Pics from 2008 STI preview event

[rollo]

At K1Speed in Irvine last night. Good attendence.

The pics are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/poqua/sets/72157603205039164/

[lminette]

So what did you think Phil? After seeing it in person I'm in love. I still like the previous gens but I think that the new one is awesome!

[rollo]

It's very cool. I like hatchbacks, always have so it's definitely a thumbs up from me. Seems maybe a bit too 'nice' to use it for the rough stuff though (same goes for the Evo X). The brake seemed a little high for easy heel-toeing as well. The shifter was positive with a short throw. The engine actually looks like an engine, which is cool.. no plastic cladding. It did look pretty crowded in there though. I noticed that the BOV was mounted high so you could easily swap it out for some obnoxious loud VTA one :D I don't have any issues with the dual-dual exhausts.. overkill maybe but they're not all that blingy.

It looks real muscular and I bet would be an absolute blast to hustle round a track, with all that power..

There's a kind of 3/4 overhead shot in the promo stuff we got which is the best angle so far. I'll scan or take some pics of that stuff if I get the chance.

Still don't understand why the gaudy bauble taillights though... here's my quick attempt at a "de-Altezza'd" STI.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x234/rollog60/sti_de-altezza-d.jpg

[Zap]

here's my quick attempt at a "de-Altezza'd" STI.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x234/rollog60/sti_de-altezza-d.jpg

I can live with those.

[IneedRS]

I really dont like the new front end.
Everything else is pretty nice though, its gotten to be a little bit more sleek aswell.

[409industries]

Ok no one asked my my opinion but here it is anyway.

The pictures of the STi are ok, but its a nice car in person. I am a die hard sedan Impreza lover, but i dont hate this car. The inside is very nice, NAV is tight! Love the fact that it has the in console AUX inputs and 12V cigarette adaptor. As far as styling, etc the front scoop looks awesome as an integrated piece with the hood. The front grille is pretty gay looking, but im sure people will be doing an all mesh conversion, etc. That would look super good. The non-altezza tail lights would definitely complete the rear end so much cleaner. Not a big fan of the quad exhaust (sorry dave) but some oval twin pipes would look SO good.

Got a chance to hear the black one start up and leave from outside K1. It has a VERY nice rumble. The tone is excellent. When he took off around the corner, there actually was a very pronounced (pssshhhhh) from the BPV, much more noticeable than the other STi's... Heres my pictures

Outside K1, there was a good turnout of people!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_001.jpg

Definitely cool that we could sit in the car and open everything.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_002.jpg

my buddy dave checking it out. hes tall and there was enough headroom for him
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_003.jpg

new badging. That little vent thing does nothing, purely for looks.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_004.jpg

the back, and yes the horrible tail lights
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_005.jpg

intercooler looked bigger to me
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_006.jpg

I think that lower grille is a bit busy with all those extra lines, but both top and bottom with the "x" mesh would look awesome!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_007.jpg

Diggin the white STi logos on the calipers
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_008.jpg

other side rear
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_009.jpg

in dash nav. LOOK! finally a red ignition light ring!!!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_010.jpg

gauge cluster - not pictured, the Si drive settings.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/2008_STi_K1/2008_STi_K1_011.jpg

Nice car, but its pretty pricey. The doors sound nice when they shut. yay.

[subyspawn]

very nice...

dont let me or my bro or paul near that bumper!! would be broke real quick!:muhaha:

[rollo]

Same thought crossed my mind... may as well sell the foglights and take the sawzall to it as soon as you get it home if you're gonna take it off road :D