Winter isn’t the ideal time to pick up a new performance car-that is, unless it’s a rally-bred all-wheel-drive terror. Our long-term 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedan arrived just before the first big storm hit Detroit. To prepare for what turned out to be one of the worst Michigan winters in recent memory, our friends at Michelin provided a set of Pilot Alpin PA3 winter tires for our STI.
This was important, as our stock Dunlop SP Sport 600 summer tires would have left us helpless. The Michelins proved their worth and made slicing through large accumulations a laugh-out-loud affair. One editor enjoyed it so much in the slick that he said, “The STI probably satisfies me more in the snow than it does in dry conditions.”
On dry roads, the Pilot Alpin PA3s provided good grip, responsive turn-in, not much tire noise and a comfortable ride for a performance winter tire. However, they did struggle for footing on ice, causing a couple of close encounters with cement barriers.
Subaru’s suspension changes for 2011 drew rave reviews from a staff that prefers to forget about the softer, gentler and less than stellar WRX STI that the world was introduced to for the 2008 model year.
Subaru
“I love the new STI. It’s tighter and seemingly quicker, and grip is amazing. It should be a fun year,” one editor said. Everyone in the office agreed that the STI’s hard-core edge has been restored.
The reworked suspension didn’t compromise ride quality. Most feel that the suspension is firm and the chassis is rock-solid, but the STI offers an acceptable amount of damping and still exhibits some lean through corners. The Brembo brakes also drew praise for their confident stopping muscle.
However, all wasn’t good with our 2011 WRX STI in the first quarter. Some wished that Subaru would have found a little extra power in the turbocharged boxer four-cylinder to go along with suspension upgrades, instead of the carryover 305 hp. The interior was criticized for numerous creaks and rattles, particularly when it was cold.
The price of admission was another sore spot for our STI Limited model, with leather seats, a moonroof, fog lights and BBS wheels. With an as-tested price close to $40,000, there’s a long list of alternative vehicles available. When it came to the large rear spoiler that returned with the sedan for 2011, the office was split-some loved it, and others hated it.
Subaru
Through the first three months, we racked up enough miles for two scheduled service appointments, which included synthetic oil changes and general inspections. Early on, we were also at the dealership to have Sirius satellite radio installed, which was available only as a dealer option. With a one-year service subscription, our Sirius cost us a whopping $729.71.
It’s safe to say that our 2011 Subaru WRX STI passed winter with flying colors. We’ll let you know how it tames spring.
