Forza Motorsport 6: AWD Bipolar Opposites

Ever since Subaru launched the WRX S4 in the Japanese market two years ago, its main purpose was intended to be a chief rival to the Volvo S60. Now with hotter versions like the WRX STi and the S60 Polestar in the picture, these all-wheel drive bipolar opposites are going head to head round the Top Gear Test Track to see which one is the best.



But before I tackle this unique comparison between the two all-weather super saloons, let's get to know more about these two.



A year after the Subaru WRX made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, the long-awaited return of the high-performance WRX STi sports saloon made its premiere at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

For global markets, including the US, the new WRX STi comes with the EJ25 engine developing 305HP of power and 290lb-ft of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. New for the 2015 WRX STi is the Active Torque Vectoring, which joins alongside other tech such as Driver Controlled Center Differential, Symmetrical AWD, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

In Japan, two kinds of WRX models are offered such as the S4 model which features a brand new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine developing over 300PS of power while mated with a Sport Lineartronic gearbox as seen in its station wagon derivative, the Levorg, and this one equipped with the smaller EJ20 turbo engine which produces a similar power output of over three hundred horsepower. Both these models were launched in August 2014.



Based on the facelifted second-generation Volvo S60, the high-performance Polestar edition is a Volvo that is born on the track, and built for the road. With its responsive handling, smooth shifting, and precise stopping, the S60 Polestar is made with the experience and engineering of nearly two decades of Volvo's motorsport activity and it has undergone extensive development to become a super saloon worthy of wearing the Polestar badge. It was made to be a limited-edition model.

The 2015MY Polestar model uses the T6 variant of the S60 as its foundation and thanks to Polestar, it develops 345HP of power and 369lb-ft of torque, while mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, tweaked by Polestar. Apart from the engine, the Polestar S60 comes with stiffer springs, Öhlins shock absorbers, a high-capacity brake system, and other chassis upgrades.

The S60 Polestar is an impressive, agile, and extremely responsive complete package as each component is designed and crafted to maximize drivability and control everywhere, no matter the odds.



Now that we get to know more about these two, it's time to take them two for a spin around the Top Gear Test Track because...it's fun to try out the hottest rides here. It's a great thing we have a game that features this iconic testing ground as seen on TV.

Here's a quick tidbit. In terms of performance, the S60 Polestar has more power than the WRX STi's because its T6 engine develops 345HP of power. However, the S60's almost 300 lbs heavier than the Subie, meaning it's going to be one-sided. Anyway, no time to explain because it's time to get some answers around the track.


At the end of their one-lap session, the results are in. The WRX STi did it in 1:27.809 while the S60 Polestar, despite its high power advantage and quicker shifts, did it in 1:29.221, almost two seconds slower.

It's quite amazing that despite its aged performance in a more modernized look, it's not surprising that the old-school Japanese tuner saloon beats the high-tech Swedish luxury saloon by a slight margin reserved for forensics and mediums alike, and with the WRX STi, it's still Subaru's coup de grace.

It's been fifty long years since Subaru had its first boxer engine-powered car in history but with a car like the WRX STi's, the history of Subaru boxer engine remains one heck of a fight club because of its low center of gravity compared to others, a Subie like this can squeeze itself out from the cold and it's great to have a living legend like this.

Forza Motorsport 6: 500 miles a day

Subaru's classic JDM 4WD grand tourer, the Alcyone SVX, is undoubtedly one of the most requested rides to be featured on Forza Motorsport 6 and with the release of the Alpinestars Car Pack, we have been given the chance to try out this classic Subie noteworthy of its "500miles a day" slogan. Why? Because it said so in the TV commercial back in the 90's. Anyway, so what's it all about the SVX?



Launched in 1991, the Alcyone SVX served as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe with the slogan "500miles a day".

Apart from its Giugiaro-inspired styling and its glass-to-glass round-canopy, the Alcyone SVX comes with a water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine and Subaru's first variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). The engine produces 230HP of power and 228lb-ft if torque while mated exclusively with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with strut suspension on both front and rear wheels as well as ventilated disc brakes.

