WRX-Evolution

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The WRX made its competition debut last weekend—okay, it was an autocross school, but the same stresses apply. In fact, we made a few dozen runs over the course of two days so the car got a serious workout.

We ran the car during the Evolution Performance Driving School in Fort Myers, Fla. The only mods were a set of shaved 225/45R17 Nitto NT01 tires mounted on 17x7.5-inch Rota SDR wheels leftover from a past tire test.

Things we learned:

• There was plenty of body roll, but the car was still quite composed and easy to control.
• There’s more low-down power than our old ‘07 WRX.
• The new shifter position is nice.
• The car needs more negative camber up front. We corded an outside-front tire. (The surface was super-abrasive, however, and others did the same.)
• Final tire pressures were in the 45 psi range.
• Thanks to camber gain, the rear tires cleared the fender lips.
• We turned the same times with and without the stability control engaged.
• We should have used our CG-Lock, as a few times we almost slid out of our seat.
• Brake modulation, even with the stock pads, was nice.
• Typical Stock-class mods—shocks, front bar and an alignment—should make a huge difference. Do we head there or take a stab at E Street Prepared?

Comments

Tim Baxter PowerDork
5/14/08 7:51 a.m.

Gotta love a car that hauls... stuff.

nderwater PowerDork
7/11/08 12:58 p.m.

This car and the project MCS are both hatches and about as quick in a straight line. The Mini is a tighter squeeze, but a more potent out-of-the-box autocross weapon. Which makes the better daily driver? Which is more fun on the street?

filmjr New Reader
12/8/08 3:44 p.m.

Haven't had a chance to drive an '09 WRX, but I hear they're significantly stiffer and angrier. I own a 2005 that I love, but it does take a level of driving skill far beyond mine to keep the engine winding like a sportbike so you don't lose boost.

Can't wait for an update on this project car.

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