Subaru Impreza WRX STI

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Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Manufacturer	Subaru
Production	1992–present
Class	Sport compact World Rally Car Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Engine	2.0 L H4, 2.5 L flat-4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	99.4 in (2001-present)
Length	175.8 in (2001-present)
Width	68.5 in (2001-present)
Height	56.3 in (2001-present)
Related	Saab 9-2X Subaru Forester
Similar	Ford Escort Cosworth Lancia Delta Integrale Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI (formerly STi, officially changed in 2006)^[1] is the highest standard-edition trim in the Subaru Impreza compact car line, produced by Japanese automaker Subaru.

In the late 1980s, Subaru created the Subaru Tecnica International (STI) division to coordinate development for the FIA World Rally Championship and other motorsports activities. After the company had grown, the division was used to create high-performance consumer versions of the Subaru Impreza WRX, a four-wheel drive car with a turbocharged flat-4 engine, leading to the development of the Impreza WRX STi. Subaru has used a race-prepared version of the WRX STI as its rally platform since the model trim's creation.

1 GC chassis (1992 - 2000)
2 GD chassis (2001 - present)
3 GC chassis comparison to the GD chassis
- 3.1 Pros
- 3.2 Cons
4 Motorsports
5 Media
6 Availability
7 See also
8 Footnotes
9 External links

[edit] GC chassis (1992 - 2000)

There were 6 noted versions of the STi. The different versions were marketed with consecutive numbers. Another way to tell the version of a WRX STi was to look at the chassis code. All WRX STis have the beginning chassis code of either GC8 (sedan or coupé) or GF8 (station wagon), followed by a letter from A to G. There was a GC chassis version of the RS released in 2001 as well in the United States.

[edit] Japanese-spec

[edit] Version I (10/92 – 08/94) - GC8A/B

The first STi was known simply as the STi version, there was no version 1, and was manufactured from February of 1994 with an unknown number produced unitll March where 100 a month were produced untill November. It had 250 PS (184 kW) @6500 rpm and 31.5 kgf·m (309 N·m) @3500 rpm and weighed 1230 kg (2,710 lb). Before then, the highest trimline of the Impreza was the WRX and the WRX-RA, first manufactured in November of 1992. This version of the STi was the only version where the standard cars were taken at the end of the assembly line and replaced by STi parts. After this version, the standard STi was built alongside the WRX on the production lines.

The WRX STi Type RA (marketing has made usage of the RA acronym in various ways; Record Attempt^[2] is the current usage. "R = Racing, A = Group A, FIA the racing class the WRC Impreza competes in" has also been confirmed by Subaru of Japan; the correspondence can be seen on the discussion board for this article) produced 275 PS (202 kW) and 32.5 kgf·m (319 N·m) of torque. This version of the WRX STi was a stripped out car that had no sound-deadening, radio or air-conditioning. It came sparsely equipped as it was to be sold to racing teams that would throw out the cheap parts for racing parts. This version of the WRX came with a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). This device was an electromechanical differential that could lock the differential. This allows the amount of torque sent to the front and rear wheels vary from a split of 35/65 to 50/50. The DCCD would be beneficial to people who used it in various rally conditions.

[edit] Version II (09/95 – 08/96) - GC8C

1995MY Impreza WRX STi RA.

The regular STi's engine output stood at 275 PS (202 kW) and 32.5 kgf·m (319 N·m) of torque. This was the year that STi started painting the intake manifold red. The car weighed 1240 kg and had gold wheels like the one on the World Rally Championship Impreza.

The V-limited STi edition was produced. It was a limited edition was often used to celebrate a Manufacturer or Driver title award to Subaru's World Rally Team. The interior is colored blue on the seat inserts and carpeting. The WRX Type RA STi received a radio and air-conditioning in the V-limited form. 1000 WRX STi Version 2 V-limited were produced. 555 (the cigarette brand that was the premier sponsor of the Subaru World Rally Team and became synonymous with the Impreza WRC livery) WRX Type RA STi Version 2 V-limited were produced.

[edit] Version III (09/96 – 08/97) - GC8D

The engine was vastly updated and was given the name Boxer Master 4. It developed the then-established gentlemen's agreement power limit of 280 PS (206 kW). Torque peaked at 4000 rpm with a value of 35.0 kgf·m (343 N·m). The car gained 10 more kilograms and weighed at 1250 kg. The STi shared the same face lift that the rest of the Impreza line received.