Despite the heavyweight body, the SVX drives just like a luxury grand tourer with its comfort and accessible handling suitable for the long-distance cruising ahead.



It's kinda shame that despite its futuristic styling reminiscent of its arch-rival, the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, its auto-only gearbox is what made the SVX failed as a sportscar made for the discerning car enthusiasts looking for some alternatives to the R32 Skyline GT-R and no matter how far you'll go, the SVX doesn't feel as exciting to drive as today's WRX STi or BRZ, but despite its massive flaws, the SVX remains a future classic not by its fanbase and its Giugiaro-penned styling but it's the rarity that makes it hard to find one nowadays. I kinda admit I was swooned by nostalgia because every time I drive the SVX in game, it kinda reminiscent of the classic commercial. Makes me wanna fall asleep and dream that I'm seeing the SVX's Japanese commercial again and again and again, day in and day out.

Anyway, no time for nostalgia trip because I head on the Top Gear Test Track on a rainy day to compare against other coupes Subaru made throughout its history.



What I brought here is the past and present Subaru coupes the SVX will face today. On the top, it's the perfect version of the Impreza Retna called the 22B STi, styled in honor of the WRC-winning rally car, and in the bottom, it's the Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive coupe built in collaboration with Toyota. Relax, this is just a Toyota 86 in Subaru's clothing.

Anyway, since it's raining outside the track, I'd expect the 4WD Subies will perform just the way it was made, especially the SVX, because the BRZ's a rear-wheel drive and rear-wheel drives can be problematic in the rainy weather...or is it? You see, despite the BRZ being short on power compared to the SVX, it's surprisingly lighter even though it comes with rear-wheel drive. So, without further ado, let's drive these two-door Subies round the Top Gear Track, even when it rains!



After a lap round the Top Gear Track, the results are in. The SVX did in in 1:41.825 while the 22B STi did it in 1:36.916, and the BRZ in 1:40.754.

The conclusion; even though the SVX failed to meet its sportscar credentials in Subaru history, it still is a not-so-bad grand tourer that you can enjoy for as much as the driver likes. I wanna drive this car for just 500 miles a day. Whoop! There goes the commercial. Ha ha ha... Still, it's good to have the SVX part of the FM6 car roster.

FH2 Storm Island: For the biggest Subarist

The brand new 2015 Subaru WRX STi is part of Forza Horizon 2's Rockstar Car Pack, on sale now, and like me, most Subarists who spent their time enjoying their favorite STi generation can now drive Subaru's latest track-honed and rally-honed JDM sedan in-game.



But before trying the latest version of the WRX STi, I need to head back to Southern Europe for some quick evaluation.



Over the years, the STi has become the epitome of every rally fans' hearts and minds and when it became high-performance versions of Imprezas in the past, most speedo boys can now enjoy the Impreza that was built to be a track-and-rally monster. For the brand new model, Subaru decided that the new WRX will become a standalone model and no longer part of the Impreza range, much like Nissan when their latest GT-R became standalone and no longer part of the Skyline range.

In Japan, two kinds of WRX models are offered such as the S4 model which features a brand new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine developing over 300PS of power while mated with a Sport Lineartronic gearbox as seen in its station wagon derivative, the Levorg, and this one I'm driving now. International models get a turbocharged EJ25 petrol engine while Japan-spec models are equipped with the smaller EJ20 turbo engine which produces a similar power output of over three hundred horsepower. The one we're driving in-game is the international version with the EJ25 engine developing 305HP of power and 290lb-ft of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The WRX STi is famed for not just one of the best rally cars of all time but also a handy-capable fighter at the Nurburgring where the previous version smashed the eight-minute barrier. For the new model, this is Scooby at its best because thanks to its new aerodynamics, low center of gravity provided by its boxer engine, and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, it's becoming more enjoyable to drive than any STi provided in-game. It can also outsmart even the late Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as well.



