Accelerated Posted July 17, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 Seaphan, I just had a closer look at those photoes, and must admit their mouthwaterring. But how many times a year to you have the chance of using the capabilities of your Blazer off the beaten track? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 17, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 A fascinating fact about a Formula One car:Â At 90km/h it generates enough downforce that could support its weight (600kg) if it was racing upside-down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted July 17, 2002 Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Accelerated:... how many times a year to you have the chance of using the capabilities of your Blazer off the beaten track?So far, I've been averaging about one or two weekends per month in the last 2 years. With one or 2 major trips every six months. Like that Moab (Utah) trip this past May, it was a whole 10 day thing ... 2 days to get there, 5 days of offroading and a few days at dealers/mechanics on the way back from Utah to California (about 1000 miles) having them fix my engine troubles ... 3 ouf of my 6 cylinders decided to die on me in the middle of no where so it was pretty interesting trying to get back to California Good thing I had my laptop with me and could see which sensors and injectors were going bad ... otherwise, there is NO way you can figure anything out with these computer controlled engines. All you see is a "check engine" light  Looks like around new years we may hit Baja (you may have heard of the Baja 1000 races in Maxico) which will probably be another 9 or 10 day event ... I hear it is beautiful there but really a desert so gotta be well prepared. I know a guy who spent 4 months there in his truck with his then new wife on their "honeymoon"!!! Here is his website and HERE is where he outlines the whole baja trip they did. I think he did a great job on the site and I really respect him. He is a very nice person and sort of a minimalist ... he can get buy with just the basic essentials in life (and trully seems to enjoy every second of life!!!)  Anyway, if I could do it more often, I would. But I have to try to graduate within this coming year ... there is also this minor thing about the costs involved ... but it's amazing how much stuff you can do when you don't have to worry about rent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted July 17, 2002 Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 Oh, and I have "albums" of the more recent "major" trips (when we go in groups of 3 or more for more than a day) HERE in case you want to see what the south western parts of the US look like  Hopefully, next year we can get a Colorado trip going. I hear Colorado is very beautiful but also very mountainous (and lots of trees). So that should be fun ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 18, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 quote:3 ouf of my 6 cylinders decided to die on me in the middle of no where Ouch! Thats half the reason why I'm not really enthusiastic about 4WDing. I mean sure you have other people with you to help you out, but breaking down, or worse still having an accident can give you a major headache Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOTH Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 Ahh - Baja - used to get down there when I lived in So Cal. Would travel down there with two very unrelated groups of friends (with only one common denominator - cute girls!...actually two, now that I think of it - the popensity for us to hit a great many bars being the second thing both groups had in common).  One group consited of some lefty/radical friends of mine who owned this huge (light blue) Chrysler from the late 1960s - and I mean huge - bench seats front and back - we sat 4 accross both front and back with no discomfort (with plenty of trunk room as well). And the car fit in very well in Mexico! One of the guys was married to a (great looking/dark) Mexican gal who was a green card and everyone but me spoke fluent spanish. So we almost were like locals. We toured around for several days (never got too much further then Ensenada) singing revolutionary songs in Spanish (at least they did) and drinking quite a bit. I got in two fights with Mexican guys who kept grabbing at two of the gals (blonds..one being my g/f) - in each case folks had to grab me off of them - everyone thought I was being overly sensitive and not understanding local ways - etc - hey she was my g/f - and no doubt I was a bit drunk.... The second group was mostly these lifeguards from San Diego I met up with (again - due to a gal I knew [who was also a lifeguard]. With the first group we would hit local dive bars and places that they knew (being Mexican or connected as such). With this group we hit all the trendy dance bars and bars Americans frequented (I prefered the others actually). But it was great fun as well (lots of pretty/very drunk women). For some reason we tended to have more run-ins with the federales with this latter group (we blended in better with the locals [more grungy] with the first group). Never any jail time luckily (though occcasionaly some bribes had to be paid). Oh and another vehical tidbit. One of the guys had his Bronco converted to dual use propane and had a tank fitted in the back. He could fill up on propane for a few cents on the (?)