With Version III came the start of the coupe version of the WRX STi. This car was to be the new basis for rally races. It is called the WRX Type R STi. The coupe was chosen by Prodrive because it was smaller, lighter and stiffer than the 4 door version. It was essentially a 2 door version of the WRX Type RA STi meaning it had DCCD, little sound-insulating material, close-gear ratios and the gearbox was hardened. This car also has a water-spray nozzle to dampen the top of the intercooler. The water will then evaporate, which takes heat away from the intercooler and cools the intake charge. This car was produced on an order-only basis.

The WRX Type RA was not produced and there were only 500 of the WRX STi Version 3 V-limited produced.

[edit] Version IV (09/97 – 08/98) - GC8E

Power was increased to 280 PS (206 kW), and torque was increased to 36.0 kgf·m (353 N·m).

Again, like the Version II, there were 555 WRX Type RA STi Version 4 V-limited cars produced. The WRX Type R STi Version 4 V-limited was produced on an orders-only basis with a 3 month waiting period.

[edit] Version V (09/98-08/99) - GC8F

The power stayed the same as the previous version. The engine layout and design was made cleaner and was dubbed as the Boxer Phase 2 engine. The facelift the rest of the Impreza line had been applied to the STis as well. The WRX STi weighed 1270 kg. There were 1000 WRX Type RA STi Version 5 Limited cars and the WRX Type R STi Version 5 Limited cars had a 4 month waiting period for each order.

[edit] Version VI (09/99-08/00) - GC8G

Again the power stayed the same. Most of the changes were cosmetic. The wing was sculpted to be more aggressive.

There were 2000 WRX STi Version 6 Limited and 1000 WRX Type R Version 6 Limited cars produced.

[edit] Japanese-spec Special Variants

[edit] 22B STi (03/98 – 08/98)

In 1998, Subaru of Japan produced a widebody, 2-door, Impreza called the "22B STi". The 22B was used to commemorate both Subaru's 40th anniversary as well as the 3rd consecutive manufacturer's title for Subaru in the FIA World Rally Championship. On the release of the sales, all 399 sold out from 30 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the report.^[3] The cars had the starting VIN code of GC8E2SD. Another 25 were produced for export markets - see the 22B Type UK below.

The 22B had the EJ22 engine as opposed to the regular EJ20 engine. This means the displacement was increased from 1994 cc to 2212 cc. The block is a closed-deck design. The heads (valves, valvetrain and such) were lifted from the STi Version 4 engine. It produce 280 PS (276 hp = 206 kW) at 6000 rpm and 363 N·m (268 lb-ft = 37.0 kgf·m) of torque at a lower engine speed of 3200 rpm. The redline was lowered from 8000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The compression is a 8.0:1. The turbocharger is an IHI RHF 5HB (the internal company usage code is VF22).

This car was given a unique color of blue and had fender flared widebody taken from the Peter Stevens designed WRC car, thus widening the width by 80 mm (3.15 inches) for a total of 1,770 mm (69.7). During assembly, a WRX Type R chassis was taken off the line. The fenders were replaced with the 22B STi fenders. The car's curb weight is 1,270 kg (2,800 lb). The suspension is provided by Bilstein. The brakes were standard 4-piston/2-piston brakes. However, the color is red and the Subaru name casted on the brake calipers are painted white. The wheels were increased in size from the standard WRX Type R STi from 16" x 7" to 17" x 8.5" BBS wheels. The car is shod with 235/40 ZR17 Pirelli P Zeros. The clutch was upgraded to a sintered twin clutch with a ceramic disk. The transmission ratios are the same as the standard WRX Type R, but the gears were shot-peened for added reliability. The car has a unique hood, a WRC-inspired front bumper and a unique adjustable rear wing.

The origin of the name 22B has often been debated. Many assume 22 referred to the 2.2 liter displacement and the B was for the Bilstein suspension. This would correlate with the idea that Subaru sells a Legacy Spec B, where the B represents the Bilstein suspension. Others believe that 22B was meant to represent the much recognized 555 decal (555 is a tobacco company that was a major sponsor for Subaru in the WRC) on the WRC car as 22B is a hexadecimal representation of the decimal number, 555.

