The Bug Eye!

I have always been a big fan of the GC Chassis Impreza. They were simple, fun and looked good. I wasn't really a big fan of the newer models, but since i shot this car. Things have changed......

In the year 2000 Fuji Heavy Industries launched the new Impreza. And the sound of church bells weren't heard in enthusiasts heads when the covers were pulled. The design of the car being the main drawback. The round headlights, (nicknamed Bug eye) didn't compliment the lines of the car, and supposedly it was a softer car than the previous 6.

The round headlights were a good idea since Subaru Japan had included round tail lamps into the mix. Well, that was until the designs were sent to a US Styling house who replaced the rear tail lights for less conventional ones! 

And voila you have the Bug Eye. It takes a while to getting used to, but now i must say i really do like them. 

A lot of people tend to swap the bug eye face for the newer Peanut face or Hawk Eye model. But i think this has a very jolly looking face! Adds character to the car. The car might look stock but its hiding a lot of go faster bits. Like the aerodynamic side mirrors and the big front mount inter cooler. Not over the top but beast cool!

The STI 7 got major upgrades from the previous model. It had 17' wheels, bigger Brembo 4 pot brakes, a stiffened chassis and a brand new 6 speed manual gearbox

Look at the size of that wing!! Its off the newer STI 8. Oh did i mention the lovely noise that aftermarket straight through exhaust makes? 

This car is almost 11 years old now but still looks young and virile. Mainly because it has been well cared for by its previous owner and it will be pampered by its new owner Chang Vin Tsai. I have seen his Integra he used to own before, Spotless!!  

The paint on this car is just immaculate! And that colour is just gorgeous! It tends to change shade in different light conditions. Love it!

Another shot of those lovely 17 inch wheels! Love that design. 

If you wondered what happened to the indicator repeater on the fenders. Well they have been replaced with these carbon fiber panels with STI imprinted on them, who needs repeaters anyways? 

Those are some cool side mirrors il say!

Not much of a view from inside but still cool to me. Improves aerodynamics they say! 

Close inspection of those head lamps. Amazing how they packed in the head,dim (Projector) and indicator in one whole package. 

On the interior side of things, it is a bit more refined than the 6. Hence why people say its a softer car to drive. It is true to a certain extent as you don't sit so low and its much more comfortable in there. But saying that it still is very driver focused. 

Is it a hard and fast rule that auxiliary gauges in a Subaru have to Defi? Oil pressure & Temperature and Exhaust temperature were monitored by these fellas. Plus a whole load of other little gadgets tells Chang what his car is exactly up to. 

The same MOMO steering wheel seen in the 6 appears again albeit with a different badge. Nice one! 

I have to be honest, those seats are amazing!! 

Six speed gear box has been given some bling with a lovely new gear knob. Keen eyes will notice the Apexi AVC-R, Defi water temp gauge and Defi EVC. 

You could see that the lovely shade of blue was taken inside the car as well. It even had blue carpets!!

Now to the engine! You can spot the oil cooler piping over here.....

Believe it or not, the 7 has the same engine as in the 6. Though in this case the EJ207 was given Variable Valve Timing, increasing their low end torque figures. This car though has seen a fair bit of modifications. Including the front mount inter-cooler, stand alone oil cooler, K&N performance air filter and a performance exhaust to name a few. 

One more shot of the beast! 

A big Thank you to Chang Vin Tsai for bringing his car over, and for the ride back home in it! Glad you joined the Subaru clan! Expect to see this car in action in our future posts. Hope you enjoyed!

For more insight on the previous model please click here

http://octaneheads.blogspot.com/2012/02/deep-blue-love.html

By Charith Kulasri