Anyway, enough evaluation, time to take the latest WRX STi to Storm Island to find out how good this Scooby is but first...



Some further improvements have to be made for the WRX STi to survive Storm Island's toughest and of course, you need some special parts to make your car ready for Storm Island. From a low-range gearbox, rally tires, and heightened suspension, these parts are exactly what you need to survive Storm Island or, if you're brave enough, some of Southern Europe's beaten paths like for instance; cross-country.

Anyway, let's get this party started!



That was one heck of the torture but the WRX STi managed to win me my next step towards the Island Finale. This goes to show that this new WRX STi is ready for whatever the elements will throw at you, even in Storm Island. This new car is all about Pure Power in your Control.

Looks like it's time for me to take some rest now. It's either continue my survival on Storm Island or return back to the life as a Horizon champion. The decision's up to me for now but as always, the journey continues...

Forza Horizon 2: Probably one of the best STis ever made

What's not to like about the mythical Subaru Impreza 22B STi for the time being? It maybe a road-going version of the rally car that dominated the World Rally Championship in the 90's but amazingly, this blast from the past can really handle any road surface it see fit. Because most Scoobys are renowned for its breakthrough 4WD drivetrain that is beyond compare than any other 4WD systems, even its rival Mitsubishi trying to imitate to the very end, the 22B STi, which is based on the coupe version of the first-gen WRX STi, which is based on the Impreza Retna, enjoys its cult following among speedo boys everywhere even when it was ceased to exist from history, not even the rear-wheel drive BRZ cut its mustard from its face.

Yes. I do love driving the BRZ because it's a rear-wheel drive coupe that gave Subaru a new spin (despite the fact that it was actually a Toyota 86 from a Subarist's point of view) but this one is still one of the best Subarus ever made in history.

It's probably one of the best STis ever made because it was heavily inspired from the championship-winning rally car from its glorious past. It's too bad Subaru lost its rally heritage ever since its withdrawal from the WRC but it has found competitive spirit on the track even at the Nurburgring.



Since this is Horizon 2, I want the 22B STi to relive its glorious past, either on and off the road, and to find out, I've signed into a championship made specifically for 90s rally cars like this Subie. But first...



Now that's a look only speedo boys would love. Since body kits are adding the weight of this car, I decide to counter it with the cheapest weight loss available while retaining its performance index suitable for this car. Although, the power output hasn't been fiddled due to its performance index that I'm afraid I might go over from its limits, the weight loss and the added drag should be enough to be more competitive in a race of 90s rally icons.



With the 22B bagged me a step closer towards the finale, I guess I decided to give this car a little break by taking a road trip back to the Horizon Festival. Hard work really pays off to fulfill the dream of reaching the finale!



Looks like it's time for me to take a break for now but with only six more championships left before unlocking the finale, our journey continues.

Subaru WRX S4 (VAG) and WRX STi (VAB)

2015 Subaru WRX S4

So, welcome everyone to the brand new Subaru WRX, the rally icon returns with two distinct flavors to choose from depending on which style you're on. For those suitable for daily use, there's the WRX S4 but for those who are speedo boys and a suitable track-day car on a weekend, there's a new WRX STi. Both versions of the WRX are suitable for everyone and depending on which WRX you're on, you will be greeted by the car famed for its legendary motorsport bloodline just like what Nissan did when the GT-R name was separated from the Skyline brand, the WRX is fully independent and does not have in common with the current Impreza. In other words, don't call it an Impreza anymore.

2015 Subaru WRX STi

What's the difference between the WRX S4 and the WRX STi? Simple, really. The S4 (bearing the chassis code VAG) is a civilized version of the said model and you can visualize it as the 4-door counterpart of the LEVORG sport tourer which is based on. It comes with the same FA20 "Blue Boxer" DIT engine as the LEVORG as well as the not-so-bad Sport Lineartronic CVT from the LEVORG. Don't forget that the S4 comes with Subaru's Eyesight Ver. 3. The new WRX STi (bearing the chassis code VAB) is somewhat a WRX S4 with some insane movements because the latest model harks the return of the speedo boy favorite. It carries out the old EJ20 dual AVCS intercooler twin-scroll turbo engine from its predecessor and it's available only in a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2015 Subaru WRX S4

2015 Subaru WRX S4 interior

2015 Subaru WRX S4 interior

So, let's talk about the S4 first. First and foremost, the S4 is an everyday variant of the WRX. A variant well suited for the city folk who wanted something more of a go-getter rather than being a homestuck. Picture someone living in a condo who has tons of gadgets in his bag. You could notice that it could be a particular person who could be driving this because the S4 is kinda like Subaru's take on the Volvo S60 but don't dare take this one against the S60 because the WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT gearbox can be a bit of a letdown for a driver's car but because Subaru is one of the Japanese carmakers that perfected the CVT gearbox the same way like Nissan do, it's not so bad. The Sport Lineartronic CVT can also be set to different manual modes via SI-DRIVE. When in Sport Mode, 6-speed manual mode is on and you can take advantage of its paddle shifters for a more enjoyable feel but to bring out the best of the S4, you can try setting it to Sport Sharp. In Sport Sharp mode, the grip becomes precise and dramatic and the CVT is now in 8-speed manual mode with good results.

Because the engine is horizontally opposed, the S4 has a low center of gravity and thanks to its trademark Symmetrical AWD, the S4 is a decent all-rounder suitable for any weather, be it rainy or snowy in a Tokyo afternoon. Looks like the S4 performed well to be a driver's car, although Subaru still needs room for improvement.

With the BLUE BOXER DIT engine and the Sport Lineartronic CVT, the WRX S4 achieves a fuel economy of 13.2kmpl on the JC08 Mode scale.

Like the LEVORG it was based on, the WRX S4 comes with Eyesight Ver. 3, which is the new and improved version of Subaru's very own pre-crash safety system. For Version 3, it integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

2015 Subaru WRX STi

2015 Subaru WRX STi interior

So, what about the new WRX STi? Because the new model is no longer based on the Impreza unlike the previous generations, it's time for speedo boys to learn one thing. NEVER CALL THIS AN IMPREZA, much like the same way that you should never call the current R35 GT-R a Skyline. This should be a lesson to you all, JDM fans.

Anyway, what's new about the new WRX STi? Well, even though it comes with the same 2.0L 16-valve Dual AVCS twin-scroll turbo engine from the previous model as well as the 6-speed manual gearbox, I wonder what's changed? You know, I tell you what, even with its new look, it still harbors the same spirit.

It still harbors the same heritage that started in the 1990s. After conquering numerous rally courses and surviving through the Nurburgring for a day, the WRX STi has been proven to be the legend that has the respect it deserves and on this new model, the same STi wizardry remains. Apart from the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS, the new WRX STi now comes with Active Torque Vectoring.

Active Torque Vectoring applies brake pressure to the front wheel while the Vehicle Dynamics Control provides more settings such as VDC Normal, Traction, and Off, each providing lesser degrees of system engagement. That sounds high-tech but has it worked? I can't really say a thing about how grip-worthy the new STi is.

If you're asking about the engine, the 2.0L EJ20 turbo engine develops 308PS of power and 422Nm of torque. Fuel economy? A boorish 9.4kmpl but who cares about it? Even though it still comes with an engine that is two decades old, it's worth passing to the next generation of Subarists. Because the EJ20 is a boxer engine, it has a low center of gravity.

With its chief rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, almost at the end of its lifespan, looks like the WRX STi has left without a primary rival for now. How pitiful for this car to have no competition...