It must be noted that the 22B STi that is supposed to be #13 was never given the plaque. Subaru of America imported #13 to be used as a press car. Three 22B STis were given the #000 plaque, 2 went to the World Rally car drivers for Subaru at the time Colin McRae and Nicky Grist, with the third going to David Lapworth of Prodrive.^[4]

[edit] S201 STi (2000)

Subaru Tecnica International started the S-series of special Imprezas. This series is a limited production series that sports an engine output of greater than 280 PS (206 kW) (special variant cars were excluded from the gentlemen's agreement). The car was decked with nearly every single part from the STi catalogue.

The S201 was a 4-door STi that sported the only body-kitted S-series WRX STi. It had a tri-planar wing and a massive front airsplitter. The entire suspension was composed of STi parts.

[edit] UK-spec Special Variants

[edit] 22B Type UK (1998)

16 of the 'export' 22B's (see above) were modified by Prodrive, with longer gear ratios, UK lights and driving lights and an official 3 year warranty. Because 50 22B's had already been imported privately into the UK, Subaru UK had to wait until 1999 to register the 22B Type UK's under the Single Vehicle Approval scheme. The price was £39,950, which was roughly what grey import 22B's were going for.

[edit] P1 (2000)

To counter the grey imports of high-performance Japanese variants, Subaru UK commissioned Prodrive to produce an 'official' limited edition of 1000 two-door cars in Sonic Blue. [1]. The chassis was a 2 door coupe. They were taken from the STI Type R lines and used for the P1. The car was the only coupe version of the WRX STI GC chassis to receive ABS. In order to allow for ABS, the DCCD was dropped. Engine output was boosted to 276bhp, and the suspension optimised for British roads. There are optional packages to upgrade the brakes and/or suspension (consisting of Eibach springs and Bilstein struts). The P1, or Prodrive One, is echoed in the name of the Prodrive P2 concept car.

[edit] GD chassis (2001 - present)

In 2001, the Impreza line received a complete update. The chassis was stiffened so that it had 120% torsional stiffness increase. The WRX STi gained 17" x 7.5" alloy wheels over the previous 16" x 7" wheels. The 5 speed transmission (reputed to be one of the car's weakpoints) was changed to an STi engineered 6 speed manual transmission. The engine was retained from the Version 6 STi and still retains the semi-closed deck block and is still labeled as the EJ207. However, the turbochargers are IHI models. The interior was updated with a STi logo on the gauge. The STi's gauge also has a red shift light. The STi's and optioned Type RA STi have received Brembo 4 pot front and 2 pot rear brakes while the bare-bones Type RA STi still carried the Subaru 4 pot front and 2 pot rear brakes. Externally, the STis had larger hoodscoops and had foglight covers with STi embossed on them. The DCCD was updated so it can work with anti-lock brakes. During braking, when the ABS is on, the DCCD will set itself to open-mode (no locking).

The version nomenclature was dropped from the name. Japanese and other auto-enthusiasts often refer to the chassis as GDB/GDF (the STi has a 'B' or 'F'(for USDM models) where as the regular WRX had an 'A'). The forth charter of the VIN gives the revision (A to F where G is the current (2007) version).

[edit] Japanese-spec

[edit] Rev. A (2001)

In 2001, the WRX STi received the aforementioned updates. The WRX Type RA STi was produced. The STi wagon was still produced but its engine only produced 260 PS (191 kW). The STi foglight covers had white STi lettering on them.

The WRX Type RA STi was used for the Group N homologation.

[edit] Rev. B (2002)

Along with the rest of the Impreza line, the grill and body of the WRX STi was minorly updated by Peter Stevens to give it a more angular look when seen from the side. The foglight covers had pink STi lettering. Not much else besides minor suspension improvements and a small increase in torque output was done.

The WRX Type RA STi was dropped for a new WRX STi Spec C. This model was much lighter than the WRX Type RA as it received lighter glass and body panels. The Spec C's handling was much improved due to an increase in caster (from 3.5 degrees to 5 degrees). This was achieved not by changing the suspension mounting point, but by lengthening the wheelbase (15 mm). This was done by including different control arms. This increased caster significantly helped the turn-in capabilities of the car. The Spec C also has a steering rack ratio of 13:1. The transmission is supplied with its own oil cooler.

