Was not a big fan of the new generation WRX STI but now I've totally warmed up to them I think they look amazing and everyone that I know who has driven one says that the handling has been improved beyond belief
Love how he and the C7 Corvette caught up too and out paced what speed to be an orange Viper T/A lol. The new STI seems to combine the best traits of the two Rally Kings now that it has the throne all to itself
Great video. I sold my 11 STI but all the good things about the 15 are making it really tempting. I think I will wait until 16 just to avoid first MY headaches.
Glad to see Zack get some camera time. It'd be cool to see more of the whole team. last video I can remember with multiple people was the Nissan vs Corvette practicality test.
Interesting how , on a tight track, AWD and smooth driving have a greater effect on lap times than simply RWD and power, allowing an untuned Subie to hang with an AMG Mercedes, Viper, and C7 Corvette.
Congratulations to everyone in the comments! You are all making yourselves look like a bunch of middle schooler with your American Vs. Japanese debate. The STI and Vette are both good cars in their respective areas. Just so you know, I drive a WRX.
i don't think you guys understand how hard it is to talk to a camera while pushing a car on a racetrack. the only time people really talk while doing this is during their warm up or cool down lap. there is no way you could multi task while driving 10/10ths of the car on laguna seca.
yeah but to be fair he was also stuck behind a line of cars the whole time, so he was only going 8/10ths and doing about a 2-minute lap. I don't want to dis the kid (i mean he probably is better at it than I would be) but if you're going to do a test like this and you know you have limited laps you should at least have a strategy for the time you have (e.g. first 2-3 corners describe the power band, next two describe turn-in, next two describe grip mid-corner and on exit. On the straight talk about top end speed and noise then brakes, on the in-lap talk about comfort and driving position etc ) He just seemed a little unprepared. It's better, well yeah I would think so.
Zack K. please make more videos like this! I have a 2010 wrx, and can attest to what some of these cars are capable of doing with less than 350HP, AWD (4WD w/e you wanna call it) and less than 3400lb .. and this is coming from someone's who driven a mildly tuned R33 Skyline before. Sadly, I still want that darn FA motor in this thing at least in a 2.0 configuration!
they finally moved the spray nozzle off the hood!! so jealous... and another thing is the A pillar being more forward really helps seeing where you're turning. I really want to trade in my '13 STi for this one
When I see this video I miss mine too. But I traded having that car for new Mustang GT and 89 Skyline. Mine had 50,000 miles after 2 years though and I traded it in for more than I owed on it. On my car the interior was falling apart in the Vegas heat and it's parked all day in garage as I work a graveyard shift. Cracks on door cards and arm rests, glue coming apart, etc. No mechanical problems unlike my friend's detonating Porsche.
It is cool watching this video after hearing the /Afterdrive crowd talk all about it. Zach I appreciated hearing your opinion since u owned a previous gen STI. I have been a fan of the WRX for some years. The danger in owning one is just how fast you can take a turn without it being a challenge. Looks like you could have passed the Vette fairly easily in the curvy parts. Where do I sign up for the "amazing chocolate chip cookies"?
I've considered getting a 2015 STI but I'm going to hold off and see what Hyundai does with their Genesis Coupe ( have the 2.0T currently) rumor has it they may be doing a V6 Turbo or V8.
It is cool watching this video after hearing the /Afterdrive crowd talk all about it. The raw feel of the "one take" is great. Zach, I appreciated hearing your opinion since u owned a previous gen STI. Looks like you could have easily passed the Vette in the curvy parts. I have been a fan of the STI for years but never owned one for fear of ending up in jail or dead from finally finding the limits of the cars grip in a tight bend. where do I sign up for the "awesome chocolate cookies"?
Evos and sti's are cool as an engineering experiment, now - since neither are in wrc - but you have to love one to want one. I love performance but i just can't live with a car that struggles to hit 20mpg on the highway even if awd makes me look like a champ.
Zack Klapman They definitely aren't. I daily drive one, only because i don't do too many miles (~7k a year). Zack, are you serious that the '15 STI's acceleration/handling is as good as the X's? And what do you think will happen once the STI gets the new 2.0L engine in 12-18 months? Could they end up ruining a good thing IF this is as good as you say?
