Subaru Impreza, WRX, and STi

The Subaru Impreza, Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STi are the core of Subaru’s lineup. The Impreza model has a rich history of racing, most specific Rally racing. Early versions offered a front wheel drive version, but most used All Wheel Drive, which is now standard on all Subaru models. The Impreza uses a variety of engines which are all based off of the EJ series. There is the 1.6, 1.8,  2.0 liter EJ20, the 2.2 liter EJ22 and the 2.5 liter EJ25, each with turbocharged and non-turbocharged options.

First Generation Subaru Impreza (GC, GF)

The Subaru Impreza went into production in late 1993, offering a FWD or AWD options and came as a Coupe, Sedan or Sport Wagon. Many used NA 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 engines. The WRX used a Turbcharged and Intercooled version of the EJ20 which created 241HP to 282HP in japan depengine on year and trim. Other countries who recieved the WRX got stuck with a 208HP version.

In 1994 The STi (Subaru Technica international) version was released, a ultra high performance version of the WRX to the Japanese and Euro markets. The STi came with a higher HP engine, better transmision and upgraded suspension. The STi won many rally races and quickly became a top choice for any street tuner car. The STi had a higher HP engine than the WRX but due to the restrictions by the Japanese goverment they were both rated at 278HP. Subaru later added a RA version which included manual windows, no AC and limited use of soundproofing for weight savings. The RA also used a shorter gear ratio.

North America sadly never recieved a Turbocharged version of the first generation Impreza. It was origionaly availible and 1.8liter engine, and was later availible as a 2.2L version and a 2.5RS version. Beggining in 1997 all Subaru Imprezas came with AWD. The 2.5RS version used body components from the japanese WRX.

Second Generation Subaru Impreza (GD, GG)

In 2001 Subaru introduced the new Impreza, with many changes. The new generation was heavier, taller, bigger and slower than older versions of the WRX/STi. But there were changes to the drivetrain which made this version more responsive. The WRX version was finally released in North America also. The 2.0L turbocharged WRX version was released in 2002 and created 227HP.

The STi version wasnt released until 2004. In 2004 the Impreza was semi redesigned. It used the same chassis and changed the Bumpers, hood and scoop, headlights, taillights, and the STi version came with a larger rally style spoiler. The Impreza 2.5RS came with a NA 2.5 liter engine. The WRX came with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and the STi came with a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine.

The Subaru Impreza was again semi redesigned in 2006 and changed the Bumpers, hood, headlights, taillights and front grille. The new version Impreza was much more aggresive looking. From 2008 - 2006 all Imprezas came with a variation of the 2.5 liter EJ25.

Third Generation Subaru Impreza GE, GH, GR

The third generation Subaru Impreza was unveiled at the 2007 NYC autoshow around the same time the new Mitsubishi Evo X was unveiled.  The new Impreza was designed to be more practical and forgiving than the Evo on normal roads. The new design was met mostly with critisism. The Impreza and WRX are rather plain looking with a huge hood scoop - which looks rather out of place… The STi was fitted with the only wide body version with more aggressive bumers and front grill. The engine is relativley un-changed from previous years but uses external engine parts from the Legacy GT such as the intake manifold, etc. The WRX retained the 227HP and the STi recieved 302HP.

The WRX goes 0-100 km/h in a time of 5.8 seconds while the STi does it in 5.2 seconds.