Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, rally-inspired performance seekers, owners requiring in-depth technical information for maintenance and modification.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS
Performance Focus:
Known for its turbocharged Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and performance-oriented chassis tuning.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the complete technical documentation required to maintain, repair, and understand the complex systems of the GR/GV WRX STI.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, ignition, exhaust, turbocharger system, SI-Drive system, AWD system, manual transmission (six-speed), clutch system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear double wishbone), steering system, brakes (ventilated discs front/rear, ABS, EBD, Brembo calipers), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, engine control module (ECM) wiring, body control module (BCM) wiring, infotainment, airbags, cruise control, security system.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, locks, seating, HVAC system, interior trim, safety belts.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, inspection points.
Repair:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., turbocharger, injectors, alternator), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, diagnostic procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues.
Specifications And Diagrams:
Detailed torque specifications, wiring diagrams, component location diagrams, exploded views, measurement specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Type:
EJ257; Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), Turbocharged, Intercooled DOHC 16-valve
Horsepower Est:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM)
Torque Est:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (USDM)
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Twin-scroll Turbocharger, Top-mount Intercooler
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 Liters (7.6 US Quarts) - Check manual for exact capacity.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 Liters (5.1 US Quarts) with filter - Check manual for exact capacity.
ECU Type:
Denso ECU with Subaru's Engine Control System (SECS) and SI-Drive integration.
Type:
Six-speed Manual Transmission (TY856)
Type:
None for WRX STI models in this generation
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent GL-5 rated 75W-90) - Check manual for exact specification and capacity.
Front Differential Fluid:
GL-5 rated 75W-90 - Check manual for exact specification and capacity.
Rear Differential Fluid:
GL-5 rated 75W-90 (Hypoid Gear Oil) - Check manual for exact specification and capacity.
Length:
Approx. 4,415 mm (173.8 in) - Sedan
Width:
Approx. 1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,475 mm (58.1 in) - Sedan
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,505 kg (3,318 lbs) - Sedan
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 304 Liters (10.7 cu ft) - Sedan
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2012 model year, specific test results may vary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2012 model year, specific test results may vary)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Brembo performance brakes.
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, Subaru's Active Torque Split AWD.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seat belts.
Head Unit:
Subaru's standard audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Higher trims may include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and navigation systems.
Instrument Cluster:
Multi-function display with turbo boost gauge, gear position indicator, SI-Drive mode display, and check engine light.
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system allowing selection between Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp modes, altering throttle response, engine mapping, and AWD behavior.
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) allows manual adjustment of front/rear torque bias for optimized traction and handling.
Bluetooth:
Available on select trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
System:
Keyless entry and push-button start available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, for severe driving conditions (performance driving, track use). Standard interval often 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months. Refer to manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) using iridium-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) thereafter.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher, often meeting ACEA A3/B4 or specific Subaru specifications. Consult manual for exact grade.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (ensure high-temperature boiling point for performance use)
Engine Wear:
Piston ring land wear, potential head gasket issues (though less common on later EJ257 compared to earlier versions), valve seat recession with prolonged detonation.
Turbocharger Wear:
Wastegate issues, bearing wear if oil maintenance is neglected, intercooler piping leaks.
Clutch Wear:
Wear accelerated by aggressive driving and repeated launches. OEM clutch can be robust but requires proper engagement.
Rally Roots:
Subaru's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC) heavily influences the Impreza WRX STI's design and engineering.
G3 Generation:
The G3 (GR/GV) generation marked a significant shift, introducing a more distinct hatchback model (GR) and a sedan model (GV) derived from the Impreza platform, with performance tuning by Subaru Tecnica International (STI).
Manufacturing Plant:
Ōta, Gunma, Japan
Production Period:
2007-2014 (G3 generation), with 2012-2014 representing the later facelifted models.
Performance Accolades:
Consistently lauded for its handling, AWD grip, and rally-bred performance, often featuring on 'best performance car' lists.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Impreza models (including WRX variants) have frequently been featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets applicable EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year, as detailed in the manual's emissions control section.
