Driving the 2008 WRX and 2008 STI on course

Today we put another issue in the can, well more or less in the can. As I write this MediaSpigot Publisher, Ryan Douthit, is slaving over the “technical aspects” of formatting the files that will become the next issue of Subiesport.

While he does that, I am reflecting on my recent driving experiences, most notably a bone-stock 2008 WRX and a very-modified 2008 STI. While the two are very similar in behavior, one is more akin to Bud light, easy to drink and keep in your stomach, even after you drink a whole sixer; while the other is more like Barley Wine, much harder to stomach, especially after you have had a few.

Now I am not saying that one is more enjoyable than the other, but it shows where tuning can get out of hand. Or rather, how a performance-driving setting can bring out the less-than-stellar qualities in a car.

The STI, built and tuned by Jeff Sponaugle, is a car that is all grunt and little finesse. It’s like trying to do an autocross with an F14 at full afterburner. You could turn, if you wanted to, but you better be prepared to have your guts ripped out with lateral force. That feeling is compounded by the massive 275-wide KDW tires and is helped by a set of Perrin springs and a rear Perrin swaybar.

That isn’t to say that the car is hard to drive, it’s just hard to drive fast simply because there is so much damn power. That, and because the BOV was so tight, throttle modulation was near impossible. Never have I a driven a car where the loud pedal was so much of an on/off switch. Driving the car hard reduces the driver to a mass of flailing arms and legs as you try to get the thing pointed in the direction you want, then you turn the power on again and DEAR GOD, hold on.

To say this car is a violent beast… would be about accurate, since that is what it is. But holy hell it is fast, and fun. Personally, I would fix the throttle so that some modulation is achievable, or maybe I need to become a better driver and just hold my foot on the loud pedal.

The WRX on the other hand was about as easy to drive as pudding is to eat: inoffensive, easy to steer and with enough torque to power out of the corners. Of course, this car’s major foible was the suspension, or lack thereof. As a performance hatchback, the suspension is more akin to fluffy pillows than tuned-springs. And the understeer, mein got. If by “safe to drive” you mean understeer to the side of the road where you can stop and ponder cornering, then ok. Personally, I like a car that goes where you point it, but that is just me. The STI, even with sway bars and springs has this problem; however, I would think that is a product of WAY too much traction, if there ever was a thing.

In the end, we as tuners, have some work cut out for us. While a more adjustable suspension and some more time at the track would work wonders for both cars (the STI has some coilovers on the way I hear), the new WRX and STI are certainly a new breed of dog that will need to be taught some new tricks.

Keep your eyes locked onto this space (better yet, subscribe to the magazine) as we are sure to be bringing you a few hints and pointers on how to make your new STI or WRX more rapier, and less cudgel.

More on Sponaugle's 2008 STI will appear in the April/May 2008 issue of Subiesport Magazine.

Comments

[Adam]

I appreciate this article because I'm actually in the market for a STi Limited but just for kicks I stopped by the Subie dealer around the corner here to see if they had any 05-07 STis in stock for me to check out. They did not, but the salesman was extremely enthusiastic about the new 08s. I mean, its a great car, and I would love to have one, but it's almost impossible to see myself owning due to its nature, there is no way I could keep the eyes of the boys in blue off me in one; hence my attraction to the ‘07 Limited. Also, their daily drivability entices me to the 07.

[Ryan Douthit]

Subaru only made 600 of the Limited model. If you're serious about picking one up, you'll pay way more than it's worth -- if you can even find one.

I would, instead, suggest taking a look at the Legacy if you want a nice interior and a fast platform, or just a standard 07/08 STI if you want the highest performance out of the box.

[Paul Trapp]

I really enjoyed the article. I am working on the suspension of my 08 WRX 5 door and I want something that works on the street, ie: corners well, but not too harsh. I thought the stock suspension with stock wheels & tires worked surprisingly well for how comfortable (soft)it was. I have put on 18" wheels and 225 40 Toyo Proxes and Cusco coil overs. The car now corners (and looks) much better. I am now thinking about adjustable sway bars, but not sure if I will notice any difference except on the track. Your articles certainly help one consider the many alternatives. Thank you.