Making you look like a champ is the key operative term. I am conflicted about awd as I feel that you can just destroy tires and be as fast as the guy that can actually drive a 2wd car. These things are marvels, but destroying tires and putting down a fast time is still a lose in my book. (Put me in one with no liability though, and I would have almost as good a time as Zach was)
I've been snuggled up to an EJ257 for six year, daily. This new motor sounds a lot smoother up top, so much so, I thought Subaru might have massaged the UEL header, but at the end you can hear the rumble. It might not be a turbo FB GDI, but they've done something to that motor to get rid of the puke and die over 6200. While this all sounds great, after so long in a very taunt STi, something with factory adjustable ride will probably be next.
Hey! Do a lap in that stock Mazda 6 in the background. Then, mod that mother and show what it's capable of. I know, I know, I KNOW! It's only a weak in line 4 but it's got potential. Thanks. Killer vid of a rad car.
it's got that potential to torque steer your ass right into the tire wall. the 6 and 3s are hella torquey, but you really have to stay on top of it. great powerplant though, and truly fun to drive
Thanks for the upload on the STI but it was much of a review. Usually you do better on reviews than your assistants. He mostly drove than talked about the car. All he really said was "much better, its better, it should of been like this since the beginning." But thanks for the upload
Am I the only one noticing how fast Zack is comparatively to the C7? Zack is working with 160 less horsepower and 170 less torque..and except for the crest, he's definitely keeping up (if not gaining) on that C7. Also, them heel-toes.
i have been in a 2015 sti.. i thought it was wicked rife, turn in adjustable diffs and did a couple of launch control launches... but for 50 grand i would want something that can spin all for at atleast 80 kph
The only thing that could possibly make this car better is if it didn't look exactly like a civic with a wing.... Well that, and a little more power never hurt anyone.
Zack must master the art of driving hard and being able to talk. I know he's new but we have seen Matt, time and again, review bat shit crazy cars, all out, and still talk. You had the disclaimer on your page so I was forewarned, ghetto, but the video itself wasn't awful. Zack just needs to master the art that Matt already has.
its better? i miss matt. bring matt back. Zack i like you on the podcast with the one liners, and i liked your R8 review, but come on, you gotta give us more than this. ps, thanks for all the free content. and yes I'm complaining about free content.
looking at a STi review is NOT the same as the WRX, they are more separated than ever before. I'm just saying just in case you're basing the WRX off the STi reviews.
I know they're different less power, not as sharp on the track but sharp enough for what 90% of people are going to do with it. I love the STI but its out of my budget.
The vette driver was all over the place, only doing about a 2-minute lap time... so that's hardly keeping up with it, he could have overtaken it if he wanted!
i love the sti i got a 11 wrx but let's be real an sti is 35,000$ car that's audi a4 money. So it does alright for itself don't forget who the corvette competes with.
Looks like the STI has moved forward a long way from its past models. Who the hell was driving the C7 their lines were terrible and only putting the pedal down on the straights. Put a decent driver in the C7 and i dont think the STI would be catching like it does in this video.
I don't know where you live, but in Canada it is "sort of" not optional, the base trim comes standard WITHOUT the wing, but any other trim above base comes with it standard
Jeff Keenan what state are you live in? I live in LA, ordered LT3/w Z51 7speed. I don't have to pay the markup at the end but have to wait a month. haven't even seat in one yet.
Jeff Keenan thats a very good information! but if its within 2k cheaper it wouldn't matter consider I still have to pay the shipping or dealer will have to pay it and add to my payment. but if they have the option that i want and i don't have to wait a month it sill a good deal: ) i will definitely call them to make sure!
Авто/Мото
Was not a big fan of the new generation WRX STI but now I've totally warmed up to them I think they look amazing and everyone that I know who has driven one says that the handling has been improved beyond belief
Would someone tell the guy in the C7 to stop being such a baby?
That stingray sounds sweet!...and that viper T/A in front of the pack is bad ass
That c7 vette needs a new driver
Zach is clearly just chasing after that vette. Talking is in the backseat - nice driving!
Love how he and the C7 Corvette caught up too and out paced what speed to be an orange Viper T/A lol. The new STI seems to combine the best traits of the two Rally Kings now that it has the throne all to itself
Glad to see Zack getting more screen time!
dang Zack that analogy at the end was on point
Great video. I sold my 11 STI but all the good things about the 15 are making it really tempting. I think I will wait until 16 just to avoid first MY headaches.
What really made me smile was the fact that it kept up with the corvette.
Good job keeping up to the Stingray, good laps.
Smooth driving, Dude!
I really liked this video. Make more!
excellent driving!
Love the engine sound
Glad to see Zack get some camera time. It'd be cool to see more of the whole team. last video I can remember with multiple people was the Nissan vs Corvette practicality test.
Good video Zack hope Matt lets you get more seat time. You seem to be pretty busy with all the shows you help with.
Interesting how , on a tight track, AWD and smooth driving have a greater effect on lap times than simply RWD and power, allowing an untuned Subie to hang with an AMG Mercedes, Viper, and C7 Corvette.
Zach's analogies are off the hook, everybody knows that
Love the sti
3:16 I wasn't aware a Nissan Juke was a sports car, or fast at all. I lol'd when I saw it.
They're way fun on the track though! It's like a motard car.
and dont forget the juke R with the GTR engine even tho its JDM
What! This isn't the way to the grocery store! FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!
i enjoyed watching the driving. it was really cool even if there wasn't much "review", it was still fine.
Congratulations to everyone in the comments! You are all making yourselves look like a bunch of middle schooler with your American Vs. Japanese debate. The STI and Vette are both good cars in their respective areas. Just so you know, I drive a WRX.
i don't think you guys understand how hard it is to talk to a camera while pushing a car on a racetrack. the only time people really talk while doing this is during their warm up or cool down lap. there is no way you could multi task while driving 10/10ths of the car on laguna seca.
yeah but to be fair he was also stuck behind a line of cars the whole time, so he was only going 8/10ths and doing about a 2-minute lap. I don't want to dis the kid (i mean he probably is better at it than I would be) but if you're going to do a test like this and you know you have limited laps you should at least have a strategy for the time you have (e.g. first 2-3 corners describe the power band, next two describe turn-in, next two describe grip mid-corner and on exit. On the straight talk about top end speed and noise then brakes, on the in-lap talk about comfort and driving position etc ) He just seemed a little unprepared. It's better, well yeah I would think so.
Zack K. please make more videos like this! I have a 2010 wrx, and can attest to what some of these cars are capable of doing with less than 350HP, AWD (4WD w/e you wanna call it) and less than 3400lb .. and this is coming from someone's who driven a mildly tuned R33 Skyline before. Sadly, I still want that darn FA motor in this thing at least in a 2.0 configuration!
Cliff notes: Zack Klapman drives new STI at Laguna Seca, shouts "it's a lot better!" repeatedly. Lol
Everyone's looking at subaru, and I'm just sitting here watching Corvette vs srt Viper
I love he slowly caught up to the Vette and had he had a chance, probably could have gotten past him in the corners. Straight a ways, not so much.
Great vid Zack, you should definitely get matt to let you do more!
oh man you really had that c7 beat in the corners
they finally moved the spray nozzle off the hood!! so jealous... and another thing is the A pillar being more forward really helps seeing where you're turning. I really want to trade in my '13 STi for this one
Do it
Man I really want one of these. This has to be the best STI since the 22B
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I was too excited for the new STI
When I see this video I miss mine too. But I traded having that car for new Mustang GT and 89 Skyline. Mine had 50,000 miles after 2 years though and I traded it in for more than I owed on it. On my car the interior was falling apart in the Vegas heat and it's parked all day in garage as I work a graveyard shift. Cracks on door cards and arm rests, glue coming apart, etc. No mechanical problems unlike my friend's detonating Porsche.
Well I actually enjoyed the video even though you didnt talk much. The car speaks for itself. Great driving zack!
It is cool watching this video after hearing the /Afterdrive crowd talk all about it. Zach I appreciated hearing your opinion since u owned a previous gen STI. I have been a fan of the WRX for some years. The danger in owning one is just how fast you can take a turn without it being a challenge. Looks like you could have passed the Vette fairly easily in the curvy parts.
Where do I sign up for the "amazing chocolate chip cookies"?
I've considered getting a 2015 STI but I'm going to hold off and see what Hyundai does with their Genesis Coupe ( have the 2.0T currently) rumor has it they may be doing a V6 Turbo or V8.
