Subaru Introduces the 2004 Impreza WRX STi at North American International Auto Show
"No-Compromise" Performance Model is the Most Powerful Subaru Ever Offered in North America
DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003 — Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the long-awaited 2004 Impreza WRX STi, an ultra high-performance all-wheel drive sedan, at the North American International Auto Show. Based on the critically acclaimed Subaru Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX STi is completely re-engineered to provide world-class sports car levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance. Impreza WRX STi will serve as the performance flagship of the Subaru line when it arrives in dealerships this summer and will earn distinction as the most powerful Subaru ever offered for sale in North America.
The Impreza WRX STi draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, and is designed to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast. Impreza WRX STi is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter DOHC boxer engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque, teamed exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a sophisticated Subaru All-Wheel Drive system designed to optimize performance in all conditions.
Introducing Subaru Tecnica International (STI)
STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Subaru, which offers the only exclusively All-Wheel Drive line of passenger cars and crossover-type vehicles in the United States, has been proving the performance and durability of its All-Wheel Drive technology in World Rally Championship competition since 1989.
Until now, STi-badged Subaru vehicles had been available only in select world markets. However, the success of the WRX in the U.S. prompted strong (and vocal) demand from American consumers for an even more extreme-performance version of this car. As a result, the U.S.-market Impreza WRX STi gives up nothing compared to models offered in Europe, Japan and other markets and in some ways offers more performance. For example, the 2.5-liter turbocharged powerplant is the largest displacement engine ever installed in a WRX STi model and is exclusive to the North American market. This unique engine also provides strong torque characteristics at both low and high rpm.
Rally Tested, Road Ready
The Impreza WRX STi benefits from the redesigned front and rear styling of the 2004 Impreza line. The expressive new design is the result of close consultation with Subaru STi engineers and the Subaru World Rally Team to improve air resistance, optimize lift force balance, maximize engine cooling and provide Impreza models with a bolder, more dynamic appearance. In its exterior design, Impreza WRX STi leaves no doubts about its performance potential -- a look that is equally functional. The enlarged hood scoop in the aluminum hood feeds outside air to the intercooler that is significantly larger than the unit found on Impreza WRX. A completely functional dual element rear spoiler-which appears to be borrowed directly from the Subaru World Rally Car-helps reduce lift and improve stability at high speed. Airflow is also managed via front side spoilers on the front bumper and STi side ground effects. The front fascia features four high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with smoke tinted lenses and distinctive STi fog light insert covers for a no-nonsense look. Large diameter Brembo® brakes are clearly visible between the spokes of the 17-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy BBS® wheels.
The 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder engine is based on a specially reinforced "semi-closed deck" engine block with forged aluminum alloy pistons, forged high-carbon steel connecting rods and sodium-filled exhaust valves. This advanced powerplant incorporates Subaru AVCS (Active Valve Control System) variable valve timing technology to optimize the engine's volumetric efficiency throughout the rev band. It is the first application of this technology on a Subaru in North America. The large capacity intercooler includes a manually operated water spray feature to provide additional cooling.
Driver-Adjustable All-Wheel Drive
WRX STi is equipped with the brand's most performance-directed All-Wheel Drive system with DCCD (Driver Control Center Differential). In automatic mode, the computer varies the front/rear torque split automatically depending on driving conditions and driver input. In manual mode, the DCCD system allows the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution for different driving conditions. Using a small control wheel on the car's center console, the driver can set the system to transfer as much as 65 percent of available torque to the rear wheels to increase handling agility. Impreza WRX STi employs a new Suretrac® limited-slip front differential and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. The Suretrac differential is a gearless unit that responds to a torque differential between left and right wheels to increase traction and reduce understeer.
Form Follows Function
Inside are several reminders that Impreza WRX STi is a special vehicle. The sport-design front seats feature substantial side bolsters, an integrated head restraint design and an embroidered "STi" logo. The seats are upholstered in unique perforated blue Ecsaine® fabric with contrasting black knit bolsters, complemented by expressive blue floor carpeting. STI engineers also examined a wide range of measures to help reduce weight, eliminating items that did not enhance performance. As a result, Impreza WRX STi does not include a standard sound system. However, an optional sound system will be available at Subaru dealers. Other weight reduction measures include the use of lightweight rear window glass, aluminum control arms and forged aluminum wheels. Comfort features such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks and power mirrors - amenities that an owner cannot add after the sale - are included as standard equipment.
A revised STi instrument gauge cluster places a 9,000-rpm tachometer in the center, complemented by a 160-mph speedometer, DCCD display, fuel and temperature gauges. Red LED indicators and an illuminated "STi" logo in the tachometer reinforce the sporty driving environment. Offering a preview the vehicle's performance potential, all the gauge needles swing to their maximum positions when the ignition is switched on, then fall back to their normal positions. All three primary gauges are trimmed with aluminum rings. A Subaru World Rally Team-designed black leather-wrapped MOMO® brand steering wheel with red upper stitching and black lower stitching and matching leather-wrapped parking brake handle with red stitching are also unique to Impreza WRX STi.
Competition-Proven Handling
A super-stiff Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with a hydroformed front subframe form the basis of the high-integrity Impreza platform. The 4-wheel independent suspension inherits technology from the Impreza World Rally Championship competition car, but has been strictly optimized in the WRX STi for high cornering performance on paved roads. Compared to the standard WRX, the STi version has been lowered by 0.4-inch, yielding a lower center of gravity. New inverted struts in the front and rear suspension reduce unsprung vehicle weight and increase bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering.
The WRX STi employs a quicker steering ratio than the standard WRX model - 15.0-to-1 compared to 16.5-to-1 for the WRX. As standard equipment, Subaru equips the WRX STi with 17x7.5-inch BBS aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/45 ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 directional performance tires.
Brembo® Brakes with Super Sport ABS
Subaru has equipped the Impreza WRX STi with one of the most advanced and performance-optimized braking systems on the market today. The powerful Brembo Performance Brake System employs ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes to help ensure stopping power and consistency commensurate with the vehicle's extreme performance capability. The front discs measure 12.7 inches in diameter and 1.2-inch thick and utilize four-piston, fixed-position calipers. The rear discs are 12.3 inches in diameter and 0.8-inch thick and make use of two-piston, fixed-position calipers.
A combination of Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and a new Super Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to reduce stopping distances and understeer when compared to conventional ABS systems. Conventional ABS systems control the rear wheels as a pair, reducing the braking force to both wheels when a loss of traction is detected at either wheel. Using input from a lateral g-sensor, Super Sport ABS can independently control the braking forces at each wheel, optimizing the braking ability during hard cornering - resulting in reduced understeer. EBD also provides a more precise control of braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to improve stopping distances and stability.
Standard safety features include front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS), dual front airbags and three-point seatbelts. Front seat belts include electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters. All 2004 Impreza models receive collapsible pedal controls that "break away" during a frontal impact to help reduce foot injuries.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 franchised dealers across the United States.