2015 Subaru WRX STi

And now for the pricing. The WRX S4 starts at 3,348,000 Japanese Yen while the new WRX STi starts at 3,790,000 Japanese Yen. Overall, they're both cheaper to own than the Volvo S60 per se and that's the bottom line...except it isn't. The bottom line is that the WRX S4 is a daily driver car that you can use it to go to the shops if necessary while the WRX STi is born to be a rally-and-track fighter that can be a suitable multirole at the hands of a skilled driver, not for the speedo boy because I know what speedo boys do with Japanese sports cars.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, and WR Blue Pearl.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Gran Turismo 6: A fitting tribute to the third-generation WRX STi

For many years, the WRX has become the pinnacle of the history of Subaru. From its God-given talent tried and tested for rally racing to the twists and turns at the Nurburgring, this Subie has been a favorite among Subarists everywhere.



According to some dealership print ads from Japan, the third-generation WRX STi will be phased out late February 2014 and some say, it will make room for the next model. However, we're not letting this third-generation STi go without a proper sendoff so here in GT6, a good send-off to the current and outgoing WRX STi, available in GR-spec hatchback and GV-spec sedan forms, lies to the question of...Which is the best of the third-generation STi? The winner will face off against...the last Subaru ever entered the WRC before its withdrawal from the World Rally Championship.



Here she is. Now all I have to do is to gather round four different flavors of the WRX STi and meet up at the Ascari.



First off, the GRB-spec hatchback STi. For a quick background, this car was launched at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and sales of this model commenced moments later. Unlike its predecessors, which are comprised of high-performance saloons, the GRB WRX STi is a hatchback and this model do thrown a curve to the enthusiasts. Even though it's based on a hatchback Impreza, it's still a high-performance Subie that behaves just like its predecessors. Unlike the Evo X, this STi tries to be more of a comfortable car on the long road ahead rather than showing off its razor-sharp reflexes on the corners. Despite that, it sure loves to cut through corners even though this car was born from the rally bloodlines.

Two years later, a Spec C was offered and for this model, it sheds off 20kg of weight, making it a driver-focused WRX STi hatch that you can use it on the road or on the track. Anyway, can the 20kg advantage of the WRX STi Spec C do better?





These two STi hatches gave it a good thrashing round the Ascari and again, thanks to the Spec C's 20kg weight loss and the host of numerous improvements such as the sport-tuned chassis, it means it can scamper away from the standard model. The only downside is that since they wore hard tires, they can tend to understeer in some parts of the Ascari track. In just a few minutes later...I have the result...

GRB - 2:27.962
GRB Spec C - 2:26.473

The Spec C ate the normal STi before tea time in a second. So, what about the sedan models?



In response from numerous Subies because they still prefer the styling of the sedan because of its clean shape and long history as the top model of the Impreza, they unveiled the much-awaited 4-door version at the 2010 New York Auto Show and sales in Japan commenced in the Summer of 2010, just a few moments before Gran Turismo 5 hit stores late November 2010 after double delays. It may have the same mechanical stuff from the 5-door model but for this 4-door model, this is by no means the ultimate Subie ever made because it went round the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 55 seconds. This Subaru managed to broke the 8-minute barrier at the fabled German race track and thanks to its sleek aerodynamic styling, it feels more well-balanced.

This Subie racked up class wins at the Nurburgring 24 Hour and to commemorate this achievement, STi made a special S206 NBR Challenge Package which features numerous upgrades including a carbon fiber roof and a rear spoiler. They even updated the engine so that now, it develops 315HP of power and this model is limited to 100 units, available exclusively to the Japanese market.





Both of them are track-focused and usable on the road. These two STi sedans sure knew how to shake it up in the midst of their prime and it's kinda odd because I thought the S206 NBR was supposed to be the swan song for this current-generation STi but in general, the tS Type RA is the real swan song. Anyway, while the tS Type RA is not here, it seems that the S206 NBR gave the normal STi sedan a good roasting and moments later, I have the time. Let's see...

GVB - 2:26.593
GVB S206 - 2:24.764

This leaves now to the Spec C hatchback and the S206 NBR saloon and now, let's move to the Brands Hatch GP Circuit to see which of these two will be facing off against the WRC 2008 rally car.



