autoevolution
 

Segment: Compact
Production years: 2001, 2002, 2003

SUBARU Impreza WRX STi 2001-2003 8 Photos
SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)SUBARU Impreza WRX STi (2001-2003)

Subaru Technica International. These three letters added to the back of the Impreza WRX made a huge difference known by petrolheads and, especially, by those who loved rallies.

Noriyuki Koseki raced in the World Rally Championship with Subaru vehicles, and it noticed that there was room for improvement. That's why he started the STI. It aimed to get better results for the Japanese carmaker. Soon, he started to work closely with the carmaker and tuned the racing vehicles. In 2000, Subaru asked STI to built a street version for the already known Subaru Impreza WRX. And that's what it did.

While the engineers burned the midnight oil, Subaru's designers seemed to be off-duty, and the car's design was one of the most unsuccessful ones in the brand's history. Its big, round headlights attracted the nickname "bugeye." Instead of round fog-lights in the bumper, the carmaker installed two lids with the STI red lettering on them. In the back, the engineers installed a ridiculously big wing on the trunk lid.

Inside, the race-inspired bucket seats were tight and offered great side support during hard cornering. And the Impreza was mastering that. Due to the slim front seats, there was enough room in the back for three adults. Although not too many people bought the STI for the comfort of the rear seats. The instrument cluster was simple and featured only the regular dials for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temp-level. The center dial, which was for the rev-counter, displayed the STI red letters.

Under the hood, the engineers installed a 2.0-liter flat-four engine. It was helped by a turbocharged to offer 265 hp. It was paired to a 6-speed manual and sent the power to all four wheels via a unique Subaru tuned system.

SUBARU Impreza WRX STi 2001, 2002, 2003
  1 gasoline engine
  • 2.0 Turbo 6MT AWD (265 HP)

SUBARU Impreza WRX STi
2.0 Turbo 6MT AWD (265 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0 Turbo 6MT AWD (265 HP)
Cylinders:B4
Displacement:1994 cm3
Power:195 KW @ 6000 RPM
265 HP @ 6000 RPM
261 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:253 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
343 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:147.9 mph (238 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):5.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:6-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:215/45 R17
DIMENSIONS
Length:173.4 in (4404 mm)
Width:68.1 in (1730 mm)
Height:56.5 in (1435 mm)
Front/rear Track:58.7/58.9 in (1,491/1,496 mm)
Wheelbase:99.4 in (2525 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.1 in (155 mm)
Cargo Volume:14.1 cuFT (399 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.33
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3240.8 lbs (1470 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4188.8 lbs (1900 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:14.1 mpg US (16.7 L/100Km)
Highway:24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km)
Combined:19.4 mpg US (12.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:290 g/km
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