Segment:
Performance compact sedan/hatchback, rally-bred sports car.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STI), Volkswagen Golf R, Ford Focus RS (later generations).
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
Engine Type:
Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EJ257).
Suspension:
Performance-tuned suspension with inverted struts and upgraded components.
Brakes:
Large, high-performance Brembo brakes (front and rear).
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan (GV) and 5-door hatchback (GR).
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, exhaust system, turbocharger system, engine management system (ECU).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (TY757) maintenance, repair, and overhaul, including clutch system, driveshafts, and differentials.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, including ABS, EBD, brake fluid, pads, rotors, and calipers.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel alignment specifications, and chassis components.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column repair and maintenance.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagrams, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, mirrors, audio system, immobilizer, and ECU diagnostics.
Body:
Body panel repair, interior trim, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, and collision repair guidelines.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, and spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake replacement, and electrical component repair.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, and diagnostic data.
Installation:
Instructions for replacing common wear items and optional accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Configuration:
2.5-liter turbocharged, horizontally opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder.
Horsepower Hp:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with side-feed fuel injectors.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Type:
Twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler.
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with advanced diagnostics.
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (TY757)
Type:
N/A (STI models are manual only)
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with manual/auto modes.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ExtraS Gear Oil (GL-5) 75W-90 or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Capacity Liters:
2.2 Liters
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not explicitly rated for 2009 model year by NHTSA, but predecessor models generally performed well.
Traction Control:
Standard Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags (standard on most trims).
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Crumple Zones:
Engineered crumple zones for improved crash energy absorption.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving). Recommended to check manually for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs recommended replacement at 60,000 miles.
Timing Belt Or Chain:
EJ257 utilizes a timing chain, generally maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but regular inspection for tensioner issues is advised.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.8 Liters (5.1 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Mixture 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Reliability:
Potential for head gasket failures (less common on EJ257 compared to earlier EJ25 variants), piston ring land failures under extreme conditions, and turbocharger wear. Proper maintenance and avoiding excessive revving/harsh conditions are key.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch can wear prematurely with aggressive driving.
Suspension Components:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, affecting handling and alignment.
Subaru Motorsports:
Subaru's rich heritage in World Rally Championship (WRC) racing, influencing the Impreza WRX STI's development.
Generation Designation:
Third Generation (2008-2014), specifically the GR/GV chassis code.
Design Change 2009:
The 2009 model year saw the discontinuation of the sedan body style in North America for the WRX STI, with the hatchback becoming the sole offering for a period, before the sedan returned for later model years.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan.