Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, rally fans, performance driving community
Key Rivals:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI/R
Performance Drivetrain:
Turbocharged Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Suspension Tuning:
Performance-tuned suspension for agile handling
Chassis Stiffness:
Reinforced chassis for rally-bred performance
Braking System:
Performance braking system, often Brembo equipped
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, component testing, torque specifications
Engine Management System:
ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition timing
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear ratios, shift linkage
Transmission Automatic:
Not applicable for WRX STI model
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, differentials, driveshafts, prop shaft
Suspension:
Front/rear suspension components, alignment specifications, damper service
Brakes:
ABS system, brake fluid specifications, caliper/rotor service, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column components
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant, compressor service
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, chassis components, collision repair basics
Interior:
Seating, dashboard, trim panel removal, airbags
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based diagnostics
Component Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for removing, repairing, and reinstalling major components
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Listing and interpretation of OBD-II codes
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Factory Level
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostics, scan tool usage, sensor data interpretation
Rebuilding:
Full rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, differentials
Engine Type:
EJ257 Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharger:
Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with Intercooler
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue)
Coolant Capacity:
7.4 US quarts (7.0 Liters)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Code:
TY856WB1AA
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver-Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Differentials:
Front Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Rear Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S GL5 75W-90 or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.5 US quarts (2.4 Liters)
Front Differential Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S GL5 75W-90 or equivalent
Front Differential Fluid Capacity:
0.9 US quarts (0.85 Liters)
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S GL5 75W-90 or equivalent
Rear Differential Fluid Capacity:
0.9 US quarts (0.85 Liters)
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (Driver & Passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash:
5-Star (Front & Rear Seat)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Airbags Side:
Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Front and Rear Side-Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-Point ELR Front and Rear Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System
Audio System:
Premium audio system with CD player, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input, and optional navigation.
Display:
Multi-function display in dashboard for vehicle settings and audio information.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system.
Intermittent Wipers:
Adjustable intermittent front wipers.
Usb Input:
Optional USB input for media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (NGK Iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (Timing Chain)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (Manual Transmission)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
Less common on EJ257 compared to earlier EJ25, but still a potential concern requiring specific repair procedures detailed in the manual.
Ring Land Failure:
Can occur with aggressive tuning or improper maintenance; manual provides critical torque and lubrication specs.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance usage can lead to premature clutch wear; manual details replacement procedures.
Turbocharger Issues:
Potential for oil starvation or bearing failure if maintenance is neglected; manual outlines proper lubrication and service.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI (and its predecessors) has frequently been recognized by Car and Driver on its annual '10Best Cars' list, highlighting its performance and value.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While the WRX STI often competes in categories for performance cars, the Impreza line has historically been considered for MotorTrend's Car of the Year awards.
Emission Standards:
Meets U.S. EPA and CARB emission standards for its model year.