They already Made the 3.8 which is a turbo V6
It is cool watching this video after hearing the /Afterdrive crowd talk all about it. The raw feel of the "one take" is great. Zach, I appreciated hearing your opinion since u owned a previous gen STI. Looks like you could have easily passed the Vette in the curvy parts. I have been a fan of the STI for years but never owned one for fear of ending up in jail or dead from finally finding the limits of the cars grip in a tight bend.
where do I sign up for the "awesome chocolate cookies"?
Awesome!!!
Saw one of these on the road in LA today; fan-girled so hard I almost rear-ended someone haha.
Is there exhaust on it or is it stock because it sounds pretty nice
Oh my god! I am so buying one, I am buying one!!!
Evos and sti's are cool as an engineering experiment, now - since neither are in wrc - but you have to love one to want one. I love performance but i just can't live with a car that struggles to hit 20mpg on the highway even if awd makes me look like a champ.
23-24mpg for the evo
Stay out of boost and you'll be over 20, but they definitely aren't good for a commuter's wallet in that regard.
Zack Klapman They definitely aren't. I daily drive one, only because i don't do too many miles (~7k a year). Zack, are you serious that the '15 STI's acceleration/handling is as good as the X's? And what do you think will happen once the STI gets the new 2.0L engine in 12-18 months? Could they end up ruining a good thing IF this is as good as you say?
Making you look like a champ is the key operative term. I am conflicted about awd as I feel that you can just destroy tires and be as fast as the guy that can actually drive a 2wd car. These things are marvels, but destroying tires and putting down a fast time is still a lose in my book. (Put me in one with no liability though, and I would have almost as good a time as Zach was)
You just want it for the swag?
I've been snuggled up to an EJ257 for six year, daily. This new motor sounds a lot smoother up top, so much so, I thought Subaru might have massaged the UEL header, but at the end you can hear the rumble.
It might not be a turbo FB GDI, but they've done something to that motor to get rid of the puke and die over 6200.
While this all sounds great, after so long in a very taunt STi, something with factory adjustable ride will probably be next.
zack, you mentioned about the powerband. did the car feel like it had more than 305 hp....more like 325hp since Subaru put a new ecu tune in this gen?
i love laguna seca
the STI is a sick ass car
I want one!
Seems to be much better than previous models.?
Hey! Do a lap in that stock Mazda 6 in the background. Then, mod that mother and show what it's capable of. I know, I know, I KNOW! It's only a weak in line 4 but it's got potential. Thanks. Killer vid of a rad car.
it's got that potential to torque steer your ass right into the tire wall. the 6 and 3s are hella torquey, but you really have to stay on top of it.
great powerplant though, and truly fun to drive
Thanks for the upload on the STI but it was much of a review. Usually you do better on reviews than your assistants. He mostly drove than talked about the car. All he really said was "much better, its better, it should of been like this since the beginning." But thanks for the upload
Am I the only one noticing how fast Zack is comparatively to the C7? Zack is working with 160 less horsepower and 170 less torque..and except for the crest, he's definitely keeping up (if not gaining) on that C7.
Also, them heel-toes.
Love the car, driver is a bit quiet. Would have loved to see Matt review this!
Wow from playing so much Forza 5 I know these tracks so well
See the practice on Forza 5 is paying off...
Well driven Sir.
P.
That damn subbie is diggin!
Waiting for facelift model + flared fenders
Would it kill you to provide some telemetry overlay?
How fast did it go on the straight
when was this?
No cool down lap?
great job, zack...but where's the sandwich (silver state classic)?? you should incorporate making a different sandwich in each of your videos...
what was the grey car in between the viper and STI? was that a Merc, Beam, or a fucking Camry?
i have been in a 2015 sti.. i thought it was wicked rife, turn in adjustable diffs and did a couple of launch control launches... but for 50 grand i would want something that can spin all for at atleast 80 kph
50 grand? You mean about 36 grand haha
In aus there around 50
zwebx
Out of sheer curiosity, what's a solid performance car that cost less than 50gran in Australia?
buying a older 04 wrx and then putting 30 g's into it amd i would be expecting rolling around on 450hp would be more fun
trixR4pimp
Holden Commodore HSV?
The only thing that could possibly make this car better is if it didn't look exactly like a civic with a wing.... Well that, and a little more power never hurt anyone.
Next time get the Evo on the track at the same time. I would like to see a better comparison video with the '15 STI.