The WRX STi wagon had ceased to be produced.

[edit] Rev. C (2003)

Little change from Rev. B.

The WRX STi was used for Group N homologation.

[edit] Rev. D (2004)

The WRX STi received the same Peter Stevens-designed facelift that rest of the Imprezas received. The WRX STi is now capable of being ordered with DCCD.

The WRX STi Spec C Type RA was released. It sported a carbon-fiber wing and a carbon fiber lip. It also had a new set of BBS wheels as well as a newly tuned engine.

The WRX STi V-limited was released. It sports 4-way dampers tuned by Subaru World Rally Team's Group N driver Toshi Arai.

The WRX STi was used for Group N homologation.

[edit] Rev. E (2005)

The WRX STi receives the same increase in wheelbase as the Spec C. All STis received additional rear fender flaring in order to allow an increase in wheel size. The wheel size went from 17" x 7.5" to 17" x 8". In accordance with the increased wheel width, steering lock-to-lock turns have been reduced. Wheel hub strength was improved. The P.C.D. was changed from 5 x 100 mm to 5 x 114.3 mm.

[edit] Rev. F (2006)

The WRX STI continues on relatively the same. The Impreza line's looks have been updated.

The WRX STI Spec C's receives the Arai tuned dampers and a 21-mm swaybar. The rear suspension is changed from rubber bushings to pillowball bushings. The strut tower was further stiffened for improved handling and stability. The strut towers were reinforced for better handling and better ride characteristics. The engine mounts were changed from metal to liquid-filled plastic mounts to reduce vibrations into the car's cabin. Some 2006 owners have had issues with these plastic engine mounts. The manufacturer will replace them, under warranty if broken, with the 2005 rubber mounts.^[5]

The DCCD is updated with the use of a torque-sensing mechanism inside the DCCD. The torque split is changed to 41/59.

The WRX STI Spec C was used for Group N homologation.

The WRX STI Spec C Type RA was released in November 2005, with 350 units produced. The Type RA added the following to the Spec C model from the STI parts catalogue: 4-way STI adjustable inverted struts, STI Japan-spec pink springs, STI rear lateral links, STI rear trailing links, STI 21mm rear sway bar, STI rear pillowball suspension, STI 110mm opening rear axleback exhaust, STI 17x8 Enkei-made wheels and STI V-lip front spoiler.

[edit] Rev. G (2007)

The WRX STI and STI Spec C is mechanically similar to the previous revision.

[edit] Japanese-spec Special Variants

[edit] S202

This car was an S-series Impreza based on the Spec C. All of the suspension and powertrain parts included STi parts from the STi part catalogue. The interior included special edition black seats with red STi logo stitching. A smaller, lightweight AC compressor was fitted to save weight. The brake rotors were gas slotted. The rims were STi labeled Ray's Volks rims.

[edit] S203

This limited edition Subaru was an S-series Impreza based on the WRX STi. Again it is basically a car with all the STi parts available. It was shod with custom made 17 inch BBS rims with Pirellis. The crankshaft is balanced by hand.

[edit] S204

The new S204 was released at the end of 2005. It is based on the WRX STi and similar to the S203. It does away with the roof spoiler and has a different grill from the rest of the Impreza line.

[edit] WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R

At the end of October, 300 2007MY WRX STI Spec C Type RA-Rs were open for ordering. These cars are based on the WRX STI Spec C. The wheels are changed for 18 inch, STI-branded, Enkei-made, white wheels. The engine has been blueprinted and balanced. It produces 320ps of power. The suspension is stock full of the latest STI parts from the STI catalogue. The front brakes are 6-piston brembo brakes. The brakes are made so that they change from silver to gold when heated from usage. The rotors are slotted. The 2nd R in "RA-R" is stated by an STI engineer to mean "Radical".Feb. 2007 Edition Best Motoring Interview of STI engineer @ 7:00

[edit] WRX STI A-Line

This WRX STI A-Line is mechanically the same as the Japan-spec STI. The exterior has been toned down with the removal of large rear spoiler, black Brembo brakes, titanium colored Enkei rims, a black STI front lip and leather seats in order to target the more mature market.