...anyway - it was significantly cheaper to run then by using regular unleaded from the states. I'm still in touch with most all of my friends in the first group - but haven't a clue as to what the others are doing these days. Oh - 3rd thing - they were mostly all San Diegans.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 Has anyone else noticed that all of Tooth's stories about cars and trips involve cute girls? Tooth, buddy, you have to teach me how to be like you.  By the way, driving to Ensinada is not driving to Baja. I have couple of friends who organize a trip to San Philippe every year. They get about 10-20 friends to caravan down to there and camp on the beach(Gulf side) for 3-4 days and drink alot. I have done it twice and that is a lot of fun. But I too have not driven past that. Sip, I hope you don't mind, but I gave your URL to couple of friends who are car fanatics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 Tooth, I like good cars. However I have never fallen in love with any car. I don't enjoy driving as much as I use to. I drive 17 miles to work each way everyday and it takes me 1:15 each way. So I just become a zombie when I get in the car and kick in the autopilot and get home. As to the M5. I have never owned a good car until I got the Max followed by the Volvo. I didn't really want the Volvo, but did not have the money to get a 5 series. As to the M5. Well, I think it is a great car(My best friends father has one) and I want one after driving it for 5 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOTH Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 Perhaps why I fall in love with my cars (and cars in general) is that I have such great memories made (of really good times) when I am in them. Even in my old beat up toyotas from college days...though many of those memories concern actions/interactions with female passengers... I'll have to tell you all about my nearly flying off of Hwy 1 and into the ocean as I was driving with my g/f (with her, em...head on my lap) (after a major spin out) between Malibu & Oxnard (don't rightly remember wewre on the stretch it occured - just that it was while going around a big sweeping curve with a rather large drop off on the ocean side) - and I guess my attention was somewhat diverted from the road...(some here may remember my telling of this story on another Armenian web site a few years back...). And of course its even possible to enjoy the vehical when stationary (the car that is - except perhaps some rocking to & fro).... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 Wow Thoth, never imagined you as a sports-car, fast-drivin kinda guy  Talking of "chick magnets", my first car ever was a beat up, burgandy colored, 1982 Chevy Malibu station wagon. The interior was also supposedly burgendy but sometimes you couldn't tell since it was so dirty. I drove that hunk-o-junk for a couple of years ... When I would show up to school with that (highschool), everyone (especially the girls) would run in the opposite direction and hide. Well, one morning, I drove it to school, parked it as usual, got out to notice the entire street and parkinglot was filled with white smoke and everyone laughing ... I think it had busted the head gasket or something and water somehow ended up in the engine, making a nice steam cloud over and around the school area That was the end of that car ... But I still LOVED it. I enjoyed every minute of driving that car. I would actually (and still do), sometimes take the longer way to get from point A to B  As far as speed, my current car can certainly do 0-60. I am sure of it. However, I have never really been able to figure it out since by the time I approach 60MPH, I am already close to the desitnation and have to start slowing down  . [ July 17, 2002, 12:47 PM: Message edited by: Sip ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOTH Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Azat:Tooth, I drive 17 miles to work each way everyday and it takes me 1:15 each way. So I just become a zombie when I get in the car and kick in the autopilot and get home.I understand. However its not so far (perhaps) that you could consider biking to work or taking alternative transportation. I did this when in LA (and I avoided freeways regardless [during rush hour] - always able to find my way around better on the surface streets. I used to bike to work from Hollywood (Grifith Park area ...I used to live right on Normandy near Franklin) to Downtown LA (6-8 miles each way). I could get to work faster then if I was driving). Then for a while hear (near DC) I biked to work 24 miles each way (even in the winter). There were no shower facilities at work however so it was tough in the summer particualrly. I'd be biking again if it weren't for the obligations to be home to pick up kids from school & such - and I carpool with my wife now....etc Oh and if you don't have the cash for a 540 (a rather large car in my book anyway...but thats just me)....you should look at the Audi A6 2.7T - a great car. I talked my brother in law into getting one (as opposed to the Lexus or Volvos etc he was looking at) and another friend of mine has one that he has tricked out to 360 hourspower. (for real) - awsome machine (even in base form). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 18, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 THOTH, I bet you also wore long hair (maybe a beard) and those funny pants that widenned from the knees to the feet . Â Here (and now) university life isnt as politically orientated, sure you have the occasional leftie trying to teach you Marx, but most are not taken seriously. As for university life, apparently we're going to a strip joint tonight, with a few drinks I hope it doesnt lead to me cursing my self-control tomorow morning. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 18, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 And back on the topic , does anyone follow the World Rally Championship or Formula 1 here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Azat:... Sip, I hope you don't mind, but I gave your URL to couple of friends who are car fanatics.No problemo ... I really should update the thing ... I've done so many things to the truck lately!!! THIS is how my poor interior looks right now. At least I put the passenger seat back in. On the trip to Moab, I took the seat out since there was MUCH more room for stuff. Everyone there gave me a lot of hard time for it, telling me I must be the ultimate "geek" to take the passenger seat out -----EDIT - Well, thanks to you, I ended up starting a HUGE updating project on my site! Thanks for the kick in the butt I needed to get rolling --Sip-----  I also noticed that Thoth's stories are much more "juicy" and entertaining than mine!!! Fortunately, these group of guys that I go with, do not drink (well, maybe a beer or two at camp) but the drinking while offroading thing is a big no no in the group which I really like. Once in a while we run into a bunch of bozos with beer in one hand and the steering wheel in the other ... but we usually end up going around them since they almost always end up breaking something or flipping their trucks. [ July 18, 2002, 02:11 AM: Message edited by: Sip ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOTH Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Accelerated:THOTH, I bet you also wore long hair (maybe a beard) and those funny pants that widenned from the knees to the feet . Well - no funny pants... quote:Originally posted by Accelerated:Here (and now) university life isnt as politically orientated, sure you have the occasional leftie trying to teach you Marx, but most are not taken seriously. As for university life, apparently we're going to a strip joint tonight, with a few drinks I hope it doesnt lead to me cursing my self-control tomorow morning. LOL. My friends run the gamut of political orientation (then & now). In school the left folks always tried to recruit me as I often expressed (my) very radical ideas (to most folks) - but I'm my own person and don't go for most of that crap (particualry the marxist stuff). Belive it or not many of my more lefty friends think of me as some kind of a hawk/right winger/establishment type. And of course my right wing friends think I am an unabashed lefty - got to keep them guessing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOTH Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Azat:Has anyone else noticed that all of Tooth's stories about cars and trips involve cute girls? Tooth, buddy, you have to teach me how to be like you. Those were the days - for a time (years) I had some pretty serious (daily!) action (though mostly with long time steady g/f's - I never was much for the one nighter stuff)...of course I'm married now - steady & low stress (but admittedly less exiting in many ways)Â quote:Originally posted by Azat:[QBBy the way, driving to Ensinada is not driving to Baja. [/QB]Yea, I know that...though we ventured south of Ensenada a bit - never much into the real Baja that you refer to - more to towns with bars/clubs, etc...LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MosJan Posted July 18, 2002 Report Share Posted July 18, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Sip: quote:Originally posted by MosJan:...Ham el HArouti TSnundna shutov n@ver enq arnelu.http://zr2.cs.ucla.edu/Sip/zr2/roflmao.gif Ed meke shat leven er !!!! Mos, have you heard of the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? It's supposed to come out this August. Comes with front and rear Dana 44 axles with electronically engaged air lockers in both axles!!!! It's supposed to be a VERY sweet rig for offroading. I am waiting to see what the final price will be, but I think it'll be sub $30K for sure.http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/gallery/img/rubicon_1.jpg it the same old jeep look:) it's nice / and just fine for me ok i'll teak 3 - Karmir kapuyt - nar@njaguyn  Movses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 19, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 Mos, I'll take the one in the top right hand corner. Its the morning after, and I must admit last night was pretty good, it was a classy joint forcing me to spend over US$50. Had a final private show (there were four of us, not including stripper) at the end of the night. My friends were having trouser eruptions, I had too many drinks beforehand and got BORED! after like 10 minutes (the show went for 20 mins). I wasnt even aroused, even though she was shown everything she had!LOL Don't worry I'm not a fag, its just by the time we entered that small room my mind had stopped functioning LOL:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted July 19, 2002 Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Accelerated:Its the morning after, and I must admit last night was pretty good, it was a classy joint forcing me to spend over US$50. ... My friends were having trouser eruptions ... I ... got BORED! after like 10 minutes ... I'm not a fagSomehow I am getting the feeling we're not talking about cars anymore?  