Positioning:
Performance-oriented compact sedan/hatchback, a benchmark in rally-bred street cars.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R.
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), turbocharged Boxer engine, performance-tuned suspension.
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from Subaru's World Rally Championship success, embodying performance and durability.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians working on the 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, emissions control, turbocharger system.
Engine Management:
Engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor operation, fuel injection control, ignition timing, emissions controls.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (TY85) overhaul, clutch system, drivetrain, differentials (front, center, rear).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, struts, springs, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system overhaul, ABS, front Brembo calipers, rear calipers, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, body electrical systems, power accessories, HVAC controls, ECU pinouts.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, chassis components.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant service, blower motor, climate control unit.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, mechanical problems, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Engine and vehicle diagnostic procedures using scan tools, multimeter testing, and specialized equipment.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, measurement specifications, and critical component clearances.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Horsepower Rating:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm (USA/Japan Spec)
Torque Rating:
290 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (USA/Japan Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, Subaru's Variable Valve Lift and Timing (VVL/VVT) on intake camshaft.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (TY85)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
Optional Transmission:
N/A (STI models exclusively featured a 6-speed manual)
Center Differential:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with auto and manual modes.
Rear Differential:
Helical Limited Slip Front Differential, Viscous Coupling Center Differential, and a mechanical Limited Slip Rear Differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90. (e.g., Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil or equivalent)
Front Differential Fluid:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
Rear Differential Fluid:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger, 2007 model year front-end structure rating)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2003-2008 Impreza)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which includes stability and traction control functions.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters in front.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Head Unit:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input (may vary by trim/market).
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker audio system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Instrument Cluster:
Performance-oriented gauge cluster with tachometer, speedometer, boost gauge, and warning lights.
Auxiliary Input:
3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C and heater.
Seats:
Alcantara and leather-trimmed sport seats with driver's seat height adjustment.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal duty). Consult manual for exact conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommended replacement around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium type, replace approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (EJ257 uses a timing chain).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic oil meeting API SN or higher and ILSAC GF-5 or higher standards.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent long-life silicate-free coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ257 than EJ255, head gasket failures can still occur, often related to overheating or detonation.
Piston Ring Land Failure:
Ring land failure (cracking) can occur on high-mileage or aggressively driven EJ257 engines, often due to detonation.
Clutch Wear:
Due to the performance nature, clutches can wear faster than on standard vehicles, especially with hard use.
Turbo Failures:
Oil starvation or contamination can lead to turbocharger failure; regular oil changes with quality oil are crucial.
Rally Roots:
Subaru's extensive success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) heavily influenced the development of the WRX and STI models.
Second Generation:
The 2007 model is part of the second generation Impreza (GD/GG chassis), often referred to as the 'hawkeye' revision due to its distinctive headlights.
Sti Distinction:
The STI (Subaru Tecnica International) variant represents the highest performance trim, featuring a more powerful engine, enhanced drivetrain, and upgraded suspension and brakes compared to the WRX.
Production Location:
Mainly manufactured in Gunma, Japan.
Gd Chassis Production:
2000-2007 (with facelifts).
Road And Track Best Handling:
The Impreza WRX STI, across generations, frequently received accolades for its handling and performance from automotive publications.
Sports Compact Of The Year:
Various automotive awards for sports compact and performance car categories.
Edmunds Car Reviews:
Highly praised for its all-wheel-drive system, powerful engine, and handling prowess.