[edit] Asia, Oceania and European-spec

In 2001, most of Asia, Oceania and Europe received the new STi. The engine was detuned to meet emission standards. Engine output was variously rated from 265 PS (195 kW) to 280 PS (206 kW) depending on market.

2005 STis received the long awaited DCCD control available in other markets, as well as a slight wheelbase increase to match the Japanese-spec WRX STi Spec-C.

In 2006, the model was facelifted like all STIs and the engine was changed to the EJ257 producing 280 PS (206 kW).

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 - front (Australian-spec)	Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 - rear	Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 - engine	Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 - interior driver side
Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 - interior driver seat	Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 - rear badge

[edit] UK Special Variants

[edit] WR1 (2004)

A limited edition of 1000 Japanese MY04 WRX STI's with DCCD were exported to celebrate victory in the 2003 WRC driver's championship. 500 were sold in Europe, Australia and South Africa as the Petter Solberg edition, the other 500 were further modified by Prodrive and sold in the UK as the WR1. They had 316bhp, Prodrive WRX STI springs, Pirelli PZero Nero tires, mesh grilles, Ice Blue metallic paint and Prodrive P7 silver wheels. The new ECU and exhaust were not EU homologated, so had to be fitted after registration of the car. Price was £29,995.

[edit] Spec D (2006)

A 'discrete' version of the STI was made for a more conservative market. It is similar to the Japanese-spec A-Line except it had regular WRX spoiler and Smartnav Pioneer DEH-P70BT. It sold for £28,450. [2]

[edit] RB320 (2007)

Echoing the RB5, a limited edition of 320 2007MY cars in Obsidian Black Pearl were released "in memory of Richard Burns", an ex-Subaru World Rally driver who had died in 2006 due to a brain tumor. The car is produces 320 PS of horsepower and 450 Nm of torque due to tuning by Prodrive. The suspension has been upgraded with Eibach springs, an Eibach rear stabilizer bar and Bilstein struts. It rides on 18" anthracite alloys. The interior of the car has been changed to a black interior with RB320 stitching on the seat and a new shift knob. The car has mesh grilles. The price is £29,995. [3]

[edit] UK Unofficial Variants

[edit] Litchfield Type 25 (2004)

Litchfield Imports[4] initially imported Japanese Spec C cars into the UK. When Subaru removed creature comforts like air conditioning and electric windows from the Spec C at the end of 2003, Ian Litchfield wanted to continue to offer an 'everyday' car as fast as the Spec C. So he imported EJ257 engines from the US, got Powerstation to modify them to produce 350bhp, and then dropped them into a Japanese STI. The suspension was upgraded with AST Sportline I adjustable coilovers and Whiteline stabilizer bars and anti-lift kit to cope better with British roads. The May 2004 edition of EVO [5] called it the 'Best Impreza Ever' when tested against the WR1, Spec C and P1.

[edit] Litchfield Type 25 (2007)

The new Type 25 is based on the 2007 Spec C, but the engine block and heads has been developed by Cosworth US to give 415bhp and 420ft lb, for a power/weight ratio greater than a Porsche 997 Turbo. The car can be ordered with optional Porsche brake system.

[edit] US-spec

[edit] Rev. D (2004)

In 2004, Subaru of America announced it will sell the WRX STi. Subaru Tecnica International's president said in an interview with Road & Track magazine that he wishes to best the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in the US. Thus, each iteration of the US-spec WRX STi was essentially the same as the respective J-spec STi Spec C. All the part numbers match up, including the part-numbers for the glass windows and dampeners. However, instead of the EJ207, the USA receives the first EJ257, a 2.5 liter version of the EJ207. Unlike the EJ207, it features hypereutectic cast pistons as opposed to the forged pistons in the EJ207. The steering rack is the standard STi's 15.2:1 instead of the Spec C's 13:1

[edit] Rev. E (2005)

As with the Japanese-spec C models, US-spec STis received additional rear fender flaring in order to allow an increase in wheel size. The wheel size went from 17" x 7.5" to 17" x 8". In accordance with the increased wheel width, steering lock-to-lock turns have been reduced. Wheel hub strength was improved. The P.C.D. was changed from 5 x 100 to 5 x 114.3.