Zack must master the art of driving hard and being able to talk. I know he's new but we have seen Matt, time and again, review bat shit crazy cars, all out, and still talk. You had the disclaimer on your page so I was forewarned, ghetto, but the video itself wasn't awful. Zack just needs to master the art that Matt already has.
Damn that vette fuckin flys on straights
So, am I to understand it's better?
its better?
i miss matt. bring matt back. Zack i like you on the podcast with the one liners, and i liked your R8 review, but come on, you gotta give us more than this.
ps, thanks for all the free content. and yes I'm complaining about free content.
The smoking tire isnt the smoking tire without matt farah
That analogy tho lmfao!
Am I the only one who was wondering what the silver car was between the Viper and the Corvette?
I thought it was a Honda Accord Lmfaooo
I think its some variant of the E Class
Big Mike Yeah i think so. Its pretty quick for a 4 door sadan
it looks like a BMW
I thought maybe a Infiniti M56s
Looked like an AMG E63 to me.
Way to go Zack, show us what Smoking Tire can do
they do not allow passing on testing...plus none of these cars were pushed to the limit, you can hit the corners alot harder then this on race day.
looking to get the WRX by the end of the year
looking at a STi review is NOT the same as the WRX, they are more separated than ever before. I'm just saying just in case you're basing the WRX off the STi reviews.
I know they're different less power, not as sharp on the track but sharp enough for what 90% of people are going to do with it. I love the STI but its out of my budget.
Did he say DUDE BRO
wtf is that nissan puke doing LOL
LMFAOOO I was wondering the same thing.
You mean Nissan Joke lol
When did you guys hire Channing Tatum?
Notice how they didnt show the exterior once. Its hideous
Coke Zero still tastes gross. But I get your point =P
I'm assuming he will be writing a review but more talking and a play by play while driving would have made the video a little better.
That in not Farrah?! What is this wizardry?!
They let you on the track with exposed skin?? Surely you need head to toe and wrist coverage? Do you have synthetic running shoes on too?
on an HPDE track day in a brand new, showroom stock car, all that's required is a helmet.
why didn't you pass teh vette?
It kinda seemed like the guy in the stingray in front of you didn't know much about track driving or just wasn't pushing the car very hard...
Listen to TheSmokingTire podcast and you will hear stories of just how bad some of these journalist are behind the wheel.
Did you mean "Let's see what she does"?
lol, when that stingray puts his foot down , hes gone, lol
How about the fact that he kept up with the Corvette?
The vette driver was all over the place, only doing about a 2-minute lap time... so that's hardly keeping up with it, he could have overtaken it if he wanted!
you could have used 3rd into last turn before straight.
i love the sti i got a 11 wrx but let's be real an sti is 35,000$ car that's audi a4 money. So it does alright for itself don't forget who the corvette competes with.
Lol why spend 75 grand on a new C7 when the STI keeps pace with it perfectly and is just about half the price
Looks like the STI has moved forward a long way from its past models. Who the hell was driving the C7 their lines were terrible and only putting the pedal down on the straights. Put a decent driver in the C7 and i dont think the STI would be catching like it does in this video.
one coke zero please
Then what car would be the New Coke? :p
Looks like it really needs that stage 2 kit he talked about. Would have stomped the baby in the 'vette.
The car feels expensive and "thick " ...never heard anyone put it in those terms before hahha
If this was stage two an extr 50-60 hp it would of overtaken the vette
Subaru STi, the Coke Zero of cars
+coke should sponsor your show.
And that rear spoiler is optional!
I don't know where you live, but in Canada it is "sort of" not optional, the base trim comes standard WITHOUT the wing, but any other trim above base comes with it standard
Base trim it is then.
But couldn't pass the c7
I'm sure the 150 hp deficit might have something to do with that.
Jeff Keenan Just went to Chevrolet dealer to order the c7/w z51, 70k with markup it's 80k. twice the price should be twice the car.
Jeff Keenan what state are you live in? I live in LA, ordered LT3/w Z51 7speed. I don't have to pay the markup at the end but have to wait a month. haven't even seat in one yet.
sometimes during demos / track days like this they do not allow passing.
Jeff Keenan thats a very good information! but if its within 2k cheaper it wouldn't matter consider I still have to pay the shipping or dealer will have to pay it and add to my payment. but if they have the option that i want and i don't have to wait a month it sill a good deal: ) i will definitely call them to make sure!