vcliburn

As far as not putting out a top-notch auto trans version of the WRX STi is concerned (supposedly to remain loyal to the so-called "die-hard" manual trans enthusiasts), I would hope that the folks at Subaru are a lot smarter & wiser than that. Auto trannies have come a long way since the days of the slow, inefficient slush boxes of yesteryear. In fact, today's 6/7/8 speed auto trannies are a lot quicker and more fuel efficient than their manual counterparts. Just look at the Audi "S" line or the BMW 3 Series. Those die-hard "purists" who want a manual gear box can always have one. But for Subaru to simply ignore the ever-growing number of drivers who only want an auto tranny is simply bad decision-making. And as history indicates, it shows in the final sales numbers. And yes, Subaru should definitely bring back the turbo charged 2.5L GT version of the Legacy sedan...but this time in BOTH a 6-speed manual version AND a lightning-fast 7/8 speed auto gear box with paddle shifters. Such a car would easily go head-to-head with the likes of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Audi's new S3 (available in Europe not yet in the USA) and BMW's 3 Series. Oh, and one final thought...IMHO, Subaru should drop it's inefficient and unremarkable 3.6L 6-cylinder version of the Legacy and replace it with (you got it) an upgraded version of the 2.5L GT as mentioned above. Enough said.

Thanks for the update! So, the WRX is currently available (in the USA) with a CVT (but not in the STI trim). Do you know what the hp/torque rating is for that trim model? What makes the WRX STI special to begin with is its turbo-charged 305hp engine! Anything less than that is a compromise. Was the legacy 2.5 GT engine equivalent to the WRS STI? Why in the world was it discontinued?

FIRST, why doesn't the WRX STI come with an available 6 or 7 speed auto transmission (with manual-mode paddle-shifters)? By limiting the WRS STI to only a manual tranny, an entire segment of the driving market is being ignored. If Audi can do it with its A4/S4, A6/S6 & A8 cars, and BWM with its 3 series, series, With such an available option, WRS STI sales would go through the roof!! SECOND, why doesn't the Legacy sedan come with the same 2.5 liter, 305hp turbo charged engine that's in the WRX STI? With this high-performance option, Legacy sedan sales would surely go through the roof!! The 2.5 liter, 175hp engine that's now in the Legacy sedan is anemic, at best.