[edit] Rev. F (2006)

The US-spec STIs receive the same facelift as the Japanese-spec STIs. Mechanically speaking, the DCCD and the engine mounts have been changed. Like the Japanese-spec STIs engine mounts were changed from metal to liquid-filled plastic mounts to reduce vibrations into the car's cabin. On the largest Impreza forum, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, 2006MY owners have had issues with these plastic engine mounts. The manufacturer will replace them, under warranty, if broken, with the 2005MY rubber and metal mounts. Later 2006MY vehicles were equipped from the factory with 2005MY mounts. The center differential is updated with the addition of a mechanical limited slip mechanism to supplement the electromagnetic DCCD. The torque split is changed to 41/59. The 2006MY STI weighs approximately 3350 lb.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI US-spec 2006

[edit] Rev. G (2007)

2007 US-spec Subaru Impreza WRX STi Limited. Only 800 were produced.

In 2007, a number of small changes were made to the US-spec model. Due to Subaru's decision to reduce costs by cutting the amount of aluminum used, the US-spec STI no longer receives the J-spec Spec C control arms. The control arms are now the aluminum ones used on the Japan-spec revision A and B non-Spec C STis. The high caster angle has been reduced, which in turn reduces the wheelbase from 100" to 99.4". The rear sway bar has decreased in size from 20mm to 19mm. The gear ratios of second, third and fourth gears have been made longer (higher ratio) in order to improve fuel economy and driveability, which inadvertently reduces 1/4 miles drag racing times due to the ability to trap 114 mph in 4th gear, without the shift to 5th. The EJ257's cylinder heads have been redesigned to improve cooling, and the sodium-filled exhaust valves have been deleted. The alternator is changed from a 90A rating to 110 amps. The rear LSD is now a Torsen unit, considered an upgrade over the previous model's helical unit. The turbo has also been changed to the VF43, which has a slightly larger wastegate than the VF39. The side cowl braces are stiffer than the 2006MY. The engine mounts are once again the hard rubber mounts used prior to 2006. On the interior, there is an audio jack that replaces the ashtray, a rear center armrest with trunk pass-through and a 120W audio system.^[6]

The WRX STI Limited is introduced. It is similar to the Japan-spec STI A-line, except the mechanicals of the car are based on the 2007MY US-spec WRX STI.

[edit] GC chassis comparison to the GD chassis

[edit] Pros

Subaru claims that the GD chassis is 148 percent and 82 percent stiffer in torsional and beam rigidity, respectively, than the GC chassis. Due to the increase in stiffness, the car has much better stability in corners and is easier to control at the limit. The GC chassis is so weak compared to today's cars that engineers called the body a "Watermelon frame", referring to how a watermelon shatters on impact.

In terms of safety, the GD chassis scored much higher than the GC chassis and earned a "Good" rating (highest mark) from the IIHS's offset crash test. 4 stars front driver, 5 star front passenger and 4 star side safety ratings from the NHTSA. In a magazine article from the Dec. 2005 Firehouse magazine (a periodical written and made for firefighters), Ron Moore writes how it is well-known that the Impreza chassis has great protection in its B-pillars. This side structure has 8 layers of high-strength, high-tension steel including a round steel bar running through the middle. The author notes how drivers simply walk away from horrific side-impact accidents.

[edit] Cons

One of the biggest complaints with the GD chassis is that it gains nearly 200 kg in weight over the GC chassis. Much of this weight came in the form of chassis stiffening as the car was made to meet every countries' crash standards. The weight also hampers the cars maneuverability, transitions and turn-in capabilities. The GC Imprezas were notable for being very lightweight despite having AWD, the WRX Type STi Version VI, at 1260 kg, was lighter than the concurrent Mazda RX-7 type RZ (1270 kg) and Honda NSX type S Zero (1270 kg). In this fashion, the GC chassis has a better advantage.

The author mentioned above also notes that the Jaws of Life need to cut the Subaru's B-pillars at certain points in order to cut through the car frame.^[7] This information was not as widespread before, so there have been many incidences where firefighters could not cut the B-pillars due to their structural integrity. To some people, this might be a concern if the driver or passengers need to be cut out of the vehicle quickly.

