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83-794: In 1988, FHI created Subaru Tecnica International (STi) as a its motorsport division to develop and compete in the FIA World Rally Championship and other motorsports activities. Following the introduction of the first generation Impreza in Nov. 1992 and the following year's debut of the Group A rally car into the WRC, an 'STi version' was made commercially available in Jan. 1994 as a homologation model under FIA regulations. Thereafter, subsequent evolutions dubbed STi Version or simply STI were manufactured and sold alongside

166-563: A MOMO steering wheel. The WRX STI was the first and so far only STI vehicle made available to North American consumers. While the WRX was first released for the North American market in 2001 for the 2002 model year, the limited production Impreza WRX STI sedan with 300 hp and 310 foot pounds of torque did not hit the market until 2004, and the USDM version having a number of changes when compared to

249-454: A VF23 IHI ball bearing turbocharger while the JDM non-STI gets a VF22. Power remained at 280 PS but torque was raised from 253 lbs./ft of torque to 260. Forged pistons were also added. The interior and the cockpit were changed into a newer design along with the new "White color" gauges. (white faced) The power stayed the same as the previous version 280 PS. The engine layout and design

332-551: A highly desirable variant. 16 of the 'export' 22Bs (see above) were modified by Prodrive , with longer gear ratios, UK specification lights and an official 3 year warranty. Because 50 22Bs had already been imported privately into the UK, Subaru UK had to wait until 1999 to register the 22B Type UKs under the VCA's Single Vehicle Approval scheme. The price was £39,950, approximately the same price that grey import 22Bs were being sold for. To counter

415-510: 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

498-465: A podium finish on its debut, with Ari Vatanen coming second at the 1993 1000 Lakes Rally . The Impreza 555 featured a 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower, upgraded suspension that could take on more aggressive potholes and jumps, as well as a short shifting transmission which made switching gears more accessible and quicker. Like the Legacy RS before it, an Impreza WRX Type RA

581-549: A quite distinct exterior design difference, the Impreza WRX and WRX STi version had mainly mechanical modifications. One way to identify the version is through the VIN plate on the chassis. Sedan and Coupé STi model codes are named GC8, (USDM coupés have a separate chassis code of "GM") and Station Wagons are named GF8, followed by a letter from A to G. A GC chassis version of the RS was released for

664-636: 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. It developed about 300PS but output was reported at the then-established gentlemen's agreement power limit of 280 PS (210 kW; 276 hp). Torque peaked at 4000 rpm with

747-556: A street legal road car. The second is a complete car pre-fitted from the factory with parts that are available from the STI catalogue and marketed as a 'Tuned by STI' model. Spin-off models with mainly cosmetic additions or alterations are also marketed usually in limited quantities. The first generation STI tuned road going cars were only developed and sold in the Japanese market. Although marketed by numerical version indicators up to 'Version VI' in

830-404: A top speed of 155 miles per hour, which was considered extremely powerful at the time. One of the first activities that STi carried out was setting the world record for 100,000 km (62,000 mi) endurance driving using a fleet of three modified Subaru Legacy RS sedans, averaging 223.345 km/h (138.780 mph) over most of January 1989. The founder of STi, Noriyuki Koseki, coordinated

913-472: A unique hood, front and rear fenders, 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 boxer engine or the Bilstein suspension. This would correlate with the idea that Subaru sells a Legacy Spec B, which also has a boxer engine and Bilstein suspension. Others believe that 22B

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996-577: A value of 35.0 kgf·m (343 N·m, 253 ft·lbs). In standard form, this version has a top speed of over 240 km/h. The car gained 10 more kilograms and weighed at 1,250 kg (2,756 lb). The STi shared the same face lift that the rest of the Impreza line received. With Version III came the start of the coupé version of the WRX STi. It is called the WRX Type R STi. The coupé was chosen by Prodrive for use in

1079-493: 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 400 Japanese units sold out from 30 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the report. The cars had the starting VIN code of GC8E2SD. Another 24 were produced for export markets – see

