RX-Hachi

^yeah a different spoiler would help.

But the basic problem is the car looks like the work of some high school kid who got his mother's econobox sedan and stuck boy racer stuff all over it. To non enthusiast, that's likely exactly what they're thinking when they see 'em.

alderran

The hood scoop isn't too too bad but that wing is hideous.

Rhawb

Lots of Civic hatches have them, but that was before the STi. Now I'm sure the sedans and coupes with be all decked out - I expect to see three and four spoilers on every Civic from here on out! :D

VikingDJ

I went to dealer to see them in person. The pics did nothing for me. I liked my 04 STI better until I saw it in person. WOW. The STI isn't known for it's looks, but they are improving on the looks. I think the new STI looks GREAT, esepcailyl in black. You have to see it in person. It's more agressive, and less econoish, although I could live without the wing and altezza lights. The WRX will be the same, without the wing and the fancy taillights, so that right there is a great choice if looking to buy a new car. They are slowly making the interior better as well. It now has a detuned STI engine in it, being that ut's 2.5 instead of 2.0. I have to say, this is certainly better then my 04, although all the upgrades are basically cosmetic, and nothing performance.
As for people comparing the STI to an RX8. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP DOING THAT. This is a souped up Impreza, not an originally designed sports coupe. If it did look as nice as the RX8, then the RX8 would be a total failure. Compare the Impreza to other economy sedans on the market, and then tell me if it's ugly or not.

Rhawb

STi is ugly within its market.

WRX looks are average or slightly above in its market.

Legacy really surprised me with its refinment and power (w/ optional engine), doesn't look too bad either.

VikingDJ

That is a good objective opinion. With the 06 model, I think the Impreza 2.5 is now well above average in it's market, and the WRX is a little above average. The STI is an Impreza being compared to cars in it's price segment, and it's simply gonna take a bashing, because it's still an Impreza anyway you slice it. I don't think it's fair to compare looks based on the price, anymore then I think it's fair to compare performance for the price. You are not paying for looks, you are shelling out the big bucks because of it's performance. I guess regardless of how it shoud be, price is always gonna be the deciding factor in looks and performance. The RX8 takes the same beating because of it's lack of performance against cars in it's price range, so the STI will get that same abuse in looks.

Audioslave8

"WRX will be the same, without the wing and the fancy taillights"
Viking, i could have sworn i saw the same taillights on the wrx? correct me if im wrong

cas2themoe

Your right, I actually like the new Legacy GT.

G8rboy

Needs more STi badging... 6 is not enuf!!

Fanman

The 06' is definitely NOT an improvement. The front end is uglier, the rear tailights are uglier. Now, more than ever I would go for an EVO (new IX is coming out).

VikingDJ

We all will have our own opinions, but as an Impreza owner, I think it looks nicer. I didn't think so by pictures, but in person I was sold on it. The rear taillights are a love/hate thing, but could easily be replaced. If anything, I think this car looks more similiar to an EVO then it did before.
Audioslave, I think you are right on the taillights on WRX. The interior has been upgraded, and to me definitely looks better. A complete redesign is due for the 2008 model, and we may see a 2 door coupe. When I compare the latest Impreza redesign starting with the bug-eyed WRX, I see it getting better and better in looks, but naturally there will be people who disagree.

Chrisbert

The A-10 Warthog of cars.

bij8611

with my first impressions of the 06.... i absolutly HATED the changes


but after seeing those pics of the black one.... they r not too too bad



(doesnt it kinda look like a hyndai???)

97zimmer

looks like a subi *** raped an alfa-romero

RX Renesis

i noticed the fog light covers r still there on the front bumper.... i wounder how the fogs will look like.... or how the car will look like w/o the covers and have fogs turned on.... wounder if they will use those huge fogs or small round ones like the wrx uses?

RotorManiac

still, for me, the best ever Subaru (looking and handling) will be the legendary P1....
2 doors, titanium exhaust (special edition), old fashioned looks but still great... much better than the pumped 22B, the RB5 and all other Imprezas...

Steiner

I know of the 22B, but what's the "P1"? I've never even heard of it.

nzarnow

What I don't understand is why do they still use a fart cannon? Wouldn't a dual exhaust like the RX-8 or a lot of other cars look better than a side-ways angled mortar launcher?

Fix the interior, exhaust, put a sleeker spoiler (not a house) on the back, and I would approve.

Audioslave8

Subaru doesnt use a "fart cannon" and nor is it sideways, its the owners who decide to add the 5' exhaust and tilt it sideways.

Psylence

06 STi looks ******' horrible. The new front end.. the boring bumper, the ugly *** dual wings.. and the ricey Altezza taillights. Please flush this abomination!

And I used to be a big Subaru fan.. I LOVED my GC8 w/ STi V motor... and my wife's WRX. Heck, even the 2004 STi wasn't too bad if you could get past the 4 door part. But now? Those ugly *** Alfa inspired front ends have lost Subaru at least 2 long time customers, and quite possibly more.

Yuck.

williamngRX8

they need to call in mazda designers to reshape that horrible rear :D

RotorManiac

'Prodrive 1' at the side of the rear wing it wrote P1.
It was a grey import from Japan in the UK, back then when I lived there. you still hear subaru fans talk about it...
if you can find Tiff Needell's 'Burning Rubber' video in the 4wheel drive part he uses a P1 to do the tricks... here are some pics from the vid...

Steiner

Very cool. I'm guessing it was produced somewhere around '94 - '96 judging by the Evo VI they put against it in the comparison. Learn something new everyday.

JmurphRx8

Hey IKE, you asked me to post pics when i got my 06 STi. Just got it today, what a difference from my 04. Here they are, sorry if the quality is bad, their from my camera phone...i'll be taking some soon with my digital

VikingDJ

Congrats man. I want to trade my 04 STI in for a new one, but it's a daily beater, so it's financially not a smart move. Enjoy it, as no doubt the car has improved greatly on appearance. It simply looks so much better then the 04-05.