Subiesport Magazine - April/May 2008 - (Page 40)

FUTURE SHOCK ride, Dan’s customer requested blacked-out wheels and 265-width rubber. Since the Axis Reverb is black with a polished lip and center, Dan started with these and had them powder-coated semi-gloss black. Fitted with 265/35-18 Yokohama Advan Neova tires, the wheels and tires arrived at the shop only a handful of days before we did! Braking chores were outsourced to Stoptech to replace the stock Brembo system. A 355mm big brake kit was installed along with slotted two-piece rotors and Harman Motive braided stainless steel brake lines. Like the wheels, the calipers are also black, in keeping with the “stealth” theme. What’s best is that they simply work wonders when it’s time to stop. Pedal feel and response are excellent, with what felt like the power to stand the little 5-door hatchback on its nose. When pushed, Dan didn’t exactly have kind words for Subaru’s new interior seats: “They suck.” He doesn’t bandy words, does he? The minimalist side bolsters had to be augmented with Sparco harnesses, which necessitated the fabrication of a stout, clipped-in harness bar mounted to welded tabs behind the rear seats. When passenger space is required, the harnesses thread back through the holes and are tossed in to the trunk, and the rear seats can then be folded up. By pulling just two pins, the bar can be completely removed. In our view, it makes the perfect excuse to not carry extra folks around. “Nope, sorry Grandma, see my harnesses taking up room in the back?” On the other hand, with the small side bolsters on the front seats, it is easier to get in and out of the interior. I suppose that must count for something with the committee responsible for the redesign. (Note: This editor must respectfully disagree with Dan’s assessment. I find the new seats much better than the old ones.) “I think Subaru has really improved the overall build quality of the STI,” said Dan. “The possibilities are endless. Also, the improved DCCD and SI-Drive are great tech additions to an already impressivelyengineered vehicle.” And there you have it! He should know, after having gone through this model from rear swaybar wasn’t so thick as to upset the back tires’ traction. It was just stiff enough to help the car rotate quickly; taming some of the STI’s built-in understeer. We were left dreaming of a smooth, fast track where the chassis’ limits could be properly explored. On the throttle, aside from a distinctive fuel pump whine at idle, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this and an unmodified car. The exhaust does burble a tad louder, but it’s a deep, sonorous voice that sounds manly instead of thin and raspy. On boost, however, it’s a different story, as the car snarls loudly while the flat-four grunt applied through wide contact patches yanks you up to speed with zest. It’s addictive and exhilarating. Harman Motive has created a mad, bad box on wheels. The term “pocket rocket” has never been more appropriate. Trunk space be damned; crank up ye old boost and let the big dogs hunt! Subaru’s obviously gunning for a WRC championship and this could be just the platform to do it. If Harman’s work is any indication of what the rally team cars will hammer out, we expect to see a long, lauded and storied future for this little all-wheel drive monster. “On boost, the car snarls loudly.” front to rear and top to bottom in his continual quest for improvement. He’s even retuned the SI-Drive. “The S-Mode is similar to the factory S# mode, offering quicker throttle response and medium boost response. I-Mode is untouched for best economy and slow boost response. S# mode is the completely custom, special-sauce-hardcore mode. Throttle is very snappy and boost response is as fast as possible.” We found the car to be very smooth and composed over the worst bumps that Los Angeles could throw at us. The KW Club Sport suspension positively thrived on pavement, which would have sent most Honda fanboys seeking the ministrations of a good chiropractor. Body roll is well-controlled, but the Harman-built This car is owned by and built for Ken Perry, who asked that we mention his name, but not the price of his modifications. Harman Motive has purchased a second, white 2008 STI, so look for it at events in the future. We hear they’ve got some serious plans for it as well! 40 MAY 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Subiesport Magazine - April/May 2008

Subiesport Magazine - April/May 2008 Contents Travis Geny Letters Readers' Rides Subaru News Wicked in White Pink Rules Harman Motive Nouveau Tuning the 2008 STI 2008 Rally Guide Alcan 5000 Rally Alcan Unleashed WRC Rally Monte Carlo WRC Rally Sweden WRC Rally Mexico 100 Acre Wood Kumakubo! D1 Drifting Where to Buy Subiesport 2008 Impreza WRX 2007 Legacy GT 1993 Impreza Wagon Fueled Up Ad Directory Spotted!

Subiesport Magazine - April/May 2008

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