[edit] Motorsports

[edit] Rally

2006 Subaru Impreza WRC, a car based on the design of the '06 spec (Rev. F).

[edit] FIA PCWRC

The STi serve as the basis from which Group N "production" rally cars are constructed. Group N4-classed (marketed by FIA as Production Car World Rally Championship or PCWRC) cars are the major support category for the World Rally Championship and are the premier category in many national rally championships. For the past two years (2004 and 2005), the WRX STi has taken the top 3 podiums in Group N. This new effort can be attributed to STi's increased support in Group N motorsports.

[edit] FIA WRC

In 1995, 1996 and 1997 World Rally Championships, Subaru's World Rally Team, in conjunction with Prodrive won the WRC manufacturer's title with the World Rally Impreza. The STi's bare chassis is used by Prodrive as the basis of the World Rally Impreza. This WRC class is currently labeled by FIA as Group A8. Colin McRae in 1995, Richard Burns in 2001, and Petter Solberg in 2003 all won the WRC driver's title with the World Rally Impreza.

[edit] Rally America

2006: Travis Pastrana drove a 2006MY STI to capture the national title overall, as well as in the open class. Several other teams entered driving STIs.

[edit] Autocrossing

[edit] JAF Events

2004: The STi Spec C won 1st place in the All Japan gymkhana (Japanese autocrossing) championships.

[edit] SCCA Events

As of 2006, all GD-chassis STIs can compete in A Stock (AS), Street Touring Ultra (STU), B Street Prepared (BSP) and Street Modified (SM).

2005: At the Tire Rack SCCA Solo Nationals in Topeka, Kansas, 2004 US-spec STis took 1st in the STU, driven by Brandon Burkhart, and ESP classes.

2006: At the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo in Topeka, Kansas, Jonathan Roberts drives a 2005 US-spec STi, fitted only with the Strano hollow 32mm front swaybar, to first place in AS. In STU class, Max Hayter (2006MY) and James Balducci (2005MY) drive to first and third place, respectively. At Solo Nationals, Brandon Burkhart drives a 2004 US-spec STi to a first place in STU.

[edit] Road racing

[edit] FIA Events

2005: Prova Racing took a STI-supported WRX STI to 2nd place in the A6 class and 14th overall in the 24 hour Nürburgring race. The car was setup to have around -5 degrees of camber at the front wheels. The wheels are Enkei pieces. The car also uses the roof vane seen on the 2006MY WRX STI. The car used Tein SRC coilovers. The car was driven by Kazuo Shimizu (Super Taikyu driver and winner), Toshihiro Yoshida (Super Taikyu driver and winner), Stéphane Sarrazin (2005 Subaru World Rally Team driver) and Kumi Sato.2005MY WRX STI Spec C in 24 Hour Nürburgring

2006: Autosportif Racing UK campaigned a Subaru factory supported WRX STI Spec C in the 24 Hour Nürburgring's SP 6 class. It had Motec Engine Management, 3-way adjustable AST coilovers, aftermarket Brembo brakes, an aftermarket turbocharger unit, STI Group N parts, aero pieces and many other modifications. It was pushing 400 horsepower. To combat understeer, it ran without a front swaybar. It qualified 37th out of 225 competitors for the starting position. The Autosportif Racing UK/Subaru WRX STI Spec C managed to end with a position of 115 out of the 225. It had suffered 2 turbocharger unit failures during the course of the race. The car was driven by Alan van de Mewre (the 2003 British F3 champion), Briton Phil Bennett (driven in the BTCC, Le Mans and Nürburgring), Jonathan Price (6-time Nürburg 24 Hours competitor) and Chris Atkinson (2006, 2007 Subaru World Rally Team driver).2006MY WRX STI Spec C in 24 Hour Nürburgring

[edit] JAF Events

2002: Eifel Prova Racing took 1st place in Japan's Super Taikyu.

2005: Prova Racing's STis finished the season in 1st and 3rd place in Super Taikyu.

[edit] SCCA Events

2005: In Club Racing's T2 division, Icy Racing's 2004MY STis took 1st and 2nd place. ESX Motorsports announced the introduction of the WRX STI in World Challenge's GT class.

2006: Icy Racing's 2006MY STIs took 1st and 2nd place.

[edit] Super GT

The Cusco team have been campaigning a heavily modified STi with rear drive conversion as required by regulations since the late nineties and having no two door model available at present, is the only team to be permitted to race a four door model in the series.

