Performance Focus As NI Car Sales Fall
Despite a fall in demand for cars on Northern Ireland's roads, there is still a market for both performance cars - and those that offer economy.Ford cars topped the poll in NI as Road and Rail Transport Statistics were published this week - containing data for January to March - recording 24,370 new and used cars being registered for the first time during the quarter, with new cars accounting for around two-thirds (68%) of the total.
However, the number of cars registered for the first time during January to March 2011 has decreased by 12% compared to the corresponding quarter last year.
This is also the third consecutive quarter to show a decrease in the number of cars registered for the first time - when compared to the corresponding time period in the previous year.
Despite the 'blip', a top rally 'brand' has been showing off its vehicles locally this week, and while aware that numbers of new and used cars being registered in Northern Ireland are down, Subaru is looking ahead positively.
It has focused on different models - over and above past successes with the image of the Impreza - a car said to command extreme brand loyalty.
But, the car Japanese manufacturer is realistic and said that above market average increase in sales in 2010 are unlikely to be repeated in 2011.
A senior Subaru spokesman said that, due in part to the earthquake in Japan they are realistic that they will not achieve the same this year, but maintain committed to their five-year plan and have two new models for release early next year, as well as underlining their Boxer engine design and an increased emphasis on both CO2 emissions and on fuel consumption as new cars are developed.
Undeterred, Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK, told motoring journalists that the brand achieved significant recognition in Northern Ireland.
"If you were to ask NI people who are Subaru, nine out of 10 people would say a blue Impreza rally car with gold wheels with a huge spoiler," he said, but insisted that Subaru is now focusing on their other brands, while maintaining their distinctive Boxer engine technology of the rally-designed car.
Subaru Wrx Performance - News
Because for all its tackiness — and this is after Subaru canceled the gold pimp wheels for 2011 — the man who buys a WRX STI does know better. He's getting a street-legal race car, and all the gut-wrenching performance of a Porsche 911 for half the
However, in a break with tradition he revealed: "So synonymous are those six letters 'WRX STI' with 'automotive exhilaration', that for this latest 2011 generation, the Impreza has been dropped and the new car is known simply as the Subaru WRX STI.
Mark Higgins and the Subaru WRX STI take a jump on the Isle of Man TT race course. Subaru boosted its credibility among high-performance driving fans by setting a new lap record for production cars at the legendary and dangerous Isle
The caveat here is that Fuji Heavy offers a host of upgrades from its Subaru Performance Tuning division that you can fit to your standard WRX for a nominal fee. Things like STI-spec shift linkage and brakes will easily give your 'Rex a more
FIRE chiefs in South Yorkshire are planning to use a 158mph high performance car to help get road safety messages across to young people. Brigade bosses want to use a Subaru WRX STI car for visits to schools and colleges, as well as working in areas
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Ultimate Performance High Boost ...
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Review and Informations
The Wing is Back! Subaru Debuts New 4-Door Impreza® WRX® STI® Model for 2011
* First Time Subaru Performance Flagship Offered in Two Body Styles
* New WRX STI Four-Door with Wide-Body Design
* Retuned Suspension for Even Sharper Handling
NEW YORK, April 1 – Subaru of America today introduced a new 4-door version of its Impreza WRX STI performance flagship model. This will be the first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles (5-door and 4-door). In addition to the new styling, the 2011 WRX STI features significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.
The WRX STI has been a recipient of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition previewed some of the suspension enhancements now migrated to the 2011 WRX STI. Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.
“The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts.”
New Designs for 2011
In front, the 2011 WRX STI models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights’ shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 4-door models, newly designed wider rear fenders are stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps, accentuating a look of power and stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.
New Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Specific chassis tuning. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Major chassis tuning changes include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension – these improve camber and toe stiffness.
Subaru Wrx Front Bumper - WRX Speed Shop | Subaru WRX Aerodynamics Performance Suspension: WRX Speed Shop | Suba... 
2002 Subaru Wrx Front Bumper - Exterior - Subaru WRX Performance Upgrade Parts - Mach V Motorsports: Exterior Te... 
Cosworth High Performance Long Block 2007 Subaru WRX/STi EJ25 (2.5L) [USDM] - 9:2:1 CR, 81mm Billet Crankshaft, ... 
Cosworth High Performance Short Block 2004-2008 Subaru WRX/STi EJ25 (2.5L) - 8:2:1 CR, Stock Crankshaft: 
Hawk Brake Pads - Performance Ceramic (Front) [02 Subaru Impreza WRX] Subaru Wrx Performance - Bookshelf
Subaru Impreza Wrx Performance Portfolio 2001-2005
High-Performance Handling Handbook
Two factors separate the WRX from nearly all other performance road cars, at least those under $100000. The suspension and chassis are very The Subaru WRX ...Subaru Impreza, The Road Car & WRC Story
Amazingly, the little Subaru came out at the front of the group, ... But let's face it, the WRX's performance is one-dimensional - and that one thing ...Popular Mechanics
Subaru WRX If you have never raced in or even watched a championship rally, ... voluminous room in the back,4wd and sprightly performance have made ...Torque
... SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI STORY EDRIC PAN For a clue as to what inspired the new Subaru WRX STI's brutish five-door body, look no further than the fenders. ...Check Information Directory
Subaru Impreza WRX | The New 2011 Impreza WRX Sports Cars
Visit the Official Subaru Impreza WRX Page for pricing, reviews and dealer incentives. The 2011 Impreza WRX Sport Sedan. Unleashed Speed.
Subaru WRX Performance Upgrade Parts - Mach V Motorsports
FastWRX.com is your one-stop source for Subaru WRX performance parts! ... Above: Michael Partelow's WRX can be seen on the road around Pleasantville, NY. ...
SubaruWRXparts.com – Serving the Subaru community since 1999
Your first choice for OEM and Aftermarket Performance Parts and Accessories for Subaru vehicles. Quality service, huge selection and quick delivery.
Subaru WRX auto parts & aftermarket performance parts from ...
Get Subaru WRX auto parts, Subaru WRX aftermarket parts & performance parts for your Subaru WRX at HorsepowerFreaks.
2008-2010 Subaru WRX: JSC Speed
The 2008-2010 Subaru WRX marks the fourth generation of one of the most popular import tuning platforms of the last decade. ...