GC8B (10/1993-8/1994)In October, 1993, Subaru introduced the 1994 model year WRX which produced 240 PS (176.5 kW; 236.7 hp). The rear rotors were substituted from ventilated disk to solid disk. October 1993 was also the start of production of the hatchback version, with 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp).
The first STI was known simply as "WRX STI", with 100 per month were produced starting from February 1994. It had 250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp). 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. An STI version of the Type RA was also offered, again with many amenities deleted to reduce weight and cost. Producing 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp), this version of the WRX STI came with a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). This device was an electromechanical differential that could lock the differential.
GC8C (9/1994-9/1996)
1995 Subaru Impreza WRX (GC8C)
In November 1994, the WRX had a power increase to 260 PS (191.2 kW; 256.4 hp). The wheel diameters were increased to 16 inches (410 mm) and brake rotors were both changed to ventilated disks. In Japan, the WRX engine was also offered with the hatchback body variant and was called the "Impreza Gravel Express" but was discontinued due to very limited sales.
To commemorate Colin McRae's success in the international rally scene, Subaru in the UK released 200 limited edition "Series McRae" WRXs in June 1995, prepared by Prodrive. These vehicles were finished in a very limited "Rally Blue" colour scheme, sported gold 16-inch alloy wheels, McRae decals, individual numbered badging from 1–201 (car 13 was never built since the number 13 is considered unlucky), and a factory-fitted electric tilt/slide sunroof. Recaro seats were fitted in the front, and the rear seats and side panels were retrimmed in the same Le Mans/Avus material.
The regular STI's engine output stood at 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp). The car weighed 1,240 kg (2,734 lb) and had gold wheels like those on the World Rally Championship Impreza. Now, the STI was built alongside the WRX on the production lines.
1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STI RA
The 1996 model year WRX debuted in January 1996. The WRX design received minimal mechanical changes, but a WRX V-Limited Edition was introduced to celebrate the success of the Impreza WRC car in the FIA
WRC. It was mechanically the same to the WRX but had a curb weight nudge to 1,240 kg (2,734 lb). The V-limited cars are painted in World Rally Blue. A WRX STI V-limited edition was also produced. 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. 1,000 WRX STI Version 2 V-limited were produced, with 555 WRX Type RA STI Version 2 V-limited models produced.
GC8D (9/1996-9/1997)In September 1996, the WRX was updated with new styling. The WRX now has a power rating of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) and now weighed 1,250 kg (2,756 lb). Although it actually developed about 300 PS, the output was under-reported at the then-established gentlemen's agreement power limit of 280 PS.
Subaru in the UK released the WRX "Catalunya" in March 1997, a limited production of 200 cars (again excluding car number 13) in black with red flecks riding on gold alloy wheels. The Catalunya was made to celebrate winning Subaru's second WRC manufacturer's title at the Rally of Spain (Catalunya).
With GC8D came the start of the coupé version of the WRX STI. It is called the WRX Type R STI. The coupé was chosen by
Prodrive for use in the WRC because it was lighter and stiffer than the sedan, although it carried the same exterior dimensions. It was essentially a two-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 (sedan) available, with 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. It has a WRX motor with no forged internals like the STI, and it misses out on the four-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.
GC8E (1997)In Europe, the Subaru Impreza WRX GT's (Turbo 2000 in UK) interior was updated to leather. For the STI, power remained at 280 PS. Forged pistons were also added. The interior and the cockpit were changed into a newer design along with the new white colored gauges.
For the UK, the WRZ "Turbo Terzo" was released in April 1998. 333 cars in blue with gold alloy wheels were produced to celebrate Subaru's WRC title.
In 1998, Subaru of Japan produced a widebody, coupe WRX STI called the "22B STI" produced between March and August 1998. The 22B was used to commemorate both Subaru's 40th anniversary as well as the third consecutive manufacturer's title for Subaru in the FIA World Rally Championship. On the release of the sales, all 400 Japanese units sold out from 30 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the report.
[6][/sup] Another 24 were produced for export markets—16 for the UK, along with another 5 for Australia, and 3 prototypes. The 16 cars imported to the UK were modified by Prodrive, with longer gear ratios, and UK specification lights. Because 50 22Bs had already been imported privately into the UK, Subaru had to wait until 1999 to register the 16 officially imported cars under the
VCA's Single Vehicle Approval scheme.
