4-door 2011 Impreza WRX STI - WR Blue Mica

Just as Impreza was always like, a 4-door version is back in Japan market on July 1st, 2010.

A release of 5-door hatchback version in 2007 was quite a surprise although it resulted in good sales, but many of old Subaru Impreza fans were disappointed because 4-door was the tradition and image of the Subaru WRC cars. And finally.. Subaru was kind enough to give us a new option of 4-door Impreza, while maintaining the production of 5-door version.

Ex-WRC champion Tommi Mäkinen was involved in developing this 4-door Impreza as a test driver. According to Subaru, Tommi marked 7:55 on Nurburgring, which is 4 seconds faster than 2004 WRX STI.

The rear trunk is relatively smaller than hatchback ver, but the sedan body of Impreza looks beautiful. Subaru says its 3D-shaped rear wing and longer rear overhang brings more effective aero dynamics and higher top-speed than 5-door hatchback.

My short test drive on low speed was surprisingly quite comfortable although its springs/dampers were hardened than the previous model. And the 43kg torque was an astonishing power experience that made me hold my breath for a moment!

[Movie: Tommi Mäkinen 7:55 at Nurburgring]
http://www.subaru.jp/wrxsti/nurburgri...

[JDM spec]
body color: WR Blue Mica

Size: 4,580 x 1,795 x 1,470mm (5-door: 4,415 x 1,795 x 1,470mm)
Weight: 1,490kg (5-door: 1,480kg)
Displacement: 1,994cc
Horsepower: 308ps/6,400rpm
Torque: 43.0kg/4,400rpm
Tires: 245/40R18

[Official website]
Japan: http://www.subaru.jp/wrxsti/4dr/
US: coming soon