Three rally-bred features that make 2015 WRX STI a screamer in the curves

Subaru has introduced the 2015 WRX STI and what they call the best handling best performing WRX STI ever. How did they do it?

The all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI gets three new rally-bred features underneath its new chiseled body that makes it a real screamer in the corners. The new WRX STI doesn’t have any more horsepower, but it gets faster in the curves due to Subaru engineers coming up with some performance goodies developed at the track. They took what they learned from the Rally Cars that need to navigate some of the most extreme terrain and transferred that knowledge to this new-generation performance sedan.

2015 WRX STI gets three new performance features that will show up when the new STI is driven hard. It’s still powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine that produces 305 hp and 290 lb. ft of torque. It still comes with a performance Brembo brake system and the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. But it’s the rally-bred drivetrain that gives it improved handling over the previous generation STI.

Subaru engineers and Subaru Technica International (STI) Subaru’s performance and racing division enhanced the chassis on the 2015 WRX STI to be a better handling car in the curves. They improved the new STI with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering. These three things combine for an STI that be pushed harder in the corners without losing traction. This is important because many STI buyers will take their performance WRX STI to the track and race against the competition.

Completely retuned high-performance suspension

STI gets a new stiffer suspension that directly translates to 16 percent less body roll. The 2015 WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile steel than the previous model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars like the Porsche 911 during its development.

Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring

Active Torque Vectoring, is an enhancement on the new STI which utilizes the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system. The system can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. And the driver has three setting from which to choose, “VDC Normal,” “Traction” and “Off.” The driver can tailor the degree of system engagement to the specific driving situation. Active Torque Vectoring remains engaged for “Normal” and “Traction” modes.

Quicker 13.0:1 steering ratio

The new WRX STI gets a quicker 13.0:1 steering ratio that provides a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock compared to 14.5:1 and 2.8 for the standard WRX model. STI still utilizes an exclusive inverted-strut front suspension system with aluminum front lower L-arms that reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The STI-tuned suspension comes with standard 18-inch wheels wrapped in 245/40R18 summer performance tires.

It’s the rally-bred drivetrain that gives the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI improved handling over the previous generation STI. STI gave it a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest 2015 WRX STI news.

Watch The all-new 2015 WRX STI video.