The 22B had the
EJ22 engine (note, the internal Subaru material states the closed-deck block comes from a V3
EJ20G). This means the displacement was increased from 1,994 cc to 2,212 cc. It produced 280 PS (210 kW; 280 hp). 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). The car has a unique hood, front and rear fenders, a WRC-inspired front bumper and a unique adjustable rear wing. During assembly, a WRX Type R chassis was taken off the line. The fenders were replaced with the 22B STI fenders. The suspension is provided by Bilstein, while the brakes were Brembo manufactured painted red. The wheels were increased in size from the standard WRX Type R STI from 16- to 17-inches and the clutch was upgraded to a sintered twin clutch with a ceramic disk. The origin of the name 22B has often been debated. Many assume 22 referred to the 2.2 liter displacement and the B was for the Bilstein suspension. This would correlate with the idea that Subaru sells a Legacy Spec B, where the B represents the Bilstein suspension. The car's curb weight is 1,270 kilograms (2,800 lb).
GC8F (9/1998-9/1999)Mechanically this was virtually the same as its predecessor. The torque was increased a little from 242 to 250 lb·ft (328 to 339 N·m) at 4000 rpm. The weight also continues to increase and is set at 1,300 kg (2,800 lb).
Subaru Impreza WRX RB5
To celebrate the return of British driver
Richard Burns to the rally team, a limited edition of 444 WRX "RB5" models in gray were created in 1999 for the UK. The basic model had little more than cosmetic differences, but most had the WR Sport Performance Pack, an option consisting of a new ECU and exhaust for 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) torque. There was also an optional
Prodrivesuspension pack.
The standard UK Impreza Turbo 2000 was also tuned and partly restyled by Prodrive in 1999 to create the WRX "Prodrive WR Sport". It featured a unique interior, suspension upgrade, new bodykit and wheels, plus WR Sport decals and an optional ECU upgrade.
For the STI, the power stayed the same as the previous version but 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 each had a four-month waiting period. The interior was also changed slightly, including seats and steering. This model was also produced as a 555 limited edition.
GC8G (9/1999-9/2000)
1999–2000 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (GC8G)
The last version of the GC WRX was introduced on September 1999. There is no change in the mechanical specifications. Added features are newly designed alloy wheels, color-coded mirrors and door handles, remote central locking, intermittent wipers with a timer and map lights.
The European WRX turbo model received further upgrades in the form of more parts from the STI range. The front brakes became Subaru branded four-pot calipers with 294 mm (11.6 in) discs, the wheels having become 16-inch lightweight alloys. The STI 4 high-level wing was fitted to the sedan, and STI-style front bucket seats and firmer suspension were also fitted. The "Phase 2" engine now fitted developed 160 kW (218 PS; 215 bhp), an increase of 5 kW (7 PS; 7 bhp) over the previous model.
To counter the grey imports of high-performance Japanese variants, Subaru UK commissioned Prodrive to produce a limited edition of 1,000 two-door cars in Sonic Blue, called the WRX "P1". Released in March 2000, they were taken from the STI Type R lines and used for the P1. The car was the only coupé version of the WRX STI GC chassis to receive ABS. In order to allow for ABS, the DCCD was dropped. Engine output was boosted to 276 bhp (206 kW; 280 PS), and the suspension optimised for British roads. Options were available from Subaru consisting of four-piston front brake calipers, electric
Recaro seats, 18-inch wheels and a P1 stamped backbox. The P1, or Prodrive One, is echoed in the name of the
Prodrive P2 concept car.
Likewise, for the STI, most of the changes were cosmetic with the fender being sculpted to be more aggressive. There were 2,000 WRX STI Version 6 Limited model produced, plus 500 of the WRX STI Type R coupe Version 6 Limited, 2,000 of the WRX STI RA Version 6 Limited, and also 500 of the WRX STI Version 6 Limited hatchback models.
In 2000, STI released the WRX STI "S201", of which 300 were produced. This series is a limited production series that sports an engine output of 224 kW (305 PS) as special variants were excluded from the gentlemen's agreement. The car was decked with nearly every single part from the STI catalogue. The S201 was a sedan that sported the only body-kitted S-series WRX STI. Weighing in at 1,270 kg (2,800 lb), the S201 had a tri-planar wing and a massive front airsplitter. The entire suspension was composed of STI parts.
