Identity Crisis
Do you feel like you're trapped in someone else's clothes? Living someone else's life? Well you're not alone then because this Subaru too is facing quite the dilemma.
To the avid Subaru enthusiast this looks like a regular Version 8 WRX STI. Well that's what I thought too when I first set my eyes on it!
Oh boy was I wrong!
Fondly known as the peanut model, the Version 8 STI got rid of its bugeye'd look for a more refined and muscular appearance.
It might have shared quite a similar silhouette to its previous iteration but instead of looking like wimpy kid, it looks more like wimpy kid after an intense gym routine!
The bigger lights may have got rid of the projector lens but it gives the car a more purposeful look. The fenders have bulging arches further enhancing this models muscular aggression, and more than anything its the massive hood scoop that takes the cake!
Plenty of badges and plates around the whole car to show that its no ordinary Impreza saloon.
Like the massive wing at the back wasn't noticeable enough!
So then what is with the title of this article? Let me explain, the Version 8 STI is based on the standard second generation Subaru Impreza platform. Usually a model will get one face lift in its life. But Subaru played the game differently and it gave the car not one but two! The bug look was dropped in 2002 that went on till the end of 2004 and a more angular look turned up in 2005.
So right between the change from Version 8 and 9 Subaru decided to do something mind boggling. Notice the little flared arch at the rear? That's to accommodate the wider track like in a Version 9.
And yes those are version 9 wheels, with a PCD of 5*114 not the usual 5*100.
So what is this? A STI 8 or a 9? Technically its called a Rev E, a hybrid that's what it is. A combination of all the running gear from a 9 in the body shell of a Version 8 car.
Are you still confused? Well I am. it would be nice to find out why Subaru ever decided to this, but this fact makes this car very special!
Wider track meant, wider wheels and fatter tires. Which equals to more grip and better handling!
I sure do love the little STI logo embossed into the wheels. Nice touch!
Massive 235 section Dunlop Sport Max tires all round help lay the power on to the tarmac.
Blue and Gold, an age old combination that will never die!
What else would you find under a bonnet of a Subaru other than the trusted flat four banger with a turbo bolted to it!
Finding something else would be wrong on so many levels because this is the engine that gives Subaru's its character. With 280bhp on tap its no slouch either.
A HKS mushroom filter helps the car breather better.
GReddy Blow off makes all the right noises when the boost gets a little too hot to handle! For now the car is pretty much in stock tune, a full cat back exhaust and ECU re flash are in the pipeline though.
Inbuilt inter cooler water spray system is quite the nifty gadget!
CUSCO struts help make the chassis a little bit more stiffer
The sweet boxer rumble is thanks to this Apexi back box.
Spoiler big enough for you?
Its all business inside too. The black and blue theme is quite pleasing to the eye I must say!
Note: Even the interior sports Version 9 attributes like the red stitched steering wheel and single piece dash.
Body hugging seats are a must in a car like this!
6 speed manual box is slick and quick.
A Defi boost gauge helps monitor the level of CRAZY!
And if you dont know at what point to shift, the meter cluster comes inbuilt with a shift light. Programmable to your preference of course!
And that concludes our post on a Subaru with a identity crisis. If you're suffering from such conditions please seek medical advice, but for a car its as special as it can get! Huge Thanks to Razali and Oshan.
By Charith Kulasiri
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