Monday, January 31, 2011

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

There were six versions of the STi. The different versions were marketed with consecutive numbers. Another way to tell the version of a WRX STi was to look at the chassis code. Sedan STi Model Codes were GC8, Coupes were GM8 and Station Wagons were GF8, followed by a letter from A to G. There was a GC chassis version of the RS released in 2001 as well in the United States.
One common misconception is that every Impreza between 92-01 were "GC8's". The code breakdown is as follows; G - stands for Impreza, C - sedan, M - coupe, F - station wagon, The 8 stands for the 2.0 L turbo motor. So really, there are many combinations. A coupe STi would be GM8, sedan GC8, wagon GF8. Also, the code for the coupe American 2.5RS's was GM6 (6 standing for the 2.5 L N/A motor)
A JDM Sti Coupe has the code GC8. For example, a version 4 STi coupe has the code GC82DD, with the 2 representing 2-doors.

Japanese-spec

2004-2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi (US)

Version I (10/92 – 08/94) - GC8A/B

The first STi was known simply as WRX STi (there was no "version" moniker added to the name until the version II). 100 Imprezas per month were produced starting from February 1994. In March, production was stabilized to 100 STis a month. It had 250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp) at 6500 rpm and 31.5 kgf·m (309 N·m, 228 ft·lbs) at 3500 rpm and weighed 1230 kg (2,710 lb). Before the STi, the highest trimline of the Impreza was the WRX and the WRX RA, first manufactured in November 1992. This version of the STi was the only version where the standard cars were taken at the end of the assembly line and replaced by STi parts. After this version, the standard STi was built alongside the WRX on the production lines.
The WRX STi Type RA (marketing has made usage of the RA acronym in various ways; Record Attempt[6] is the current usage. "R = Racing, A = Group A, FIA the racing class the WRC Impreza competes in" has also been confirmed by Subaru of Japan; the correspondence can be seen on the discussion board for this article) produced 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp) and 32.5 kgf·m (319 N·m, 235 ft·lbs) of torque. This version of the WRX STi was a stripped out car that had no sound-deadening, radio or air-conditioning. It came sparsely equipped as it was to be sold to racing teams that would throw out the cheap parts for racing parts. This version of the WRX came with a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). This device was an electromechanical differential that could lock the differential. The DCCD would be beneficial to people who used it in various rally conditions.

Version II (09/94 – 08/96) - GC8C

The regular STi's engine output stood at 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp) and 32.5 kgf·m (319 N·m, 235 ft·lbs) of torque. This was the year that STi started painting the intake manifold red. The car weighed 1,240 kg (2,734 lb) and had gold wheels like those on the World Rally Championship Impreza.
The V-limited STi edition was produced. It was a limited edition that was often used to celebrate a Manufacturer or Driver title award to Subaru's World Rally Team. The interior is colored blue on the seat inserts and carpeting. The WRX Type RA STi received a radio and air-conditioning in the V-limited form. 1000 WRX STi Version 2 V-limited were produced. 555 (the cigarette brand that was the premier sponsor of the Subaru World Rally Team and became synonymous with the Impreza WRC livery) WRX Type RA STi Version 2 V-limited were produced.

Version III (09/96 – 08/97) - GC8D

. It developed about 300PS but output was reported at the then-established gentlemen's agreement power limit of 280 PS (210 kW; 280 hp). Torque peaked at 4000 rpm with a value of 35.0 kgf·m (343 N·m, 253 ft·lbs). In standard form, this version has a top speed of over 240 km/h. The car gained 10 more kilograms and weighed at 1,250 kg (2,756 lb). The STi shared the same face lift that the rest of the Impreza line received.
With Version III came the start of the coupe version of the WRX STi. It is called the WRX Type R STi. The coupe was chosen by Prodrive for use in the WRC because it was lighter and stiffer than the 4-door version, although it carried the same exterior dimensions. It was essentially a 2-door version of the WRX Type RA STi meaning it had DCCD, minimal sound insulation, close-gear ratios and hardened gearbox. This car also has a water-spray nozzle to dampen the top of the intercooler. The water will then evaporate, taking heat away from the intercooler and cooling the intake charge. This car was produced on an order-only basis.
Also, there was a WRX STI type RA (4-door) available in Version III. These have the same motor, gearbox and R180 diff as the Version III WRX STI Type R, including DCCD, aluminium bonnet and front guards, no sound deadening and thinner glass. The ECU is also an exclusive tune. The Type R tends to be a bit stiffer and weighs 1,190 kg (2,600 lb). The DCCD has been known to bite new drivers in the wet. The RA gets a roof vent instead of map lights, and wind up windows, although electrics are an option from factory.
Also available was a WRX Type R V-limited, in version III. It has a WRX motor with no forged internals like the STI, and it misses out on the 4 pot front brakes as they are to be installed by rally teams. It has a roof vent and is lightweight, making a good base for a rally car.
Version III STI runs a VF23 IHI ball bearing turbocharger while the JDM non-STI gets a VF22.