1162-606: A £200million, 200-acre (0.8 km ) motorsport facility called "The Fulcrum". As of 3 August 2006, Prodrive has won the support of the Warwick District Council planning committee for development of The Fulcrum. The permission covers a highly advanced engineering research and development campus, a conference facility called the Catalyst Centre and new access road, a roundabout, infrastructure, parking and landscaping. The plans still have to be presented and agreed by

1245-473: Is 800 kW (1,073 hp) and 1,100 N⋅m (811 lb⋅ft) of torque, 200 kW (270 hp) per motor. The motors were developed and manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company . Because the car was designed to meet the requirements of the FIA Electric GT Championship , which is scheduled to hold its inaugural season in 2023, the automotive press have speculated that STI intend to campaign

1328-499: Is a bit different as well as the TVG (Tumble Valve Generators) used for emissions on cold start-ups. Subaru Tecnica International Subaru Tecnica International (in Japanese : スバルテクニカインターナショナル株式会社 , romanized :  Subaru Tekunika Intānashonaru Kabushiki-gaisha ), or STI (prior to 2006, STi ), is Subaru Corporation 's motorsports division. STI, along with Prodrive of

1411-467: Is capable of a 12.8 second quarter mile. The 22B, which carries an additional 20 N M of torque, has been timed at 12.5 seconds, however AWD cars can be difficult to launch, due to potentially bogging down if engine speed is too low, or the clutch is not correctly taken up. This car was given a unique color of blue and had fender flared widebody taken from the Peter Stevens designed WRC car, thus widening

1494-407: Is mechanically similar to the previous revision. Changes include a different turbocharger VF43 equipped with a slightly larger wastegate port to prevent boost creep (VF43, as opposed to VF39 in the older version) and revised gearing on the 6 speed manual transmission. They also use top feed injectors instead of side feed injectors like the previous STi models(04-06USDM). This means the intake manifold

1577-453: The Arai tuned dampers and a 21 mm (0.8 in) 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

1660-594: The EJ207 , however the engines did gain Variable Valve Timing (AVCS) further improving their low end torque production. The interior was updated with a STi logo on the gauge. The STi's tachometer also has a red shift light. The STi's and optioned Type RA STi have received Brembo 4 piston front and 2 piston rear brakes while the bare-bones Type RA STi still carried the Subaru 4 piston front and 2 piston rear brakes. Externally,

1743-489: The Renault F1 Team to take-over the team prior to the 2010 season . In April 2010 Prodrive announced it would not apply for the 2011 Formula One season. The slot became available after US F1 Team collapsed. Prodrive had a facility at the former RAF Honiley airfield and LucasVarity proving ground near Wroxall, Warwickshire , together with Marcos and TRW . In March 2006, Prodrive announced its intent to build

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1826-554: The Safari Rally starting in 1979. STi president Ryuichiro Kuze partnered with British firm Prodrive in 1989 to develop a rally car using the Subaru Legacy chassis. The resulting performance model was the Legacy RS, which produced 220 PS (160 kW; 220 hp) mated to a five speed gearbox and weighing just over 2,600 pounds; it was manufactured by Subaru to homologate the type for FIA Group A racing. The vehicle had

1909-619: The V8 Supercar series in Australia after purchasing Glenn Seton Racing . This was sold in January 2013. On 28 April 2006, Prodrive were officially granted entry to F1 when the FIA announced the list of entrants to the 2008 Formula One World Championship . It was announced on 23 November 2007 that Prodrive F1 would not compete in the 2008 , as the legal situation left no time for the team to be set up for

1992-663: The World Rally Championship (WRC). Subaru was seen as one of the world's top rally racing teams, but is no longer active at a factory level in the WRC. The seeds of STI were planted in 1972, when Subaru campaigned the Leone in the Australia’s Southern Cross Rally. After their first foray into competition, Subaru made history with the first AWD car entered in the World Rally Championship (WRC), when

