Ann Arbor - Subaru is finally offering an STI without the cop-magnet, boy-racer livery. The wing, the gold wheels, and the matching brake calipers are gone, as is the rally blue paint, which is replaced by a more sedate white or gray. A power moonroof, new leather seats, and additional undercarpet soundproofing--all at no charge--make the STI Limited's cabin a bit more hospitable, but you're reminded of the WRX's econocar roots when road noise infiltrates.
All STI models have an updated drivetrain for 2007. The positive-feeling but slightly notchy gearbox gets new gear ratios, and a new Torsen limited-slip rear differential is standard. When you plunk yourself into the Limited's heated buckets, you can dial up the same wicked, four-wheel-drifting hooliganism you can in the "ordinary" STI. We still wish the STI had the telepathic steering and the cohesive handling of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution, but the Subaru's bigger-displacement four-cylinder trumps the Evo's powerplant in power and character.
For the most part, the Limited comes off as a leather-covered, better-looking STI--but it also painfully emphasizes the age of the current WRX platform. Really, the car is little more than a way to move a few more Imprezas off dealer lots before the all-new model arrives later this year.... Read full article