’t have any indicators like that at all in the 2003.
All in all, the car is very impressive and with the new quiet in the cockpit, the 6 C/D stereo sounds much, much, better. Buy one if you can, we only had five, 5 doors here in Houston (Sept. 07) and the charcoal grey one is smoking tires on the street as you read this!”
Well it sure sounds like a fun car to drive and I’m glad people are actually enjoying the new car!
By Phil
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