As far as Thoth's daily "action", Jug's "trouser eruptions", and being bored looking at strippers, all I can say is that I am speechless!!! The only "action" I seem to find in life is jamming my toe on the chair in the morning around 8AM when I jump out of bed to try to close the window and get some ear plugs to get back to sleep when the gardner and his lawnmower from HELL show up ... and then, I plug my ears so well, that I don't even hear the alarm at 2pm when I'm supposed to have a meeting at 3pm ... and then I rush to school at 2:50pm to get here at 3:10 (it's normally a 40 min drive) to find out the meeting has been canceled ... yup, that's as good as the "action" gets  oh, and Movses, I'll take the 'kapuyt' one if you don't mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 19, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 quote:Somehow I am getting the feeling we're not talking about cars anymore?Cars and women go hand-in-hand, in the early years a good car is a sign of 'coolness', later a good car is a reflection of ones wealth. So we havnt completely gone off topic  quote:when the gardner and his lawnmower from HELL show up Oh, I hate that too, just wanna grab the kitchen knife and launch myself at him... btw, that was the first time I had been to a strip joint, but I didnt see anything I hadnt seen before.  [ July 18, 2002, 10:16 PM: Message edited by: Accelerated ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted July 19, 2002 Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Accelerated:Cars and women go hand-in-hand, ... Hmmmmm ... I'm going to have to have a talk with our local Chevy dealer. I think they have been holding out on me. But I went carefully through my purchase contract, and there was NO mention of any women so I don't think I'd have much luck taking them to court Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harut Posted July 19, 2002 Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 Sip, qez hastat khapel em. yes vor avto ara, het@ 2 hat aghjik ekav. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted July 19, 2002 Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 quote:Originally posted by Accelerated:Cars and women go hand-in-hand, ... At least that's what Tooth says.  quote:Originally posted by Sip:Hmmmmm ... I'm going to have to have a talk with our local Chevy dealer. I think they have been holding out on me. But I went carefully through my purchase contract, and there was NO mention of any women so I don't think I'd have much luck taking them to court Sip jan, I think that is the optional package that you and I can't afford so they do not even offer it to us.  --- Have you guys noticed all the GREAT cars that Armenian kids drive around in Glendale and Pasadena? It is amazing to me when I see 17-18 year olds driving 3-series BMWs and MBs or all the new SUVs. I know someone who got a MB 240 for his 16 year old as her FIRST car. He was proud, I thought he was an idiot at that moment. ---- I also have to tell you guys about my dream. I hope that when(notice I said when and not if) I get rich I am going to buy me a a very old Porsche 356 model and fix it up myself or an old Jag XKE roadster and fix it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 19, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 I'm not really into old cars, and dont understand the obsession some harbor for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted July 23, 2002 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2002 Some reviews of the mighty Sti quote:Subaru's WRX STi drives your dollar faster than anything else but it requires great concentration and care.For: Beautifully engineered powerplant and drivetrain. Spectacular performance from 4500rpm. Slick six-speed gearbox. Outstanding dynamics. Braking power. Well equipped. Great driver's seat. Against: You need a racetrack to really appreciate it. Light-switch transition from midrange to top end. Too feral for city traffic. Brakes need heat to work properly. Hard ride. 98 octane may be difficult to find out of Sydney. Insurance a nightmare. Stars: 4.5 (out of 5). Verdict: Top gun. The Subaru WRX made headlines eight years ago both as a brilliant budget performance car – and as the preferred mode of transport for ram-raiders. Despite determined efforts by the Japanese maker to upgrade security systems, the car is still a prime target for those wanting to make a quick getaway. WRX sales have softened since