Impreza Subaru Premieres Special Impreza WRX STI Carbon at Tokyo Motor Show

[PanterroR]

The Impreza WRX STI Carbon is the latest special edition model from Subaru and it is aimed at driving enthusiasts - just as long as they don't have a problem with the fact that it will be available exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission. As the name suggests, the Impreza WRX STI Carbon features a substantial amount of carbon fiber, most of which is found on the car's rooftop as Subaru used the composite material to replace the steel panel to achieve both a significant weight reduction and a lower center of gravity - or so the company claims.

Another special feature of the Impreza WRX STI Carbon is the full-suede interior including a suede-wrapped dashboard and JDM Recaro bucket sport seats. The limited edition hot-hatch is available only in Japan.





Source: Subaru Premieres Special Impreza WRX STI Carbon at Tokyo Motor Show - Carscoop

 

[Cashmere]

- just as long as they don't have a problem with the fact that it will be available exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission.

WHY?!! What is wrong with the motoring world!

 

[Mr Robert]

The reason? I think Martinbo pointed out demand in Japan for an automatic gearbox.

Let's assume that the demand, again, comes from those that like the image but not the product.

 

[martinbo]

^ It's not what's wrong with the motoring world, it's what's wrong with Fuji Heavy. Whilst the heavy-duty six speed manual gearbox engineered by STI is a good piece of kit, Subaru lags behind in AT technology because of their transmissions being made in house and integrated with AWD componentry. Such is the demand for the 5 speed AT box that Subaru still offers a 4 speed auto on certain turbo'd models like Forester because they can't supply to meet this demand. It's pretty much a joke in today's day and age.

Now that Subaru have introduced the Lineartronic CVT, this apparently frees up some models that would've used the 5AT in new generation models. [Utter nonsense of course]. It's as simple as this; there is growing pressure from consumers on Subaru to provide performance models with automated transmissions. As the 5AT is the only box in the range that can handle over 330 Nm of torque, it's what you see here in this STI as opposed to a fancy dual-clutch tranny a la Evo X.

 

[martinbo]

As for a 6 speed manual version of this thing:

Duck my Fog.

I'd have one tomorrow.

 

[Mr Robert]

If it will not be possible to opt for a manual gearbox, I think Subaru will experience quite a shift in customer base.

 

[PanterroR]

Duck my Fog.

$h!t!

Didn't hear this for a long time...

 

[martinbo]

If it will not be possible to opt for a manual gearbox, I think Subaru will experience quite a shift in customer base.

I sincerely hope that Subaru will offer the Carbon with a 6MT. In any event, it seems that this model is limited to the JDM in any event and that the rest of the world remains deprived of the "proper" 2.0 litre turbo STIs so it doesn't really matter.

 

[Mr Robert]

Good point, but had it been MT, the grey imports would have been flooding...

...at least to those countries where they still drive on the wrong side of the road

 

[Cashmere]

The reason? I think Martinbo pointed out demand in Japan for an automatic gearbox.

I missed it, so what is the deal, is the demand for auto > manual?

 

[Mr Robert]

I missed it, so what is the deal, is the demand for auto > manual?

Manuals are not for everyone. Autos are more comfortable... well, there are many reasons.

 

[martinbo]

...at least to those countries where they still drive on the wrong side of the road

Yes, and on the right side (in all respects) of the car.

 

[Mr Robert]

Yes, and on the right side (in all respects) of the car.

Yes, from a strict racing point-of-view, I guess you guys have put the steering wheel on the right side (no pun intended... oh, who am I kidding).