Red With Envy - Subaru WRX STI

Tuning elements include a Walbro fuel pump and HKS FCON V-Pro tuning computer working in conjunction with an EVC IV boost controller. The tuning is currently a mild boost up but APR plans to upgrade the turbo and have SP tune the combo before the 2006 Ultimate Street Car Challenge rolls around. The turbo in consideration is the HKS 3037, which will deliver ball-bearing enhanced spool-up, excellent at-speed response and enough top end thrust to handle any USSC situation from quarter-mile dragging to auto crossing or street cruising.

Horsepower does not reign supreme when it comes to road circuit attacks; the car has to handle. The key is to know what setup works on the street and what setup works on the track. The Subaru's underpinnings have been fitted with an array of Hotchkis bars, endlinks and Tein Type Flex coilovers with EDFC cockpit control. The Hotchkis equipment consists of front and rear 25.4mm hollow sway bars with the rear bar featuring three-way adjustability. Adjustable front and rear Competition series end links round out the suspension stiffening effort.

Beyond the deceleration challenges of the circuit, the USSC regime includes hardcore brake testing. To score points in this venue, stopping performance has been addressed with Project Mu components where forged Project Mu calipers put the bite on massive 345mm SCR Pro rotors up front and a twin-piston rear upgrade featuring Brembo calipers and SCR rotors keep the rear in line.

The application of torque is also a key factor in USSC competition, not to mention wowing the locals on the street. The STi's driveline has been streamlined with matched components from ACT, including a lightweight flywheel, six-puck racing disc and an abuse-ready pressure plate.

The interior is serious but still civilized. All the creature comforts remain but there have been advancements in the name of function. A swarm of Auto Meter Nexus gauges have been strategically placed throughout the cabin. Razo pedals and a Razo Competition Sport shift knob connected to short throw linkages from B&M join a Momo steering wheel. The STi's seating arrangement features a more race ready bucket for the driver, a Recaro Pro Racing SPG racing shell and a more comfort-oriented Recaro bucket on the passenger side.

While these projects allow companies like APR, Hotchkis and HKS to exercise their R&D prowess, they also give style-conscious enthusiasts a chance to exercise their imaginations. When they're done right, these rides can influence well beyond their badging and illustrate the crossover potential of the parts on models other than the STi. Your faithful 2NR staff believes it is this crossover, or crosspollination, of parts, looks, ideas and passion that make the import scene the hottest territory in aftermarket performance.

Furthering the cause is the cult-like following of the Subaru all-wheel-drive offerings. The WRX and STi offer an intoxicating blend of style, safety, performance and build quality, and thanks to its factory turbo, a wide-open tuning window. From the inside out, this Scooby makes all the right moves but the big question is can it juke, shake, carve and boost its way to ultimate street car status?

By Eric Simpson

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