GH8

 

There has been a lot of negative reviews of the new Impreza models. The un-invigorating design, sloppy handling and average power were its main weak points according to car magazines and enthusiasts. Subaru heard they’re cries–or was it competition from Mitsu’s new Lancer Ralliart?–and updated the lack-luster WRX model with more power, stiffer springs, beefier swaybars, and threw away the chrome accents (Thank YOU!). Now, they’ve created a car that’s almost faster than the the outgoing STi model! Unbelievable! But that’s just straight-line comparisons. 

Pictured above is a yellow 2.5i Impreza, duh. It looks subtle yet menacing at the same time. With the eye catching yellow paint, contrasting black mirrors, front lip spoiler, and rims that fill the fender gaps, this car means business.  A prelude to the STi Spec-C that debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. Yellow is hot but I don’t think I could rock it. 

Drift Center Diff for Subies and Evo’s

Brought to you by Watanabe service, this center differential will eliminate the front diff and send 100% of the power to your rear wheels! Better than welding your rear diffs? I don’t really know, but i usually don’t like welding stuff together that was meant to be spinning… Anywhoo, you can order them online on RHDjapan.com. However, I’m not sure how different the gearboxes are from the USDM counterparts =( . They also include a front axle “Drive shaft canceler,” which allows you to remove your front driveshafts and cover that gaping hole you left over with a shiny cover. Watanabe Service Check out link for pictures of the drift center diffs. The photos of the impreza below are courtesy of GP Sports, its FR conversion specs are still a mystery to me.

Impressive Impreza

A well-rounded car that’s now popping up in D1 Street Legal events as well as other sanctioned drift events around Japan. Ever since Watanabe Service invented the FR center differential for most subaru impreza models as well as some lancer evo models, more and more AWD vehicles are being turned into FR cars to compete in drifting events. Which is awesome cuz all you see are corollas and all the s-chassis nissans, as well as the JZ chassis Toyotas, which some aren’t offered here in the US. Makes me sooooo envious of Japan. Although I should count my blessings because I’ve heard owning a car in Japan is uber expensive!! Anyway, back the subject, which is me wanting to own an old-chassis impreza and turning it into a drift and rally car. As selfish as I am, I dream of owning both a sedan and coupe. One for drift, one for rally, and both for daily driving! Sounds Awesome huh? Here are some pictures of a notable FR impreza tuner who regularly compete in drift competitions. The name’s Garage Hirota; they were even featured in a Hot Version volume and in Best Motoring International! Although Keiichi and Kazama criticized the suspension set-up, it still drifted!

 Garage Hirota