Positioning:
Performance-oriented compact sports sedan/hatchback, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive system.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS.
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engine, performance-tuned suspension, aerodynamic enhancements.
Dealer Advantage:
Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as manuals used by authorized Subaru technicians.
Engine:
Engine mechanical ( EJ255, EJ257), engine control systems, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, emission control.
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (TY856WR) and automatic transmission (if applicable to specific STI variants of this generation), clutch, driveline.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering system, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system components (Brembo calipers), hydraulic systems, ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, electrical component locations, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, body control module (BCM).
Body:
Body construction, exterior and interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, collision repair information.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearances, fluid capacities, component tolerances.
Depth:
Factory-level technical information for dealership technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete component overhauls.
Digital Format:
Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and schematics.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory manuals for clarity of text and images.
Binding:
N/A (if digital) or professionally bound (if printed).
Paper Type:
N/A (if digital) or high-quality, durable paper for workshop environments (if printed).
Engine Code And Type:
EJ257, 2.5-liter turbocharged DOHC flat-four Boxer engine.
Horsepower:
Approximately 305-310 hp (varies slightly by year and market).
Torque:
Approximately 290-295 lb-ft (varies slightly by year and market).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) with sequential fuel injection.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition system (coil-on-plug).
Turbo Model:
IHI VF48 or similar variable valve timing (VVT) equipped turbocharger.
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (TY856WR).
Type:
None for WRX STI models of this generation, manual was standard.
Drivetrain:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90) for manual transmission and front/rear differentials.
Wheelbase:
Hatchback (GR): 103.2 inches (2620 mm); Sedan (GV): 104.9 inches (2665 mm).
Length:
Hatchback (GR): 173.8 inches (4415 mm); Sedan (GV): 180.3 inches (4580 mm).
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm).
Height:
Hatchback (GR): 57.9 inches (1470 mm); Sedan (GV): 58.1 inches (1475 mm).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,375 - 3,439 lbs (1531 - 1560 kg), depending on body style and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specified in vehicle's owner's manual and compliance plate.
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 19.1 cubic feet (seats up).
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 11.6 cubic feet.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested).
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Some models in this generation received Top Safety Pick ratings.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with driver-selectable modes.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Head Unit:
Base models featured CD/MP3 players with auxiliary input. Higher trims offered touchscreen infotainment systems with navigation options, Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio System:
Optional premium audio systems, often from Harman Kardon.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Keyless entry and ignition systems available on certain trims.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming became increasingly common in this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions). 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal driving conditions), though many enthusiasts opt for shorter intervals due to the high-performance nature of the engine.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Timing Belt:
This generation utilizes a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine, unlike older timing belt systems.
Engine Oil:
0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic engine oil meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 standards. Capacity: Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or an equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru's specific additive package. Capacity: Approx. 6.7 quarts (6.3 liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Piston Ring Land Failure:
Known issue in some EJ25 engines, particularly when subjected to aggressive tuning or abuse, leading to oil consumption or engine failure. The manual details inspection procedures and potential remedies.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance nature can lead to faster clutch wear with aggressive driving. Manual covers clutch replacement procedures.
Oil Cooler Lines:
Potential for leaks from oil cooler lines or fittings. Manual provides routing and connection details.
Rally Roots:
Subaru's deep roots in the World Rally Championship (WRC) directly influenced the Impreza WRX STI's development and performance focus.
Third Gen Launch:
Introduced in 2007 for the 2008 model year, this generation saw a significant redesign with the introduction of the hatchback body style alongside the traditional sedan.
Sti Specifics:
The STI model received more powerful engines, performance-tuned suspension (including inverted front struts), Brembo brakes, and advanced AWD systems like DCCD.
Manufacturing Location:
Mainly manufactured in Japan.
Performance Acclaim:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, acceleration, and AWD capabilities, often winning comparisons against competitors.
Car And Driver 10Best:
While not always making the '10Best' list every year, the WRX STI lineup was a frequent contender and well-regarded by publications like Car and Driver.
