When we started writing this blog, we suggested that when we wrote stories about cars that we have the good fortune to drive, we would write only about cars that we have driven on the track. We will stay true to that, but, rather than writing about BMW’s Porsches, or Lamborghinis, we are going to describe what we experienced with a car that many can afford, but, one that impressed the absolute hell out of us.

Last weekend, as an instructor, we attended a Driving Concepts High Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain Raceway in Nevada. The raceway/country club is a story all on its own. It is bloody fantastic and one of the most technically challenging race tracks anywhere; loved it!

We were fortunate to have been paired up with a great student and his car; the car that impressed. By the way…so did the student, the best we have had the pleasure to pass this addiction onto in some time. Welcome to mainlining Sam!

Enter the Subaru STI. Sam’s (yup- he’s the student) Subaru is not stock, but, not much that we drive is. Modifications to the car consist of some great Recaro ASM Limited RS-G Seats (a little tough for this writer to get his fat arse in to) they are wonderfully supportive and remarkably comfortable, and host of other modifications…oh hell, here is Sam’s list:

Suspension
Cusco front and rear sways (23mm / 20mm) to help get the car to rotate more
Cusco front strut bar (useless)
Cusco lower floor center brace (can’t tell the difference)
Cusco lateral and trailing arms (I need these to be able to adjust the camber in the rear)
Cusco Zero-2E Coilover (kind of stiff but not too bad for the price)
Whiteline anti-lift kit
Whiteline steering rack bushings
Whiteine lower control arm bushings
Whiteline sub frame to chassis bushings
Whiteline differential mount bushings

Wheels/Tires
Advan RZ 18×9 +35
Dunlop Direzza Star Spec 265/35/18

Interior
Recaro ASM Limited RS-G Seats
Sparco Harness Bar
Schroth Profi-III 6 point harnesses

The Subaru felt comfortable (if not a bit snug) right off. We had never been to this track; new track, unfamiliar car. Learning a track that is this technical is difficult enough, throw in a car whose handling characteristics are unknown and one must exercise some degree of caution; right? Add to that mix- “it ain’t my car”….and maybe we ought to start off at a reasonable pace.

The track did indeed prove difficult to learn and will still take a bit more time to master, but, Sam’s car…well- it simply does what is asked of it.
Steering input and feel are remarkably good as is the feedback. We are fairly certain that the modifications that Sam has made to the car helped however, a good car starts with an already good car. The brakes have good feel and modulate well. Pedal pressure could be a bit better, but this is not a $200,000 car. Brake fade was never an issue.

Engine performance is great and the power is remarkably linear for a turbo charged horizontally opposed 4 banger. We still can’t get over the exhaust note though. These cars always sound as if there is something about ready to go BANG and in an expensive way; they don’t.

The cars handling is remarkably neutral and with Subaru’s all wheel drive system, missing a few apex’s on the initial out laps proved to be a non-issue. One can basically put the car anywhere on the track that one wants; the car does not complain. (It may have been asking itself who the idiot behind the wheel was- he just missed that apex by a freakin’ mile-that would have been ME!) The car has terrific handling characteristics, is remarkably forgiving and stayed that way even after speeds increased substantially.

The Subaru is an easy car to drive quickly and perhaps more importantly really fun.
Isn’t that exactly what a car is supposed to be….fun? It is also confidence inspiring. We have driven a number of cars costing two-four times as much (and more) and many were not nearly as communicative as the Subaru. That says a bunch!

All in all, the Subaru STI is a really, really competent automobile and for the dough, we believe, an absolute bargain.

We must thank Sam for allowing us the opportunity to drive his car in anger (in the appropriate place) and applaud his new found driving skills. In all the years that we have been doing this (coaching driving) Sam is one out of a handful of students that we would now get into a car with comfortably; anytime. Get your eyes up Sam! Thanks for the ride….

O.C.C.E.