<h2>Second generation (2000–2007; GD, GG)[
edit]</h2>Second generation
Pre-facelift Subaru Impreza RS sedan (Australia)
OverviewAlso calledSubaru Outback Sport
Saab 9-2X (2004–2005)Production2000–2007Body and chassis
Body style4-door
sedan
5-door
hatchbackPowertrain
Engine1.5 L
EJ15 H4
1.6 L
EJ16 H4
2.0 L
EJ20 H4
2.0 L
EJ20 H4 (
t/c)
2.5 L
EJ25 H4
2.5 L
EJ25 H4 (t/c)
Transmission4-speed
automatic
5-speed
manual
6-speed manualMain article:
Subaru Impreza (second generation)
Subaru introduced the "New Age" Impreza to Japan in August 2000. Larger in size compared to the previous iteration, the sedan increased its width by 40 millimetres (1.6 in), while the hatchback notably increased by just 5 millimetres (0.2 in)—placing the two variants in different
Japanese classification categories. The coupe body style from the first generation did not reappear for the new series. However, the off-road appearance package that included contrasting-colored bumpers did carry over forward. Marketed as a separate model line, this North American-only variant was, as before, badged
Subaru Outback Sport.
Naturally aspirated flat-four (boxer) engines comprised the 1.5-liter
EJ15, the 1.6-liter
EJ16, the 2.0-liter
EJ20, and the 2.5-liter
EJ25. Turbocharged versions of the 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines were offered in the WRX and WRX STI models. STI models featured a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. WRX models from featured a 2.0-liter boxer engine until 2005, after which they switched to the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine.
Although the headlamp styling of the "New Age" Impreza was considered polarizing, improvements to the car brought greater mainstream acceptance. Subaru updated the Impreza's fascia in 2002 with more rectangular headlamps. In 2005, Subaru introduced a second facelift which introduced Subaru's new corporate face—including the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille design.
An anomalous relative to the second generation Impreza is the
Saab 9-2X. Manufactured by Subaru between 2004 and 2005, the Saab retailed only in the North American market for the 2005 and 2006 model years.
[7][/sup] To better integrate with the Saab
design language, the 9-2X received redesign of the front- and rear styling and various minor tweaks.
<h3>WRX[
edit]</h3>As with the first generation, the turbocharged WRX and STI variants were available in numerous specifications with a myriad of limited edition variants sold. Subaru issued yearly updates to the WRX and STI, tweaking cosmetics and equipment levels, and also improving performance and handling.
Second facelift sedan (2002)
Third facelift sedan (2005)
Pre-facelift sedan (2000)
Second facelift wagon (2005)
<h2>Third generation (2007–2011; GE, GH, GR, GV)[
edit]</h2>Third generation
Pre-facelift Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan (US)
OverviewAlso calledSubaru Outback Sport
Subaru WRXProduction2007–2011
2007–2014 (WRX)Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
5-door hatchbackPowertrain
Engine1.5 L
EL15 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L
EJ20 H4 (gasoline)
2.0 L
EJ20 H4 (
t/c gasoline)
2.0 L
EE20 H4 (t/c diesel)
2.5 L
EJ25 H4 (gasoline)
2.5 L
EJ25 H4 (t/c gasoline)
Transmission4-speed
automatic
5-speed
automatic
5-speed
manual
6-speed
manualDimensions
Wheelbase2,620 mm (103.1 in)LengthSedan: 4,580 mm (180.3 in)
Hatchback: 4,415 mm (173.8 in)Width1,740 mm (68.5 in)Height1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Outback Sport: 1,481 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight1,394 kg (3,073 lb)Subaru revealed the third generation Impreza at the
New York Auto Show on April 2, 2007—both the standard naturally aspirated Impreza and turbocharged WRX versions were revealed.
[8][/sup] The 3rd generation of the high performance WRX STI debuted in October 2007. Initially, the new Impreza was offered as a five-door hatchback (designated
GH), with the four-door sedan (designated
GE) introduced in 2008. The wide-body variants of the hatchback and sedan are labelled
GR and
GV, respectively. Dimensionally, this version is wider by 56 mm (2.2 in) and increases track by approximately 38 millimetres (1.5 in). Although first adopted by the STI, the wide-body platform was later utilized by the regular WRX range.