the second-generation model appeared two years ago. Potential buyers may be nervous about being a constant target for thieves or may simply not like the controversial egg-shaped headlights. Subaru also has faced stronger competition, particularly from the Nissan 200SX and the Honda Integra Type-R. Subaru Australia has recently announced it will retro-fit a more sophisticated security system to WRXs built since 1999. Hopefully, the new STi, the WRX's faster, bolder brother, will be a difficult proposition for would-be villains. Subaru has fitted a fortress of a security system on the STi version (more on this later) but Drive is aware of a small number of examples of the earlier model being towed away by thieves. So, what's the appeal? The STi can out-manoeuvre and out-accelerate German supercars costing three times the price – even though the latest model is less powerful and heavier than the original. This is the price of detuning the engine to run on 98 octane fuel (Subaru had a small number of fuel-related engine "meltdowns" with the previous model). The Japanese model produces 206kW on 100 octane. The sweetener is that it also costs a whole lot less and has more standard equipment. The Version VI was $62,500; the new STi is $55,130. Nothing at the price comes close in performance – zero to 100 kmh in under six seconds, depending upon conditions and skill. Mitsubishi's $79,990 Ralliart Lancer Evo VI is comparable, but just 100 arrived in Australia. Release date for the Evo VII is yet to be finalised; Mitsubishi hopes "to have it here by the end of the year at a price competitive with the STi". The 2002 STi produces 195kW at 6000rpm, and 343Nm at 4000. The 2.0-litre four shares basic dimensions with the standard 160kW powerplant, but in other respects has been completely re-engineered, as have the drivetrain, brakes and suspension. The internal design of the stronger engine block makes cooling more efficient; moving parts are beefier still. When the temperature gauge heads towards the red, you can give the intercooler a spray with water via a button on the dash. Subaru has developed a new six-speed close-ratio gearbox. The clutch clamping force has been increased. Limited-slip differentials front and rear transfer torque from an inside wheel about to lose traction to an outside wheel. The suspension layout reflects that of the standard WRX, but with stiffer springs and larger capacity dampers. At both ends, the brakes use bigger diameter, ventilated Brembo discs. The front calipers have four pistons; the rears have two. The anti-lock braking system has electronic force distribution, which controls the rear brakes individually, rather than as a pair, for optimum performance when cornering. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels run 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tyres. There's not much happening thrust-wise below 3000rpm where, if caught in too high a gear, the STi is lethargic. Even a Corolla feels quicker off the mark to 60kmh. Sixth at 100kmh sees 2900rpm on the tacho, just below the point at which the turbo kicks in – so a change to a lower gear is necessary for brisk overtaking. At 4500, though, the STi launches maniacally forward and you have to be really quick with the gear lever to keep it under the 7500 redline. In city traffic this all happens a bit too fast. The buffer between you and the car in front closes instantly, so you need to be a demon braker. A warning beeper/dash light is adjustable in increments up to 7500rpm so you can keep your eyes on the road rather than the tachometer. Find a piece of bitumen (lonely, preferably a racetrack) where you can fully exploit the money end of its power delivery and you'll have the time of your life, but the fearsome acceleration of the STi also requires great concentration and care. It is not a car for the inexperienced or idiotic. In handling, the STi also steps up to a higher level than the standard WRX. It has a more neutral attitude when cornering, its back end is more tightly controlled and the car overall is better balanced when changing direction quickly. Grip is outstanding. All-wheel-drive makes the WRX very forgiving, but in tight bends it prefers to get braking and line selection done with before entering the corner proper, then driving through with progressive rather than brutal use of the accelerator. The Brembo brakes are designed for more ambitious work than everyday driving. When up to optimum temperature (ie, hot), they bite like a big dog and are amazingly powerful. In less extreme use, however, they need high pedal pressures and lack feel. The ride is hard, and the tyres generate plenty of noise on coarse bitumen. Inside, you get low-slung racing buckets with basic adjustments up front. Bolstering and support, especially for the upper body, are excellent. Partly compensating for the billycart ride, they're firm but surprisingly well-padded. The STi instruments have a centrally located tachometer. The Momo wheel is trimmed in red stitched leather, as are the gear lever and handbrake. Dual airbags, air-conditioning, an in-dash six-CD stacker and, at long last, cruise control, are standard. Security includes a rolling code key immobiliser for the ECU, plus an additional six points of