2075-589: The "S-line". There is also a line of limited-production cars with upgraded performance noted as "tuned by STI" or "tS". Prodrive Prodrive is a British motorsport and advanced engineering group based in Banbury , England. Prodrive was founded in 1984 by Ian Parry and David Richards . Prodrive sold its 51% stake in Ford Performance Vehicles to Ford Australia in 2012. Prodrive also founded Ford Performance Racing in 2003, entering

2158-554: The 'Ts' moniker, these are largely sold in Japan only and have STi branded interior parts, strut braces and occasionally suspension components. In 2016 an STI kit was built for the redesigned Crosstrek models which included STI branded wheels, hatchback spoiler, and shift knobs for both automatic and manual variants. STI also released the STI Forester firstly based on the SF5 variant in 2001, this

2241-618: The 16 22B Type UK below, along with another 5 for Australia, and 3 prototypes. The 22B had the EJ22 engine as opposed to the regular EJ20 engine. (Note internal Subaru material states the block comes from a V3 EJ20G, not the EJ22G as most think. Also the intake manifold and heads were from the V4 EJ20K) 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

2324-596: The 2004 debut. The oil pickup line inside the oil pan was shown to develop a crack leading to oil starvation and engine damage due to the lack of lubrication when the part fails. Several aftermarket vendors have addressed this issue by re-designing factory oil pickup units with more substantial welds and materials. The WRX STi receives the same increase in wheelbase as the Spec C. All STis received additional rear arch flaring in order to allow an increase in wheel size. The wheel size changed from 17" x 7.5" to 17" x 8". In accordance with

2407-478: The 2006 model year), designed by STI. The STI offers many advantages over the WRX, such as a six-speed manual transmission (different from the 2015+ WRX 6MT) with a helical (Suretrac in '04 models) limited slip front differential, driver controlled center differential(DCCD), IHI VF39 turbocharger (VF43 in 2007, VF48 from 2008 on), BBS lightweight alloy wheels, a mechanical rear limited slip differential and Brembo brakes. The WRX STI has Recaro style bucket seats and

2490-664: The E-RA, which will require the car to be homologated with a street-legal version under GT3 rules. STI versions of the Impreza , Forester and the Legacy have been marketed as limited edition vehicles in certain markets. STI also designs upgraded parts, mostly suspension related, for use on other Subaru vehicles. The Subaru Impreza WRX and the Subaru Legacy B4 both come in high performance STI editions (formerly capitalized "STi" before

2573-618: The FIA World Land Endurance Record attempt and drove one of the cars. The Legacy RS used a 2.0-liter EJ20 turbo engine; STi modified the record-setting cars by tuning the suspension and improving the aerodynamics. That November, Subaru began marketing an upgraded Legacy RS with many of the same STi modifications as the Legacy RS Type RA (Record Attempt), limited to a production run of 100 examples. Low-volume Type RA production continued after that initial model, and in 1992

Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Misplaced Pages Continue

2656-537: The Impreza model lineup initially in Japan only and later in selected world markets. As the STi or STI model was typically the highest spec of the Impreza, it has become popular with performance enthusiasts, tuners and amateur racers in many motorsports disciplines especially rallying and circuit driving. Used STI cars usually command a higher resale value and continue to be highly sought after. FHI has released many different models and versions including special limited editions of

2739-531: The JDM - most notably the 2.5L EJ257 as opposed to the 2.0L EJ207 found in the JDM Spec model. This had a base price tag between $ 35,000-$ 40,000. STI also released Legacys kitted out in full STI trim. These are rare and sought after by Subaru enthusiasts, and marketed as 'Tuned by STi' They were only released new in Japan (JDM) and New Zealand (NZDM) this has been throughout the 2005-2007 Legacys. The higher performance 'STI Legacys' are produced in limited numbers for

