Vehicle Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan/Hatchback (WRC Homologation Special)
Competitors 2011:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged boxer engine, performance-tuned suspension, aggressive styling
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from Subaru's World Rally Championship success
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing the iconic WRX STI model
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, turbocharging, AWD system, manual transmission, clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (including ABS, EBD), wheels, tires, driveline
Electrical:
Power distribution, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC controls, body electrical, infotainment, ECU/ECM diagnostics
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, locks, security system
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, turbocharger replacement, brake system repair, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing
Special Procedures:
Alignment specifications, torque sequences, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., Subaru Select Monitor), ECU re-flashing
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
2.5L Horizontally Opposed Turbocharged DOHC 16-Valve Boxer (EJ257)
Horsepower:
305 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
7.7 Liters (8.1 US Quarts)
Oil Capacity:
5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (Full Synthetic recommended)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (TY856WR1MA)
Driver Controlled Center Differential:
Yes (DCCD - Driver Controlled Center Differential)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, multi-plate dry clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.5 Liters (2.6 US Quarts)
Length:
4,415 mm (173.8 in) - Sedan / 4,485 mm (176.6 in) - Hatchback
Width:
1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height:
1,475 mm (58.1 in) - Sedan / 1,470 mm (57.9 in) - Hatchback
Wheelbase:
2,625 mm (103.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
135 mm (5.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,505 kg (3,318 lbs) - Sedan / 1,520 kg (3,351 lbs) - Hatchback
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 1,950 kg (4,299 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
313 L (11.0 cu ft) - Sedan / 300 L (10.6 cu ft) - Hatchback (with seats up)
NHTSA Crash Test Rating 2011:
Overall: 4 Stars (Sedan/Hatchback); Frontal Driver: 4 Stars; Frontal Passenger: 4 Stars; Side Driver: 5 Stars; Side Rear Passenger: 4 Stars; Rollover: 4 Stars
Traction Control:
Yes (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Brake Assist:
Yes (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Standard Subaru ETR AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, and auxiliary input jack. Optional upgraded audio systems were available.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system was available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) under severe conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for iridium plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (EJ257 uses a timing chain, but serpentine belt requires inspection/replacement)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than earlier EJ series, some EJ257 engines can experience head gasket failures under high stress. Regular checks are advised.
Ringlands:
Prevalent issue with EJ257 engines, especially when modified or driven aggressively without proper tuning. Piston ringland failure can lead to compression loss and engine damage.
Clutch Wear:
Can wear prematurely with aggressive driving, particularly in track or rally-style use.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ257 engines exhibit higher than normal oil consumption, especially at higher mileage. Monitoring oil levels is crucial.
Differential Fluid Front:
Subaru Differential Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90, Capacity: 1.0 L (1.1 US qt)
Differential Fluid Rear:
Subaru Differential Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90, Capacity: 1.3 L (1.4 US qt)
Subaru Rally History:
Decades of success in WRC, IMSA, and other motorsport disciplines, building brand identity around AWD performance
Impreza Generations:
The 2011 model is part of the third generation (2007-2014), which notably switched from a sedan-only to offering a hatchback body style. The WRX STI sub-model received specific performance upgrades.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Years For Gen 3 Sti:
2007-2014
