cobraKLR

I always drove chevy until this mustang. I had two S10s before my current car. I got the x-plan and got my GT for 21,500. My dad did drive ford trucks, now he drives a chevy 4x4 truck. My mom always had buicks and cadillacs. She is now driving a 2003 silverado 4x4. My sister drove buick rivieras, now she has a ford escape.
Except for my sister, the rest of the family has banned FWD. It is either RWD, AWD or 4x4 for us. We've had too many problems with domestic FWD. If I ever want a fast car when I get older, unless something else comes along here, I'll probably be a high end corvette driver. For the driving and commute I have now, the GT works well (3,000 miles a month mostly interstate). 32+ mpg in an LS6 would be nice, if I could afford it. The STi would be great fun for me. There are lots of curves, and hills here in Chattanooga to use it where it would shine.
The W-Road http://www.waysidechurch.org/snoww.jpg
-CLD_FSN

 

That's a pretty sick turn. Imagine an Ebrake drift around that puppy in an STI. I hope you don't drive that corner snowed in like that in you GT - that would be a quick way to wreck your car. I switched from my SS to my WRX because of roads like that. It sucks to have a sports car that you can't drive in the winter.

 

Subaru Marketing,

Here's a data point: R&T's 2002 Car of the Year- The Swanky Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe.

Has 280 hp, 6 speed, leather, and stereo for ~32.5k.

I think that much of the WRX success in the states has been to its high value - good performance for a good price.

I hope the STI maintains the same value and doesn't get ahead of itself at this increasingly competitive price point and economic landscape.

Cant wait to get my STI!

 

My opinion on the EVO....The reason why the SU Spec VIII is "only" 271hp with no ACD/AYC is because Mitsu promised the car to be under 30k. If Mitsu had not made that promise, as Subaru didn't make that promise, they would have released the EVO with close to 300hp and AYC/ACD. I'm sure with RalliArt coming to the US, kits will be released to boost the EVOs hp close to 300 and still be under warranty...

 

Daveyd

If the STI is released for under 30K, will you still get the EvoVIII?

I bought my WRX because it was the most car you could get for the money. For the cost, there isn't a car even close to the WRX. So, I made the purchase.

I am praying that the STI stands out in a similar light. If they price it below 30K, Subaru will once again produce the best car you can buy in another price range. That may be their pricing model. (I hope!)

 

I don't see any way that it will come in under 30K. If it is at or slightly over it is still a bargain. Just think of the cost difference over a WRX of the following:
Strengthened 2.5L motor.
STI Suspension
WRC Style Rear wing (functional)
STI Fog Light Covers
17" Gold BBS Rims
Performance Tires
Larger Turbo
STI Injectors
6 Speed Close Ratio Manual Transmission (not the "glass transmission" out of the WRX)
DCCD
Larger Exhaust (and did you notice in the powertrain pictures that there were still 3 cats to remove
Trick Seats (Do they handle a racing harness like the EVO?)
Larger Intercooler
Intercooler Water Sprayer
HID Headlights
etc.

Add a little markup and I don't think under 30K is feasable.