The Japanese carmaker has launched yesterday the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Automatic on the Australian market. Yes, we know some of you hardcore Subaru fans out there might get angry, but the company went and did it anyway. The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Automatic is the first time the rally inspired model was offered with anything else but a manual transmission on the AU market.
The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Automatic will be available as sedan and hatchback and will have a five-speed automatic gearbox. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the engines, and everything else remains unchanged however.
According to Nick Senior, Managing Director,
Subaru Australia, this option was requested by many customers, who we believe, didn't quite get the point of the STI. Fortunately, the STI will continue to be offered with the six-speed manual transmission.
The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Automatic price will be announced at a later date, closer to the new version's on sale date towards the end of 2010.
Subaru Press Release:
Subaru Australia has announced that the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Model Year 2011 Impreza WRX STI will be available for the first time with the choice of an automatic transmission.
Following on from the news that sedan variants are to be reintroduced to the range, Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “We can now confirm that the revised sedan and hatchback Impreza WRX STIs will add the option of a five-speed automatic transmission.
“We’ve had increasing enquires about an auto over the last two years and we’re delighted to be able to deliver what a significant number of customers have requested.”
Mr Senior said the transmission would reflect the performance and engineering values of STI to produce a “fantastic driver’s car that will expand its appeal to a wider audience.”
Impreza WRX STIs will also continue to be available with a six-speed manual transmission.
Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show this year, revised Impreza WRX STI sedan and hatch are due on sale during the last quarter of 2010. Subaru STI specialist retailers are now taking orders.
Pricing and full specifications will be announced at launch time.
