Full
European Type Approval
- 148 mph top speed and 5.2 second 0-60 mph time
- Meets all European noise and emission regulations
- Heavily modified turbo engine with Active Valve Control
- New six-speed gearbox
- Larger 17 ins Brembo brakes
- Larger 225/45 tyres on gold spoked 17x7.5 alloy wheels
- Uprated suspension with inverted struts
- Front and rear ‘Suretrac’ limited-slip differentials
- Faster steering rack for sharper responses
- Styling highlights include smoked glass projector beam headlamps
- Two versions – one with Prodrive-designed upgrade
- UK on sale date – January 2002
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ENGINE
Up to 80 per cent of the STi’s all-alloy engine is new compared to
the standard turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cam ‘boxer’ unit as fitted
to the regular Impreza WRX.
Extensive and painstaking modifications by Subaru’s motor sport
division – Subaru Tecnica International Inc – combine the utmost
durability, performance and throttle response with the fuel economy,
noise and emission levels expected of a road car.
In order to meet the stringent Euro3 exhaust emission levels, the
catalyst is uprated, the air-fuel ratio sensor modified and special
multi-hole fuel-injectors fitted.
Engine strength and rigidity are boosted by using semi-closed-deck
cylinder blocks, reshaping the piston head, fitting screw-in type
connecting rods and using forged pistons and shimless valve lifters.
Also aimed at high-rev durability are sodium-filled exhaust valves and
hollow intake valves.
A larger intercooler and air intake provide better cooling and a
special intercooler water spray is fitted, operated by the driver with
the water tank fitted in the boot.
Also specially fitted to the STi is Subaru’s Active Valve Control
System – variable valve timing – which ensures maximum engine
response over a wide rev-range.
The result is a maximum power output of 265 PS (261.5 bhp/195 kW) at
an accessible 6,000 rpm and 253 lb ft (343 Nm) torque at an equally
useable 4,000 rpm.
This compares with the standard WRX figures of 218 PS at 5,600 rpm
and 215.4 lb ft of torque at 3,600 rpm – significant increases of 47
PS and 37.6 lb ft.
As with the normal WRX, the horizontally-opposed four-cam, 16-valve
‘boxer’ engine has a bore and stroke of 92x75 mm for a capacity of
1,994 cc and runs on an 8.0:1 compression ratio.
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For anyone not up on their Scoobies, keeping track with the various
incarnations of the Impreza is quite a challenge. It seems barely a couple of
months go by without a new version being released, such is the appetite for
these cars amongst us Brits.
Two versions are being offered for Europe of the new STI - the standard STi
and the special edition STi Prodrive Style with Prodrive-designed spoilers,
grille and front bumper. Prices will be announced closer to the January 2002
on-sale-date. Both models have smoked glass projector beam headlamps, bigger
bonnet air intakes and a single large-diameter rear exhaust pipe.
Other shared differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured
spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue
suede-effect seats with STi logos and red stitching for the steering wheel, gear
knob and handbrake lever.
Also inside – and sure to please enthusiasts – is a switch to spray the
intercooler with water. Another device allows the driver to preset a warning
buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine.
On opening the bonnet, the engine compartment greets owners to a dramatic
mixture of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted
in red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with ‘STi’
lettering.
In addition, the STi Prodrive Style features a massive high-riding boot
spoiler, newly designed sill spoilers and a deeper, squarer front bumper. The
grille and badging resemble the WRC rally car. Interior enhancements over the
standard STi include dark blue-coloured instruments with red needles.
The Impreza STi and STi Prodrive Style will be available in four colours: WR
Blue Mica, Blue Black Mica, Premium Silver Metallic and Pure White.
The STi has a top speed of 148 mph and 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds from an
engine which has been specially developed to meet European Community Whole
Vehicle Type Approval standards – unlike the Japanese home-market STi.
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