Segment:
Performance compact sedan/hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, motorsport participants
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS (in certain markets)
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, potent turbocharged engine, performance-tuned suspension
Driver Controls:
Driver-Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), SI-Drive system
Manual Value:
Essential for owners seeking to maintain, repair, or enhance their high-performance vehicle
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, turbocharger system, exhaust system, emissions control
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (TY85), clutch, driveshafts, differentials (front, center, rear), AWD system (DCCD)
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (power assist), alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, parking brake, brake fluid specifications
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, instrument cluster, audio system, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, underbody components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU programming (may require specific tools)
Installation Replacement:
Component removal and installation procedures for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled
Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
Engine Management:
Multi-point fuel injection with Subaru Engine Management System (EMS)
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM)
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (USDM)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with individual coil-on-plug
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (TY85)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver-Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Type:
N/A (Only manual transmission offered for STI in this generation)
Dccd Modes:
Auto, Manual (6 settings for front/rear torque bias)
Differentials:
Helical Limited Slip Front Differential, Viscous Center Coupling, Torsen Limited Slip Rear Differential
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90) for transmission and front/rear differentials
NHTSA Front Crash:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash:
5 Stars
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (front and rear), driver's knee airbag
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions
Body Structure:
High-tensile strength steel body structure
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability, available premium audio system (e.g., JBL)
Display:
Multi-information display in instrument cluster, potentially a basic central display for audio/climate
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive system allowing driver to select between Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp modes, affecting throttle response, engine mapping, and VDC behavior.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty) - Check owner's manual for specific recommendations
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (iridium type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (EJ257 uses a timing chain, but tensioners and guides may have recommended service intervals)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher) - Check specific Subaru recommendations
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent long-life, ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru additive package
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Piston Ringland Failure:
Predominantly in earlier EJ25 engines, but can affect later models under aggressive use or poor tuning. Manual addresses proper assembly and diagnostics.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ257 engines can exhibit higher-than-average oil consumption. Manual provides guidelines for monitoring and potential causes.
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated with aggressive driving. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Suspension Bushings:
Can wear over time, leading to noise or handling degradation. Manual guides replacement.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.9 US quarts (7.5 liters)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.6 US quarts (2.5 liters)
Motorsport Legacy:
Subaru's deep roots in World Rally Championship (WRC) and motorsports heavily influence WRX STI development
Generation:
Third Generation Impreza (GR/GV/GH/GE), WRX STI variant
Design Change:
Transition to hatchback body style (GR) for some markets, continued sedan (GV) availability. Introduction of DCCD.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Years:
2007-2014 (for this generation)