Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Overview
The Subaru Impreza WRX STi is a rally-bred performance icon that brought WRC technology to the streets. First launched in the early 1990s as a homologation special, the STi (Subaru Tecnica International) version took the standard WRX to the next level—offering upgraded engines, transmissions, suspension, and aggressive styling. With its distinctive boxer engine growl, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and rally heritage, the STi earned a cult following worldwide and helped define an entire era of turbocharged, all-weather sports sedans.
Key Features
• Engine: 2.0L or 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 (boxer)
• Power Output: ~276–310 hp (depending on market and generation)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual (STi models)
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD with driver-controlled center differential (DCCD on later STis)
• Suspension: Rally-tuned with strut braces and performance dampers
• Brakes: Brembo performance braking system
• Body Styles: 4-door sedan and 5-door hatch (depending on generation)
• Weight: Approx. 1,400–1,500 kg
Performance
• 0–100 km/h (62 mph): ~4.8–5.5 seconds
• Top Speed: ~250 km/h (155 mph)
• Handling: Legendary grip and balance on tarmac, gravel, or snow
Production & Generations
From the legendary GC8 of the 90s, through the “bugeye,” “blobeye,” and “hawkeye” GD chassis, to the modern VA and VB platforms, each generation of the WRX STi built on the last—refining power, precision, and presence. JDM versions often received higher output and more advanced features than their global counterparts, making them especially prized among collectors.
Legacy
The Impreza WRX STi’s rally DNA is no gimmick—this is a car that dominated the World Rally Championship in the hands of Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg. It’s as much a motorsport legend as it is a road car, and its mix of everyday usability with blistering performance made it a hero of the 1990s and 2000s tuning scene.
Why Buy?
If you’re looking for raw, mechanical performance, a visceral driving feel, and go-anywhere confidence, the WRX STi delivers in spades. It’s a true enthusiast’s car—equally at home carving backroads, sliding through snow, or dominating track days. And with its rally-bred roots, iconic silhouette, and unmistakable exhaust note, it’s a modern classic that commands respect.