Look at these two, all primed up and pumped up for their one last vow. Remember, I'm using the GP version of the Brands Hatch just to add a little challenge to these two STi models. For an added twist; let's not forget that the Spec C hatchback is a few kilos lighter than the S206 NBR saloon but because this S206 NBR saloon has more power than the Spec C hatchback, I'd expect this to be more of a similarity.





In the first half of Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, both of the Spec C hatchback and the S206 NBR Saloon are doing pretty well while in the latter half of the track, things are looking to get a bit more struggling and it seems that a small mistake from the Spec C's understeer cost two seconds behind the S206 NBR. After one lap, there can only be one winner...

GRB Spec C - 1:44.755
GVB S206 - 1:42.899

The GVB-spec Subaru S206 NBR Challenge Package is definitely the best of the third-generation WRX STis offered on GT6 but will it be enough to take on the Impreza WRC 2008 Rally Car?



To find out, I went to Monaco Cote d'Azur and this is where the stage is set for the ultimate send-off for our third-generation WRX STi. Who will triumph? Road car or rally car?





Both the S206 and the Impreza Rally Car are like playing a game of cat and mouse as while the rally car can outrun the S206 on a straight line, the S206 found some advantages when it faces a corner, sneaking past the Impreza rally car! As they approached to the final parts of the Monaco Cote d'Azur, it's a fight to the finish and it's kill or be killed.

In this kill or be killed match, the S206 came out a second slower than the Impreza rally car.

Impreza WRC 2008 - 1:47.664
GVB S206 - 1:48.421



So there we are, even though it came a second slower against the Impreza WRC 2008 Rally Car, I can therefore conclude that here on GT6, the S206 NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE is the best of the third-generation WRX STi models. Now the only idea left for me is...how can I say goodbye to this and waiting for the new model to arrive in the Japanese market and in GT6 as well...

WRX STI tS TYPE RA revealed

Subaru WRX STi tS TYPE RA NBR Challenge Package

It seems that the current generation WRX STi is approaching to the end and a brand new replacement is coming next year but before that, here comes the curtain call for the current WRX STi. Say hello to the WRX STi's farewell machine, the WRX STi tS TYPE RA.

Exclusively for the Japanese market and limited to 300 units, the tS TYPE RA uses the WRX STi 4-door GVB as its basis and for this swan song, the new tS comes with special badges on the grille and on the back, STi emblem side garnish colored in black, and black side view mirrors. What's more, the TYPE RA features a host of upgraded suspension treatments, the use of Potenza RE070 tires, Vehicle Dynamics Control, LSD,  close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, and other upgrades for this swan song.

There's also a special NBR CHALLENGE PACAKGE which comes with 18-inch BBS forged aluminum rims, carbon rear wing, NBR CHALLENGE Decal, and optional RECARO seats.

You can still expect the same 308PS 2.0L boxer turbo engine that powers it.

Exclusive to the TYPE RA is the special Tangerine Orange Pearl exterior color in addition to the Satin White Pearl and WR Blue Mica.

Prices start at 4,410,000 Japanese Yen up to 5,082,000 Yen for the NBR Package with RECARO seats.

URL: http://www.sti.jp/product/wrxstitstypera/

Story: http://www.sti.jp/news/2013/13015.html

Forza Motorsport 4: Evo vs. STi

The battle between two sides

Over the years, Subaru and Mitsubishi had been locked in combat for decades just so they can outperform, outhandle, and outwit each other with their road going rally cars and everytime they launched different versions, they try outdo each other with a quantity of letters and numbers after the car's names. You've been given a choice; for one lap at the Nurburgring, you want the super-sharp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution but for the journey home, you want a more comfortable Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

Here at Forza Motorsport 4, I'll be only comparing the STi's and the Evo's offered on this game and luckily, it will be somewhat a duel between Evos and STi's.

