Here is a copy of an email I recently received from SOA in regard to the decision to put a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine in the USDM Impreza WRX STi and not the FJ20.
-- begin SOA email response
Thank you for your inquiry about the long-awaited Impreza WRX STi. Subaru of America is proud to announce our 2004MY Impreza line-up, which includes the STi, an ultra high-performance all-wheel drive sedan!
At this time, pricing and optional accessory information for the WRX STi is not available. This information will not be available until early this summer.
Although I am not privy to information based on the design of our vehicles, I can tell you that based on he critically acclaimed Subaru Impreza WRX, Impreza STi is completely re-engineered to provide world-class sports car levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance. The Impreza WRX STi draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, and is designed to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast. The Impreza WRX STi is expected to arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer.
We suspect that the original Impreza WRX for the 2004 model year, with its bold new front-end design and more aggressive appearance, should be available at Subaru dealerships early in April.
Please be sure to periodically check our Website for updated information throughout the year. Thanks again for your interest in Subaru vehicles!
Best wishes,
Kelly
Subaru of America, Inc.
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOUR ORIGINAL MAIL:
Why did you put a 2.5 liter engine in the U.S. STi? Every other market receives the tried and true FJ20. I am a huge Subaru World Rally Team fan and I am disappointed that the U.S. version of the Impreza WRX STi doesn't represent Subaru's rally heritage by sporting the FJ20. What were the factors regarding the engine decision? Was it due to emission standards? Or was it something else entirely? Your response would be greatly appreciated.
-- end SOA email response
All I can say is, WOW, what a company line. Up until this point I have always received what I considered to be straightforward emails from SOA, but this one surprised me. I mean the car has been unveiled what's the big secret? I think the USDM Impreza WRX STi engine mystery will never be solved. I am still of the opinion that the FJ20 would have been a better choice, but I will probably succumb to the 2.5 liter at some point.
-Shadow
-- begin SOA email response
Thank you for your inquiry about the long-awaited Impreza WRX STi. Subaru of America is proud to announce our 2004MY Impreza line-up, which includes the STi, an ultra high-performance all-wheel drive sedan!
At this time, pricing and optional accessory information for the WRX STi is not available. This information will not be available until early this summer.
Although I am not privy to information based on the design of our vehicles, I can tell you that based on he critically acclaimed Subaru Impreza WRX, Impreza STi is completely re-engineered to provide world-class sports car levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance. The Impreza WRX STi draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, and is designed to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast. The Impreza WRX STi is expected to arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer.
We suspect that the original Impreza WRX for the 2004 model year, with its bold new front-end design and more aggressive appearance, should be available at Subaru dealerships early in April.
Please be sure to periodically check our Website for updated information throughout the year. Thanks again for your interest in Subaru vehicles!
Best wishes,
Kelly
Subaru of America, Inc.
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOUR ORIGINAL MAIL:
Why did you put a 2.5 liter engine in the U.S. STi? Every other market receives the tried and true FJ20. I am a huge Subaru World Rally Team fan and I am disappointed that the U.S. version of the Impreza WRX STi doesn't represent Subaru's rally heritage by sporting the FJ20. What were the factors regarding the engine decision? Was it due to emission standards? Or was it something else entirely? Your response would be greatly appreciated.
-- end SOA email response
All I can say is, WOW, what a company line. Up until this point I have always received what I considered to be straightforward emails from SOA, but this one surprised me. I mean the car has been unveiled what's the big secret? I think the USDM Impreza WRX STi engine mystery will never be solved. I am still of the opinion that the FJ20 would have been a better choice, but I will probably succumb to the 2.5 liter at some point.
-Shadow