Auto-Tech HQ

Subaru has announced a new version of the WRX STI Carbon that will debut at the Tokyo Auto Show.

There does not seem to be too many changes accept for a carbon fiber roof, five-speed automatic transmission (rumored to be borrowed from the Legacy) and suede seats and dash board.  Now, we like the roof, don’t get us wrong.  No one argues that removing some extra weight and lowering the center of gravity is a bad thing for the STI, but an auto transmission?  I am sure many of you will be questioning what is Subaru thinking?  Well, Subaru says that the five-speed auto is there to offer a pleasure of driving this vehicle to a much wider range of customers.  I can understand the need to sell more cars but what about the purity of what this car is all about?  Looks like Subaru may be heading in the same direction that Mitsubishi Evo X did.  

Nice luxury interior may make sense as an option to those who want it, as well as a carbon fiber roof, which I am sure as a Subaru enthusiast like myself would definitely opt in for.  But if this is the road that Subaru has chosen, I really hope for their sake it is at least a dual clutch sequential transmission and not just your regular auto tranny.  I guess we will have to wait and see the exact specs.  There is still no word weather it will even make it here to US and what the price will be.