First up the 22B vs. the Evo VI

Subaru Impreza 22B - 1:28.290
Mitsubishi Evo VI - 1:29.321


Next: WRX STi GDB-Type II vs. Evo VIII MR




Subaru WRX STi GDB-Type II - 1:27.591
Mitsubishi Evo VIII MR - 1:27.818


NEXT: WRX STi GDB-F vs. Evo IX MR




Subaru WRX STi GDB-F - 1:26.718
Mitsubishi Evo IX MR - 1:27.556

AND FINALLY: WRX STi GRB vs. Evo X





Subaru WRX STi GRB - 1:26.986
Mitsubishi Evo X - 1:26.346

VERDICT: Hmmm...It appears my Stigness can only handle Scoobies because back when I was high school, I was very fond of the STi's regime. I once drove a GDB-F WRX STi since WMMT3 (or maybe the Fast and Furious PS2 game?) and I have to say that this is the kind of car I literally fell in love with. No matter how many times I've been bashed by adolescents in their Mitsubishi Evos, I'm on the urge of getting to know each other but then, with current generations revealed in Tokyo since 2007, it seems my love for Impreza STi's had been evolved and I swore myself that I will never ever get alienated by the aggressive raw power of the Mitsubishi Evo X...but I did. Sure, the Impreza STi GRB really won my heart but it's the Evo X's sheerness and agility really made it jealous. And that's how the age-old question's in boiling point as Evo fans and STi fans starting to melt down over debates.

Hey, since Subaru and Mitsubishi are out in the world of motorsports, and soon these two will be consigned at the history books, I think that this fight ends with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Forza 4 meets WRX STi 4-door

Chakkari-san's not going to like this
car passing by her March.

I'm fairly confident that you've seen one of these before. It's the 2011 Subaru WRX STi 4-door. Of course most of you know all this. You've pre-ordered Forza 4 at Amazon.com to get this car, which unfortunately I didn't because I bought it at Gamestop. That gave me a long waiting list until now, the Launch Bonus Car Pack is now made available worldwide for us to try the 2011 Subaru WRX STi 4-door. The WRX STi 4-door maybe a familiar car for me but it's absolutely bonkers in the corners.

GVF in Tsukuba

I said bonkers because why? The WRX STi 4-door has much greater G's than the regular 5-door variant and not only that, it's lighter as well because while the 5-door weighs 3,395 lbs, the WRX STi 4-door weighs about 3,384lbs, which sounds slightly good but there's a bit of a problem. While both come with the same 2.5L boxer turbo engine, the WRX STi 4-door has less torque than the regular 5-door because while the WRX STi 5-door comes with 335lb-ft of torque, the WRX STi 4-door comes about  290lb-ft of torque. Also, it's 7,000 CR more expensive than the 2008 Subaru WRX STi. Still, it's a good value that you want to sacrifice for a better cornering Subaru that once lapped the Nurburgring in 7:55:000.

Sorry, wrong set! Your WRX STi
has a "Top Gear Korea" plate on it!

General fact that a WRX STi 4-door with a wing is labeled "GVB" while the WRX STi 4-door without a wing is labeled "GVF". Well, this is considered GVB, so when I take out the wing at the "Aero and Appearance" section, it resembles the look of the GVF. Not just that, there are available bumper parts courtesy of Chargespeed available to personalize your WRX STi 4-door just the way you like it.

Just a trivia though; at the 2011 Nurburgring 24 Hour race, Subaru achieved an SP3T Class victory with their #155 Subaru WRX STi tS, eclipsing the likes of Team Raeder Mortorsport’s Audi TT S, Kissling Motorsport’s Opel Astra GTC and Michael Kraus’ Mitsubishi Lancer CTO.

Remembering the "Arch Rivals"

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Yes, both the Subaru WRX STi and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution are both arch rivals but I surely miss those rides since I first encounter them in 2007 when both the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and the third-generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi (GRB) emerged in the Japanese market and later landed in the world market in 2008.

Both of these are fun to drives but with ages pass by, I think I surely forgotten the Arch Rivals, even I still remember one wild card I've encountered last July 2010.

2011 Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB)

That was the Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB/GVF). It was in Japan since July 2010 and I'm impressed about this one. Turns out, this one's can be easily forgotten because of the incoming fourth-generation Subaru Impreza coming soon.