Subaru Impreza 2.0R hatchback (Europe)
Subaru Impreza 2.0R sedan (Australia)
The third series of Impreza is slightly longer, wider and offers a longer wheelbase. Two Subaru traditions were discontinued with the new model: the parking light switch atop the steering column is no longer present, and for the first time the windows have frames to improve
noise, vibration, and harshness levels.
[9][/sup] Subaru made an effort to control the weight of the new chassis. Despite the increase in size, stiffness, and safety equipment, the car's weight is similar to the previous generation. The front suspension uses a
MacPherson strut setup, while the rear features a new
double wishbone suspension.
Flat-four gasoline engines in the naturally aspirated tune comprised a 1.5-liter
EL15producing 80 kW (107 hp), the 2.0-liter
EJ20 with 110 kW (148 hp) and 196 N·m (145 lb·ft), and the 2.5-liter
EJ25 with 127 kW (170 hp). Turbocharged versions of the two latter engines were fitted to the WRX and WRX STI versions as discussed later. Subaru introduced a flat-four diesel engine, designated
EE20 at the 2008
Paris Motor Show. Sales began in several European countries from early 2009, with the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine of 112 kW (150 hp). Two models are available as of July 2009, 2.0 TD and 2.0 TD Sport.
In the Japanese domestic market the range comprised the 1.5-liter 15S, plus the 2.0-liter 20S and turbocharged S-GT, both using the 2.0-liter engine. Japanese dealers retailed the hatchback initially, with the sedan body variant arriving in autumn 2008 as the Impreza Anesis. This generation represented the first time that the Impreza was no longer in compliance with
Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions. Japanese specification models are fitted with an engine start button.
Facelift Subaru Impreza RX hatchback (Australia)
Subaru Australia released the third generation hatchback in September 2007. Naturally aspirated 2.0-liter versions fell under the R, RX and RS trims, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter reserved for the WRX. The sedan body style came later in 2008, paralleling the hatchbacks's model range.
North America received only the 2.5-liter models. Released to the United States market for the 2008 model year, the model range consists of the 2.5i, the turbocharged WRX, and the Outback Sport that Subaru marketed as a separate model line. The naturally aspirated models are electronically limited from surpassing 190 km/h (120 mph). For 2009, a new 2.5i GT trim arrived to the market with the turbocharged 167 kW; 227 PS (224 hp) engine from the 2008 model WRX (this 2009 WRX received a boost in power). While automatic transmission was not available with the WRX, the 2.5i GT did gain an optional four-speed automatic. In the Canadian market, the base Impreza 2.5i received upgrades for the 2009 model year, including rear disc brakes, electronic stability control, and body-colored door handles—features previously only found on the 2.5i Sport and more expensive trims.
In Israel, the Impreza is denoted as the B3, and three styles are offered: the B3 1.5, with a 1.5-liter engine, the B3 2.0 and the B3 2.0 Sport, both with the 2.0-liter engine. Four-door and five-door models are available for each engine type, ranging from the basic R class, to the medium RX and top RXI class.
Indonesian-specification versions were initially only available as the hatchback style, with the sedan arriving in 2011. The 1.5R and 2.0R could be ordered with a dual-range five-speed manual, or four-speed automatic transmission. However, in Singapore and Thailand, the Impreza 1.5 R, 2.0 R, and 2.5 WRX are also offered as four-door sedan. The WRX STI trim in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand can be ordered with the dual-range six-speed manual, or five-speed automatic if WRX STI A-Line is available.
Safety of the car has been increased with range wide inclusion of
electronic stability control as standard in many markets. When the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US crash-tested the five-door Impreza, the organization granted the Impreza the highest ranking available.
[10][/sup]
ANCAP in Australia tested the Impreza where it scored 34.66 out of 37 points, or the full five-star rating in the occupant safety crash test; the Impreza also scored a four-star pedestrian safety test.
The Impreza range received a facelift in late 2009 for the 2010 model year, gaining a new grille insert.
Subaru Impreza XV hatchback
Subaru Outback Sport hatchback (US)
Interior
<h3>WRX[
edit]</h3>
Pre-facelift Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback (US)
Facelift Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (Canada)
Subaru debuted the turbocharged WRX performance variant of the third generation series alongside the mainstream naturally aspirated models on April 2, 2007. For this generation, most markets adopted the abbreviated name "Subaru WRX", although the Japanese and North American markets retained the full "Subaru Impreza WRX" title. The 2.5-liter [i
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