immobilisation from a keypad into which you enter a PIN to start the car. An alarm, infrasonic sensor and anti-hijack mode are also part of the system. But check you can insure this car in your suburb before working out the finances. Some companies refuse to insure the WRx or STi point-blank – even if you have an impeccable record. The back seat is fine for two adults (three lap-sash belts are fitted), though leg room is tight with taller occupants up front. The boot is large; there is only a central porthole for carrying long objects, and a space-saver spare is under the floor. The 2002 WRX STi is still a no-compromise performance weapon. If you rarely get the chance to safely point and fire it as intended, it is a bit of a waste. The standard WRX is much easier to live with, and its 160kW worth isn't exactly feeble either. When it's let off the chain, though, the STi is absolutely stunning, as is its price. Vital signsSubaru WRX STi Engine: 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder.Power: 195kW at 6000rpm (above average).Performance: 0-100kmh in 5.5-6.0 seconds (faster cars can be counted on one hand and cost several times as much).Brakes: Discs with ABS (great under hard use, lack progression and feel in normal conditions).Economy: 12.2 litres/100km highway (thirsty); 14.8 city (excellent compared with larger engines of similar power).Prices: Recommended retail – $55,130. Street price – no deals.Main options: None.Warranty: Three years/unlimited km (above average).Safety rating: Not tested, but standard Impreza rates four out of five in ANCAP tests.Residual value: 68 percent after three years (standard WRX; above average).Alternatives: None within coo-ee of the price.And another.... quote:Pigeonhole: Mutant ninja turbo.Philosophy: The WRX with 'roid rage. Who's buying it: Not the caps-backwards, doof-doof music boys. The STi is selling to greying, responsible executive types and self-made men in the suburbs. Women can only speculate why. Why you'd buy it: Because it's as much fun as a Porsche for just $55,000. Why you wouldn't: Gauche styling, garish gold wheels and gratuitous bits of add-on plastic aren't an aesthetic triumph. The insurance premiums are stupendous, there's the constant worry about having it pinched and younger cops pull you over just to talk about the car. Standard equipment: Air conditioning, leather steering wheel, fog lights, power steering, electric mirrors, central locking, 17-inch alloy wheels, six stacker CD, heavy-duty brakes, cruise control, aluminium bonnet, spoilers. Safety: Dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes standard, as is a three-point centre rear belt. Subaru's other models suggest the maker is serious about safety. The body shell is spectacularly stronger than the oldone. Cabin: A major improvement with higher-quality plastics and a more expensive finish. Noise levels are more muted. Reasonable storage, big clear instruments and an excellent driving position. Seating: Rally-style buckets with height adjustment for the driver are better for young backs than old ones. Rear pew is serviceable with competitive head and legroom for the class. But nobody buys the STi for the back seat. Engine: A rusher and a whoosher, this 2.0-litre turbocharged flat four cylinder produces 195 kW and 343 Nm of torque, up significantly on the standard WRX. Active valve control, a bigger turbo, intercooler and exhaust do the business. And for serious gear heads there's a water spray to hose down the intercooler. All that equates to shattering performance, in the five-second bracket for 0-100 kmh. Transmission: Not the sequential box of the rally car but a new, close ratio six-speed manual and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system, with front and rear limited slip differentials. With so much torque on tap you don't actually need six ratios but swapping them is half the fun. Steering: Agile and fast rack and pinion system with just 2.8 turns lock to lock. Great steering wheel. Effortless to park with good visibility. Ride: Taut but not intolerable. Handling: Give it a mountain road, better still a wet mountain road, and it will embarrass most six-figure blue chip Euro badges. Good drivers will relish it. Dopes will get themselves into strife. Fuel: Best fed on Optimax but is calibrated to run well on premium unleaded. Consumption figures depend on driving style. Brakes: Standard Brembo ventilated four-wheel disc system with four pot front calipers and well-sorted anti-lock control. The WRX has big reserves of stopping power. Build: High-quality Japanese. Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres. Anti-theft: Engine immobiliser and remote, key operated central locking are state-of-the-art but fiddly to use. Audio-system: Six speakers with CD stacker. Cost: The manual-only STi at $55,130 is one of the great bargains of our time. This doesn't include on-road charges. But get an insurance quote first then put a beefier lock on the garage door. Verdict: This is heavy-duty sports equipment with subtle engineering qualities that belie its styling. It's a precision tool at an affordable price, and a long-term collector's item. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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