2006: Cusco's WRX STI now uses AWD with a transaxle gearbox.

[edit] Drifting

[edit] D1 Grand Prix

2005: Nobushige Kumakubo is the first to use an GD-chassis WRX STi at the D1 Grand Prix series. The car is extensively modified as regulations permit only two wheel drive cars. This STi is unique in that it is the first to locate a radiator (with the fan beside it) behind the driver rather than in front of the engine compartment as other cars usually do. His other Team Orange teammates, Kazuhiro Tanaka and Naoto Suenaga, soon followed suit.

2006: Team Orange and Jun Autosports have converted a GC-chassis 2-door STi into a RWD vehicle for drifting to be used by third driver Naoto Suenaga. Unlike newer models who struggle throughout the season, the GD would have things better when both Kumakubo and Tanaka took a single win each and the former took the D1GP title.

[edit] Media

Manga:

The STi is featured in various manga and anime. In Shuichi Shigeno's manga turned anime, Initial D, the main character's father, Bunta, drives a WRX STi Type R Version V with a STi Sports Bumper (a bumper that was sold in the STi parts catalogue; it had the same shape as the 22B STi but was made to fit the non-wide body Imprezas).

In the manga Wangan Midnight, model Makoto Morishita drove a GC8, until switching to a 300ZX.

Anime:

In the anime, Ex-Driver, a '99 Impreza WRC was shown in the first episode. Unfortunately, it was totaled in the episode (the power line for the car's 6-speed sequential transmission was damaged by a runaway AI car, making gear changes impossible).
In Initial D Fourth stage, like the manga, there is a WRX STi Type R Version V driven by Bunta, Takumi's father.

Movies:

In the Hong Kong movie, "Legend of Speed 2", two street racing teams compete in the streets of Kowloon, Hong Kong. One of the teams races WRX STis. The leader drives a white WRX STi version 3.
Producers actually considered Paul Walker to drive an Impreza WRX in the hit movie 2 Fast 2 Furious. But it was later changed with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 7.
In the US film Shooting Gallery, a 2002 body style WRX is used to chase the character played by Freddie Prinze Jr.

Games:

Numerous STI-version Imprezas are featured throughout the Gran Turismo game series for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2.
Forza Motorsport and Project Gotham 2 for the Xbox have included various WRX STis in the car line-up.
The WRC Imprezas have been featured in several rally games, such as Colin McRae Rally as well as RalliSport Challenge and RalliSport Challenge 2, published by Microsoft on the Xbox.
The GDB Impreza appears in several recent games, such as SRS, Need for Speed: Underground, Need for Speed: Underground 2, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Need For Speed: Carbon; the 22B STi was featured in the THQ's import street racing game Juiced and SEGA's Auto Modellista alsp features a 22B STI.
STI-version Imprezas featured prominently in several Japanese imported racing games such as Kaido Battle, Initial D: Special Stage and Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune. The WRX STi Type R version 5 that Bunta drives in Initial D, is a special car that be gained with a series of inputs from the pedals and gearshift on the Initial D Arcade game.
Impreza WRC is also featured in the Dreamcast game SEGA Rally 2.
Jarrett and Labonte Stock Car Racing, TOCA Race Driver 2 and TOCA Race Driver 3 also feature different race versions of the Impreza.

TV:

A 2004-2005 STi is also featured in a Taco Bell commercial.
A 2004 Quaker State oil ad features a stock WRX STi in both television and print ads.
In Turkish drama TV series Aliye, a blue Impreza WRX was driven by actor Baris Falay.

[edit] Availability

The STI was originally sold only in Japan. It was later made officially available in Oceania (Australia had it in 1999 with the STi Version V). In 2001, Europe received the STi with the change of the chassis. After seeing the Impreza WRX sell at much better levels than expected, Subaru began selling the STI in North America in 2004.

It should be noted that the Oceania and Europe actually had WRX STis in the region before the official versions. Car importation laws in those areas are much more lax than America's laws. Thus, the grey markets has many earlier versions of the WRX STi. In most cases, the only way to legally import an earlier version of the WRX STi than the one offered is by registering it as a race or exhibition car. However, there is a 15 year rule that allows any car at least 15 years old to be imported into Canada.