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Old 04-28-2007, 01:00 PM
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Arrow Scripps Howard News Service

There are drivers who are willing to pay a fairly high price for a mid-size sedan with a stiff chassis, a high-revving engine and racing flourishes such as massive hood scoop.

I'm not one of them, but I no longer occupy the target demographic: young men in their late teens, 20s or early 30s.

Unless you're really into street racing or have access to a track, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is probably too demanding for your daily commute.

Minor road bumps can toss coffee all over the interior, and the six-speed stick will keep your right hand and left leg in shift mode most of the way.

There are two kinds of high-performance engines: the rumbling V8 that doesn't really get excited until way past 60 mph; and the turbocharged 4-banger that screeches off the starting line like a Chihuahua on speed. The STI (Subaru Tecnica International) is powered by the later.

I had a few opportunities to drive the STI like a boy racer and got away with it. Indeed, it is fun to run through the gears in an obstacle-free lane.

But rush-hour traffic is a real drag. Because of the tight gear ratios, you really have to shift a lot, which means you have to set your coffee in the cupholder with great frequency.

When I see a car designed for younger drivers, I immediately wonder how many can afford it. With a base sticker of $33,495, the STI Limited seems considerably overpriced. But there are WRX enthusiasts who will probably disagree.

To keep the STI Limited truly limited, Subaru is producing 800 numbered units bearing coats of Satin White Pearl or Urban Gray Metallic paint.

Derived from the Subaru WRC Rally car, the STI Limited rides on 17-inch wheels clad in Bridgestone Potenza RE070 directional performance tires. Brembo brake calipers with white lettering are designed to look more sedate than the gold and red-painted calipers on the standard WRX STI.

The targeted buyer is looking for a "supercar with an understated demeanor," says Subaru.

While engine and chassis specs are identical for all WRX STI models. The STI Limited adds leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats and a power glass moonroof.

All trim levels of the STI get a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter, double overhead cam, Boxer engine that develops 293 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm.

The engine is called "Boxer" because the cylinders are arranged horizontally (like pedaling a bike in a supine position).

Fuel economy is pretty respectable, especially for an all-wheel-drive car, at 19 city and 25 highway miles per gallon.

The six-speed manual transmission has carbon-plated double-cone synchronizers on the top three gears for durability.

If you're not a Subaru aficionado, you may not know that every product under that nameplate comes with all-wheel-drive. The STI's Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that sends 41 percent of the torque to the front wheels and the rest (do the math) to the back.

STI models are lower than other versions of the WRX by 0.4-inch to help lower the center of gravity. Be careful on steep driveways, because you will scrape the front end if you're not careful.

The 4-wheel independent suspension came from the Impreza WRC competition car. Aluminum front suspension lower control arms and aluminum rear suspension lateral links reduce unsprung vehicle weight.

Because this car is designed for young people, the audio system is very important.

STI models come with 120-watt AM/FM/MP3 stereo, which includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers.

Other upgrades for 2007 include new carpeting with improved sound insulation and an auto-dimming compass rear view mirror.

Safety gear includes front air bags and front seat head/chest side impact air bags.

As an extension of the Impreza line, the WRX STI should reach a coveted group of influentials among the young. Few will be able to afford the high-performance wheels, but many will want to. Maybe that's the key to marketing, make your product desirable but slightly out of reach for most of those who aspire.

WHAT'S NEW: Interior updates, power glass moonroof.

PLUSES: Performance, design, standard amenities.

MINUSES: Bumpy ride, demanding transmission, price.

BOTTOM LINE: Few boys can afford these toys.

Source: [url=http://www.huntingtonnews.net/columns/070427-shns-autos.html]HNN Huntingtonnews.net[/url]
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