Market Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, performance tuning community, owners seeking in-depth DIY repair knowledge.
Key Competitors 2012:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS
Performance Focus:
Designed for owners of the rally-bred WRX STI, emphasizing its turbocharged boxer engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and performance-oriented chassis.
Manual Utility:
Provides factory-level repair procedures, diagnostic information, and maintenance schedules crucial for maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of the WRX STI.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Turbocharger System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD System, Differentials, Axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Wheels & Tires
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Body Electrical (Lighting, Wipers, Horn), Audio System, SRS Airbag System
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Repair/Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper/Master Cylinder Replacement, Turbocharger Replacement, Fuel Injector/Pump Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair/Replacement
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Engine Performance Issues, Transmission Shifting Problems, Electrical System Faults, ABS/Traction Control Malfunctions, HVAC System Issues
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and fluid changes to detailed engine, transmission, and electrical system diagnostics and repair procedures. Includes torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and component removal/installation instructions.
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Turbocharged DOHC 16-Valve
Bore X Stroke Mm:
99.5 x 79.0
Turbocharger Model:
Mitsubishi TD05H-18G
Intercooler Type:
Top-mounted Air-to-Air
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Sequential Activation
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or Higher Recommended)
ECU Type:
Subaru ECU (ECU Tuning/Remapping is common in STI modifications)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (STI Specific) 'TS-Type'
Transmission Type:
None (STI models were exclusively manual)
Drivetrain Layout:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Differentials:
Front Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), Rear Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not rated for this specific trim/year, but predecessor models achieved good ratings.
IIHS Rating:
Good (for frontal offset, side impact - general Impreza platform)
Traction Control:
Yes (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Electronic Stability Control:
Yes (VDC)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Yes (ABS with EBD - Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and Load Limiters for Front Seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System
Head Unit Features:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.
Limited Slip Differentials:
Standard (Front Helical, Rear Mechanical, Center DCCD)
Bluetooth:
Optional, dependent on infotainment system package.
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential allows manual adjustment of the front-to-rear torque split for varying driving conditions.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,750 - 7,500 (depending on driving conditions, manual recommends 3,750 for severe use)
Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000 - 30,000
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
30,000 - 60,000 (Iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
30,000 - 60,000 (Manual Transmission, AWD fluid also recommended)
Brake Fluid Change Miles:
30,000
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.8 (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-4 or GL-5)
Transmission Fluid Type AWD Front Diff:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5)
Transmission Fluid Type Rear Diff:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Engine Failures:
Head gasket failures (less common on EJ257 than earlier EJ25s but still a concern), piston ringland failure (especially with aggressive tuning), thrown rods.
Turbocharger Issues:
Oil starvation leading to turbo failure, wastegate rattle.
Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of control arm bushings and ball joints, especially with aggressive driving.
Clutch Wear:
Can wear prematurely with aggressive driving or frequent launching.
Car And Driver నించ:
Car and Driver's 10Best list (previous generations of WRX/STI were frequent recipients, indicating overall platform strengths)
Motorsport Accolades:
The WRX STI lineage is synonymous with rally success, influencing its market perception as a highly capable performance vehicle.
Overall Performance Perception:
Highly regarded for its AWD system, responsive handling, and potent turbocharged engine, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