2822-634: The Japanese Market only and are known as S-Line, (see more below) similar to what has been carried out in the Impreza model range. Starting with the S401 in 2002 which was based on a BES Legacy Sedan RSK (400 Produced) and the S402 in 2008, based on the BL/BP Legacy (402 Produced). Both of these had 6MT Transmissions, EJ20 in the S401 and EJ25 in the S402. STi has also put its name on a number of other Subaru models, using

2905-475: The Legacy RS did not win an individual WRC race until the 1993 Rally New Zealand (McRae/Ringer). In 1992, with its rally competitors fielding smaller and lighter automobiles, Subaru began to sell the Impreza WRX (World Rally eXperimental) and homologated it for Group A as the Impreza 555; a Prodrive-modified Impreza 555 was campaigned starting with the 1994 WRC season and the new WRC car immediately achieved

2988-766: The Legacy Touring Wagon STi was marketed with similar modifications. Subaru had participated in WRC races since 1980, albeit with limited success by 1988, when STi was founded. Subaru first campaigned the Prodrive-developed Legacy RS in the 1990 WRC season, finishing fourth in the constructor's standings that year . Despite adding Colin McRae to the Subaru World Rally Team in 1991 and winning three straight British Rally Championships from 1991 to 1993 (McRae/ Ringer , 1991–92; Burns / Reid 1993)

3071-571: The Leone 4WD entered the Safari Rally in 1980. STi was then officially founded by Noriyuki Koseki and Ryuichiro Kuze in 1988. Previously, Koseki had helped prepare a Subaru FF-1 that was entered into the 1971 Baja 500 by San Bernardino Subaru dealer Jack Coyle. Although the FF-1 did not finish that year, it was able to complete the 1973 race and is now part of the Subaru of America historical collection. Koseki would go on to campaign Subarus privately in

3154-466: The STi Version 4 engine. It produce 280 PS (210 kW; 280 hp) at 6000 rpm and 363 N·m (267 ft·lbf, 37.0 kgf·m) of torque at a lower engine speed of 3200 rpm. The redline is 8000 rpm. The compression is an 8.0:1. The turbocharger is an IHI RHF 5HB (the internal company usage code is VF23, although a number of the cars received the larger VF22). In performance terms, the donor STi Version 4

3237-555: The STis had larger hood scoops 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) whereas

3320-464: The Subaru team's best finishes were fourth place (in 2011 and 2013). At the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon , Subaru unveiled the STI ;E-RA Concept , an all-wheel drive two-seat racing car developed by STI. The STI E-RA Concept is equipped with a carbon fiber body and four electric motors, one at each wheel, enabling torque vectoring by varying the output of each motor; the aggregate maximum power output

3403-488: The UK, specialized in the preparation of a variety of vehicles for the Subaru World Rally Team which competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It was founded in 1988 by Subaru Corporation (then known as Fuji Heavy Industries), the parent company of Subaru , to promote the company's performance-oriented identity. Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STi) was established in 1988 by Fuji Heavy Industries to take over all of Subaru's motorsport activities and participate in

Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Misplaced Pages Continue

3486-429: The USDM in 2001. To tell the difference between a JDM Sedan and Coupe chassis from the applied model code only, a sedan will have the fifth digit as a 4, representing 4-doors, and a coupé will have a 2, representing 2-doors. The first STi was known simply as WRX STi (there was no "version" moniker added to the name until the version II). 100 Imprezas per month were produced starting from February 1994. In March, production

3569-479: The WRC because it was lighter and stiffer than the 4-door version, although it carried the same exterior dimensions. It was essentially a 2-door version of the WRX Type RA STi meaning it had DCCD, minimal sound insulation, close-gear ratios and hardened gearbox. This car also has a water-spray nozzle to dampen the top of the intercooler. The water will then evaporate, taking heat away from the intercooler and cooling

3652-523: The WRX STI. However many of these versions were and are only available in the Japanese Domestic Market. Although the concept behind the STI model is taking a base model such as the Impreza or Legacy and further developing it for high performance, STI models fall mainly into 2 categories. The first is a fully developed and tested model with the purpose of homologating it for motorsports which is sold as

