Subaru WRX STi (VAB) - 2018 facelift

The Subaru WRX STi has been proven to be a track-proven sportscar that works not just for rallycross purposes but also tackling racetracks such as the Nurburgring, just to demonstrate the full capability of Subaru's Symmetrical AWD on and off the road as well as on the track, and for the 2018 minor change, it has elevated further.

2018 Subaru WRX STi

2018 Subaru WRX STi

The new 2018MY Subaru WRX STi has been given a revised front design that brings out the sporty character as Subaru's flagship high-performance sports saloon built for speedo boys from across the globe apart from the revised front face comes with yellow-painted brake calipers reminiscent of the WRX Concept a few years ago. It may not do justice but the new look begs us for more WRX STi action than seeing it by ourselves.

2018 Subaru WRX STi interior

2018 Subaru WRX STi interior

As for the inside, there have been some slight changes around the dashboard, and just by noticing the new, larger high-definition multi-function display, as well as the new auto climate control, it's easier to spot the difference between the old and the new. Also, the revised interior comes with new RECARO sports seats that match the WRX STi's sporty flavor and because speedo boys love a car that has a RECARO on it, this WRX STi is the ultimate expression of a speedo boy's car that they can take it on track days or midnight drives with the other speedo boys.

It still has the same EJ20 BOXER DOHC 16-Valve Dual AVCS Twin Scroll Turbo as the last time, producing 308PS of power, 422Nm of torque, and 9.4km/L of fuel economy while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox standard. It also still comes with the 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. Easier said than done but the 2018 model comes with retuned suspension as well as its new DCCD AWD System, which now uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response. The yellow brake calipers in question is known as the improved Brembo Performance Brake System with stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear, and larger, drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. It also comes with new brake pads for better-stopping power with a bit more feel.

While designated as a speedo boy's car, the WRX STi can be offered with the Advances Safety Package, which comes with Subaru Rear Vehicle Direction, High Beam Assist, Front and Side View Monitor, as well as headlamps that turn left or right when you turn the steering wheel,

The new 2018 Subaru WRX STi starts at 3,866,400 Yen (tax included) and you can spec it out with optional extras including a rear wing that completes the WRX STi look you expect from Subaru's best.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: FORZA! ON ICE!!

Yes. You heard that right. It's Forza! On Ice!! Because for the first time in Forza history, snow has arrived and with the arrival of the brand new Forza Horizon 3 Blizzard Mountain expansion, drivers like you and me can taste snow for the very first time in a decade of Forza-ness while taking on the King of the Mountain event where you can take on several challenges, earn stars, and become the King of the Mountain in the end.



For my first outing in the brand new Blizzard Mountain expansion, I've gone for this. It's the Subaru WRX STi VT15R Rally Car, but this is the #199 car. This rally-spec WRX STi is run under the guise of Vermont SportsCar Racing. Founded by veteran rally car builder and former co-driver Lance Smith, Vermont SportsCar Racing founded the Subaru Rally Team USA ten years ago following its official support with Subaru. Since then, the team racked up nine Rally America championship wins in 2006-2009 and most recently from 2011-2015. This #199 WRX STi rally car that competed in the Open Class races this year was driven by the legendary Travis Pastrana. Even though he enjoyed his fierce rivalry by the rally ace, David Higgins, both Subaru's Rally America aces are very skilled to defend the honor of Subaru Rally Team USA's longstanding reputation in America's premiere rally championship and such reputation brought both Higgins and Pastrana back for the 2017 season of the Rally America National Championship.



Better take serious precautions on this one though because here in Blizzard Mountain, be on the lookout for extreme weather conditions because severe winter storms not only make the road much worse for your driving pleasure but also impairs visibility to near zero so you're going to need some serious skill to survive extreme icy conditions.

Also, to make cars prepare for the snowy conditions, snow tires are offered in almost all cars in your garage. A few cars have snow tires equipped but you are more than welcome to equip your favorite car with snow tires to get yourself ready on this frozen onslaught. Exotics are mostly welcome here as long as the tires are studless (and advisably four-wheel drive because it would be intimidating to drive a rear-wheel drive monster in the snow).

Lastly, the King of the Mountain challenges. Rather than fans, drivers need to earn stars in either bucket list challenges, PR stunts, and races. Races aside, the King of the Mountain challenges is more than just winning a race because to get three stars, you need to do a specific skill before winning a race. Skills involve jumps, drifts, wreckages, anything. So, now that you get the idea,

So, with the Blizzard Mountain basics now onto anyone's heads now, time to get my first dibs on the Blizzard Mountain expansion with this Subie that Pastrana drove in this year's season.




The snow may be as harsh as reality and so is the infamous Game of Thrones dialogue that winter is here but I got my survival instincts up and running to snag my first win and proceed to the next round of the King of the Mountain. With so many challenges going on in Blizzard Mountain, the only way to survive through this extreme icy conditions is to win through different challenges and become King of the Mountain. That's the only way I can survive Blizzard Mountain with a big smile on my face. Now, hurry. With all that snow going on around here, nothing can stop us from clearing those new challenges because (ahem) this is Forza on Ice and together, we are born to make history! Wait, what did I just said?!

Forza Horizon 3: Day off with a Subie

While I'm in the middle of a do-nothing day, I set off in a VAB Subaru STi to see how much fun this four-door sports saloon forged from Subaru's motorsport heritage in rallycross and endurance racing where it dominated the SP3T class of the NBR 24HR challenge. Nothing like taking a little time off with my favorite Subie on Australian roads while taking some time off from Horizon duties.

As I recall, the latest WRX STi is the high-performance version of Subaru's WRX line, which is now based on the Levorg station wagon. The WRX line comes in two different versions; one is the comfort-purpose S4 with the 2.0L DIT engine with a CVT and this, is the STi which comes with the same turbocharged EJ engine mated to a 6-speed manual. In Japan, just the two-liter is offered while world markets get the bigger 2.5L engine but either way, they produce almost the same, if you know what I mean?

Anyway, because the current STi is a high-performance variant of the WRX range and because it's civilized version of the WRX was called S4, not to be confused with the Audi S4, that rang me a perfect idea so I headed back to the festival to do some brainstorming and then doing some stuff before hosting an event just for this beauty I lined up.





Okay, you got me, but my Subie's now themed after the elite honor students as seen from the Aikatsu Stars anime series, which are called, of course, the S4! S4?! Would I expect to put the S4 in the STi? That sounds a rather redundant joke but there are other things why I made this thing up from scratch. The first thing they might realize is that they might mistake it for an ordinary WRX S4 that has been swapped with bits and bobs from the STi or perhaps a WRX STi that wants to be an S4 for no reason.

Enough about that but I'll give you a little secret. I had a cousin who used to own a fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro and because the fifth-gen Camaro has gone out of style with the introduction of the latest model, he traded in his Camaro with a brand new Subaru WRX. What kind of WRX has he got? Nope, you're wrong because it's an S4...except for one bit; it has a manual gearbox that the Japanese version didn't have. Yep, world-market WRXs come with either a CVT or a manual, which sounds unfair to Japanese drivers.

Anyway, now that you got the idea, time to spice my Subie with the elite idol schoolgirls from Aikatsu Stars, which is the S4 by the way, by playing rough in an event made for Subies, by Subies.

Lights! Motor! Action!!!



Heck yeah! It pays to have a cousin driving a Subie, which is cooler than my grandma's friend who also drives a Subie except it isn't as cool as my cousin's. This is what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Wait, where did I get that line before? Oh well...

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.

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...

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