Version IV (09/97 – 08/98) - GC8E

Power remained at 280 PS but torque was raised from 253 lbs./ft of torque to 260. Forged pistons were also added.
The interior and the cockpit were changed into a newer design along with the new "White color" gauges. (white faced)

Version V (09/98-08/99) - GC8F

The power stayed the same as the previous version 280 PS . The engine layout and design was made cleaner and was dubbed as the Boxer Phase 2 engine. The facelift the rest of the Impreza line had was also applied to the STi. The WRX STi weighed 1,270 kg (2,800 lb). There were 1000 WRX Type RA STi Version 5 Limited cars and the WRX Type R STi Version 5 Limited cars had a 4 month waiting period for each order. The interior was also changed slightly from the Version 4 including seats and steering.This model was also produced as a 555 limited edition.
In 1998, Subaru of Japan produced a widebody, 2-door, Impreza called the 22B STi. The 22B was used to commemorate both Subaru's 40th anniversary as well as the 3rd consecutive manufacturer's title for Subaru in the FIA World Rally Championship. On the release of the sales, all 399 sold out from 30 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the report.[7] The cars had the starting VIN code of GC8E2SD. Another 25 were produced for export markets - see the 22B Type UK below.
The 22B had the EJ22 engine as opposed to the regular EJ20 engine. (Note internal Subaru material states the block comes from a V3 EJ20G NOT the EJ22G as most think. Also the intake manifold and heads were from the V4 EJ20K) This means the displacement was increased from 1994 cc to 2212 cc. The block is a closed-deck design. The heads (valves, valvetrain and such) were lifted from the STi Version 4 engine. It produce 350 PS (260 kW; 350 hp) at 6000 rpm and 363 N·m (267 ft·lbf, 37.0 kgf·m) of torque at a lower engine speed of 3200 rpm. The redline was lowered from 8000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The compression is an 8.0:1. The turbocharger is an IHI RHF 5HB (the internal company usage code is VF23).
This car was given a unique color of blue and had fender flared widebody taken from the Peter Stevens designed WRC car, thus widening the width by 80 mm (3.15 inches) for a total of 1,770 mm (69.7). During assembly, a WRX Type R chassis was taken off the line. The fenders were replaced with the 22B STi fenders. The car's curb weight is 1,270 kg (2,800 lb). The suspension is provided by Bilstein. The brakes were standard 4-piston/2-piston brakes. However, the color is red and the Subaru name cast on the brake calipers and painted white. The wheels were increased in size from the standard WRX Type R STi from 16x7" to 17x8.5" BBS Elektra wheels. The car is shod with 235/40 ZR17 Pirelli P Zeros. The clutch was upgraded to a sintered twin clutch with a ceramic disk. The transmission ratios are the same as the standard WRX Type R, but the gears were shot-peened for added reliability. The car has a unique hood, a WRC-inspired front bumper and a unique adjustable rear wing.
The 2011 model year Impreza WRX STI will be offered in the 4 door Sedan bodystyle once again after a three year absence from the STI line-up since the introduction of third generation model. The new WRX STI Sedan is built as "wide body" with flared fenders, front skirts, and rear valance, while the Hatchback model also come with similar treatments. The most noticeable feature on the STI Sedan is a large rear wing, characteristic of the last generation Impreza STI Sedan. With the new front bumper, the 2011 Impreza WRX STI is more aggressive compared to 2008-2010 models. The 2.5 flat four turbocharged engine with 305 horsepower is carried over, while tweaks in suspension will improve handling. The 2011 model year STI has stiffer spring, bigger anti roll bar, and new pillow ball bushings on the front lower arms. Also, US dealers are now requiring synthetic oil for 2011 models. It will now do 0-60 mph in 5 seconds and the quarter mile 13.7 seconds It should also be noted that, in Japan, the WRX STI models lack the Impreza name. They are officially referred to as the Subaru WRX STI 4-door and Subaru WRX STI 5-door.
Australia also received the 2011 model year Impreza WRX STI as 4 door Sedan and 5 door Hatch in the regular STI and luxury STI spec.R. Electric sunroof, Leather seats, Navigation system, and BBS wheels are standard on the STI spec.R, while Recaro seats are optional.

 

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