3735-432: 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 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp) . The STi foglight covers had white STi lettering on them. The WRX Type RA STi was used for the Group N homologation. Along with the rest of the Impreza line, the grille and body of the WRX STi was minorly updated by Peter Stevens to give it

3818-409: The WRX came with a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). This device was an electromechanical differential that could lock the differential. The DCCD would be beneficial to people who used it in various rally conditions. The regular STi's engine output stood at 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp) and 32.5 kgf·m (319 N·m, 235 ft·lbs) of torque. This was the year that STi started painting

3901-507: 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 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

3984-400: The brake calipers and painted white. The wheels were increased in size from the standard WRX Type R STi from 16x7" to 17x8.5" BBS Elektra wheels. The car is fitted 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

4067-483: The car forced to retire due to a fire in the engine compartment; at the time, the team were in second place within the class. The team won its fifth and sixth SP3T class championships in 2018 (62nd overall) and 2019 (18th overall). Due to the difficulties of racing overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic , Subaru withdrew from the 2020 and 2021 races. Subaru entered the 2022 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race, held in late May, but

4150-544: The car was specially prepared with a lightweight aluminum bonnet and a larger turbo from the R205 production car. That year STI campaigned the WRX STI (GRB, widebody hatchback) to 24th overall and 4th in the SP3T class. In 2011, STI claimed the SP3T class title and finished 21st overall. That year, the S206 was released with a limited-production NBR (Nürburgring) Challenge Package, which replaced

4233-504: 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. 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

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4316-511: The catalogue, there were in reality more than 20 different possible types of Impreza STI cars for sale. Many of these were in different body styles and some designed as a base for motorsports use. Others, such as the 22B were special limited versions but had different specifications. Visually it is hard to tell the difference between versions or the non-STI Impreza WRX. Unlike its rival car the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, which sported

4399-399: The discussion board for this article) strippo version produced 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp) and 32.5 kgf·m (319 N·m, 235 ft·lbs) 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

4482-509: The end of 2008, Subaru announced that it would withdraw from the WRC starting with the 2009 season, citing the ongoing global recession . STI first competed in the annual Nürburgring 24 Hours race in 2008. Prior to that, Subaru had used the Nordschleife circuit to prove its production models since 1992. The WRX STI was first raced at the track's 24 Hours event in 2005 by a private team, finishing 14th overall and 2nd in its class. In 2008,

4565-569: The exterior, special front and rear bumpers, large rear spoiler, and side under spoilers were also attached. The interior featured a MOMO leather sport steering wheel (with cherry red stitching), and a leather bound shift knob and brake lever. Its suede effect seat fabric was even embossed with the STI logo. There was also another STi Forester released in 2005 using the SG Chassis. This used the EJ257 Engine. Some Subaru enthusiasts have requested that

4648-468: The first factory-backed entry finished 57th overall and 5th in the SP6 class. For 2009, STI switched to the SP3T class (production cars equipped with a turbo engine with a displacement of 2-litres or less) and finished 33rd overall, 5th in the SP3T class. Ahead of the 2010 event, driver Tommi Mäkinen drove a prototype WRX STI (GVB, widebody sedan), covering a Nordschleife lap in 7 minutes 55 seconds;

4731-578: The first of what it would eventually call its "S-line" of limited production cars in 1998, celebrating its consecutive streak of WRC constructor's championships as well as the 40th anniversary of Subaru: the 22B was limited to just 400 cars, reportedly selling out in 30 minutes. The 22B was followed by a string of limited production special editions of the WRX STi with outputs that exceeded the Japanese car manufacturers' "gentleman's agreement" to keep output below 280 PS (280 hp; 210 kW): S201 (2000), S202 (2002), S203 (2004), and S204 (2005). At

4814-411: 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 21 mm (0.8 in) rear sway bar, STI rear pillowball suspension, STI 110 mm (4.3 in) opening rear axleback exhaust, STI 17" x 8" Enkei -made wheels and STI V-lip front spoiler . The WRX STI and STI Spec C

