Vehicle Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STi), Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Rally-bred performance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged boxer engine, driver-focused.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repairs and maintenance for enthusiasts, crucial for preserving the performance and longevity of a high-performance vehicle.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain (AWD system, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system (including ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Power distribution, lighting, instruments, audio system, climate control, security system, diagnostic connectors, engine control module (ECM) wiring, body control module (BCM) wiring.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, glass, bumpers, paint and corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams for fault finding.
Specifications And Measurements:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, suspension geometry, diagnostic tool usage.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork procedures.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with clear visuals.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed turbocharged gasoline engine (Boxer)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, AVCS (Active Valve Control System)
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 305-310 hp (varies slightly by year and market)
Torque Lb-Ft:
Approx. 290-297 lb-ft (varies slightly by year and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)
Turbo Model:
IHI VF48 (or similar)
Intercooler:
Top-mounted air-to-air intercooler
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (TY856W1JA or similar)
Type:
None for STi models in this generation
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Differentials:
Front Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), Rear Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4,415 mm (173.8 in)
Length Hatchback:
Approx. 4,445 mm (175.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height Hatchback:
Approx. 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,500 - 1,550 kg (3,300 - 3,420 lbs)
NHTSA Overall:
4-Star (for 2009 Sedan, varies by year/test protocol)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (for applicable tests)
Brake System:
4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and Brake Assist. Brembo brakes (front and rear) standard on STi.
Traction Control:
Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with traction control and stability control.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (all models).
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio systems available.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry, optional proximity key and push-button start on later models.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 60,000 miles (Iridium type)
Timing Belt:
N/A (This generation uses a timing chain)
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30, API SG or higher, meeting Subaru specifications (e.g., Subaru Extra S or equivalent).
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Manual Transmission Oil API GL-5, SAE 75W-90.
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90.
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90. (Some models may require limited-slip additive).
Engine:
Piston ring land failure (ringland failure), head gasket leaks (though less common than earlier generations), turbocharger issues, oil consumption.
Suspension:
Uneven tire wear due to AWD and performance setup, potential premature wear of bushings and ball joints.
Drivetrain:
Clutch wear, differential issues under extreme use.
Subaru Motorsports:
Deep roots in World Rally Championship (WRC) success, heavily influencing the Impreza WRX STi development.
Third Gen Debut:
Introduced for the 2008 model year, marking a significant design shift from the previous generation with the introduction of the hatchback variant.
Gr Gv Distinction:
GR denotes the hatchback (2008-2014), GV denotes the sedan (2011-2014).
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
