Segment:
Performance Compact / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, performance tuners.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS, BMW M235i.
Performance Focus:
Engineered for high-performance driving, rally heritage.
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
Engine Technology:
Robust EJ257 Boxer engine with twin-scroll turbocharger.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing belt, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnosis and troubleshooting, sensors, actuators, turbocharger system.
Transmission:
6-speed manual gearbox (TY856), clutch system, drivetrain, AWD system (DCCD), differentials (front, center, rear).
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS, EBD, brake lines, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, sway bars, alignment specifications, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, wheel alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system.
Diagnostic Tools:
OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for component replacement and repair for engine, transmission, brakes, etc.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for dismantling and reassembling major vehicle components.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (manual locking capability)
Type:
N/A (STI was manual-only for this generation)
Differential Types:
Front helical limited-slip, center mechanical/electronic (DCCD), rear mechanical limited-slip.
Gear Oil Capacity:
3.0 L (Rear Diff), 2.5 L (Center Diff/Transfer Case)
Gear Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S recommended)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Headlight Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Vsc:
Standard Vehicle Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis with crumple zones.
Head Unit:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input.
Optional Audio:
Available Bose premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry and alarm system.
Bluetooth:
Not standard on all models, some may have aftermarket or dealer-installed options.
System:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving conditions), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (NGK iridium recommended).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 105,000 miles or 84 months.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 US Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter (SAE 5W-30 Synthetic)
Coolant Capacity:
7.7 US Quarts (7.3 Liters) (Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less common than in earlier EJ engines, gasket leaks can still occur, especially with modified engines.
Piston Ring Land Failure:
Can occur in higher-mileage or heavily modified engines due to detonation or excessive cylinder pressure.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutch can wear faster with aggressive driving.
Suspension Bushings:
Can degrade over time, affecting handling and ride quality.
Motor Trend Award:
While the Impreza line has received awards, specific 2011 WRX STI awards are less prominent compared to earlier generations; however, it consistently ranked highly in performance compact categories.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Impreza WRX/STI has frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations, establishing its performance credentials.
Homologation:
Built with motorsport (rallying) homologation in mind, influencing its chassis and drivetrain design.