4897-464: 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. There were 300 S201s produced, they used a VF28 spec turbo, with max boost at 1.2 BAR and produced 224 kW (305 PS) and 353 Nm, weighing in at 1270 kg these are

4980-605: The grey imports of high-performance Japanese variants, Subaru UK commissioned Prodrive to produce an 'official' limited edition of 1,000 two-door cars in Sonic Blue. The chassis was a 2-door coupé. They were taken from the STI Type R lines and used for the P1. The car was the only coupé version of the WRX STI GC chassis to receive ABS. In order to allow for ABS, the DCCD was dropped. Engine output

5063-415: 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. The interior was vastly improved as well. A whole new center console now brings out a very high grade interior feel. The WRX STI continues on relatively the same. The Impreza line's looks have been updated. The WRX STI Spec C's receives

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5146-590: The intake charge. This car was produced on an order-only basis. Also, there was a WRX STI type RA (4-door) available in Version III. These have the same motor, gearbox and R180 diff as the Version III WRX STI Type R, including DCCD, aluminium bonnet and front guards, no sound deadening and thinner glass. The ECU is also an exclusive tune. The Type R tends to be a bit stiffer and weighs 1,190 kg (2,620 lb). The DCCD has been known to bite new drivers in

5229-402: The intake manifold red. The car weighed 1,240 kg (2,734 lb) and had gold wheels like those on the World Rally Championship Impreza. The V-limited STi edition was produced. It was a limited edition that 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

5312-406: The manufacturer install the STI engine in the BRZ to provide extra power, but there is concern that a more powerful BRZ would compete directly with the WRX. Drawings of a BRZ STI exist online and concepts have been shown at auto shows, but Subaru has yet to release an official statement. The highest-performance automobiles sold by Subaru are limited-production models tuned by STI and designated as

5395-406: The regular WRX had an 'A'). The fourth character of the VIN gives the revision (A to F where G is the 2007 version). For quick and easy reference to the different exteriors, Subaru Impreza owners use nicknames based on the headlights. Often relating to a creature that has similar looking eyes: 2001–2003 are 'bug eyes' / 2004–2005 are 'peanut eye', or 'blob eyes'/ 2006–2007 are 'hawk eyes'. In 2000,

5478-407: The start of the season. On 23 April 2009, Prodrive issued a press release stating that they were considering an F1 entry for the 2010 season, possibly under the Aston Martin Racing brand. On 29 May 2009, it was reported that Prodrive had submitted a formal application for the 2010 season. However, Prodrive was not accepted to the final grid. Prodrive was one of two potential buyers considered by

5561-492: The steel roof with one made of carbon fiber, and was equipped with a special unfinished ("dry") carbon rear wing. STI repeated as the SP3T class champion in 2012, but finished second in 2013 (26th overall). With the next generation of the WRX STI (VA) debuting in 2014, STI finished 4th in class, 32nd overall. Subaru took its third SP3T class win in 2015, finishing 18th overall, and repeated as SP3T class champions in 2016. Subaru were unable to repeat their title in 2017, with

5644-433: The third being used by Subaru Japan as their press car. It was widely rumored David Lapworth of Prodrive owned the third #000 car, however he actually owned #400. 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 (210 kW; 280 hp) [had 224 kW (305 PS)] (special variant cars were excluded from

5727-426: The wet. The RA gets a roof vent instead of map lights, and wind up windows, although electrics are an option from factory. Also available was a WRX Type R V-limited, in version III. It has a WRX motor with no forged internals like the STI, and it misses out on the 4 pot front brakes as they are to be installed by rally teams. It has a roof vent and is lightweight, making a good base for a rally car. Version III STI runs

5810-414: 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 Brembo manufactured standard 4-piston/2-piston brakes. However, the color is red and the Subaru name cast on

5893-436: 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. Little change from Rev. B. The WRX STi

5976-441: Was also produced as a 555 limited edition. Most of the changes were cosmetic. The wing was sculpted to be more aggressive. VF28 spec turbo with max boost at 1.2 BAR and produced 224 kW (305 PS) and 388 Nm. There were 2000 WRX STi Version 6 Limited, 500 WRX STI Type R coupe Version 6 Limited and 2000 WRX STi RA Version 6 Limited cars produced. Also 500 WRX STi Version 6 Limited Hatchback models. In 1998, Subaru of Japan produced

6059-461: Was boosted to 276 bhp (206 kW; 280 PS), and the suspension optimised for British roads. Options were available from Subaru consisting of 4 piston front brake calipers, electric Recaro seats, 18" OZ alloys and a P1(Prodrive) stamped backbox. The P1, or Prodrive One, is echoed in the name of the Prodrive P2 concept car. In 2000, the Impreza line received a complete update. The chassis

6142-488: Was called the Forester STI II Type M. This was limited to 800 Units, and had an increase of power to 250PS, utilizing a special ECU. Special struts and coil springs were installed and its brakes were modified to large diameters; 16 inches in the front and 14 in the rear, while a brake-cooling duct was also added to the front bumper. 17-inch forged aluminium wheels by RAYS were fitted together with 225/45R17 tyres. As for

6225-704: Was forced to retire before the end of the race due to a tire blowout leading to a crash. Before the crash, the WRX STI NBR Challenge 2022 was in second place for the SP3T class. STI also participates in the GT300 class of the Super GT series, campaigning the Legacy B4 GT300 starting in 2009, then switching to the BRZ GT300 from 2012 onward. In 2021, Subaru won the series championship with the updated BRZ GT300. Previously,

6308-534: Was made cleaner and was dubbed as the Boxer Phase 2 engine. The facelift the rest of the Impreza line had was also applied to the STi. The WRX STi weighed 1,270 kg (2,800 lb). 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. The interior was also changed slightly from the Version 4 including seats and steering.This model

6391-528: Was marketed in Japan for 1992; the RA deleted power windows, air conditioning, and the anti-lock braking system. In 1994, Subaru introduced the WRX STi; the STi were taken from the regular production line and modified to improve output and stiffen the chassis compared to the regular WRX. Meanwhile in the WRC, the Impreza 555 gave Subaru the Constructor's Championship in the World Rally Championship for three consecutive years between 1995 and 1997. STi introduced

6474-490: Was meant to represent the 555 cigarette brand was a major sponsor for Subaru in the WRC, as 22B is a hexadecimal representation of the decimal number 555. 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 prototype 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

6557-527: Was sold in the US without a radio or floormats. The car was rated at 300 bhp and 300 lbs-ft torque, although many feel it was under-rated on purpose. What made the car so special to most is the level of performance offered for a mid 30 thousand dollars car, that still has a back seat and a big trunk. Since its launch, many upgrades became available to increase power, handling and braking capabilities. Some weak links were discovered in most 2004–2007 models since

6640-454: Was stabilized to 100 STis a month. It had 250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp) at 6500 rpm and 31.5 kgf ·m (309 N·m , 228 ft·lbs) at 3500 rpm and weighed 1230 kg (2,710 lb). Before the STi, the highest trimline of the Impreza was the WRX and the WRX RA, first manufactured in November 1992. This version of the STi was the only version where the standard cars were taken at the end of

6723-402: 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 manual transmission (reputed to be one of the car's weak points) 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

6806-606: Was used for Group N homologation . This was the first Impreza STi model to be offered in the United States. Subaru unveiled this model in the Detroit International Auto Show, only 1 month after Mitsubishi announced the arrival of the 271 horsepower Lancer Evolution 8, which out-performed the 2.0L WRX. The 2004 WRX STi is considered to be the lightest (3263 lbs, official brochure and tested by Car & Driver Magazine) and rawest among 2004–2009 models. The car

6889-545: Was used for Group N homologation. 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

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