1 mai, 2003
Subaru today introduced the 2004 Impreza WRX STi, an ultra high-performance All-Wheel Drive sedan. 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. The new performance flagship of the Subaru line, Impreza WRX STi is the most powerful Subaru ever offered in North America.
The 2.5-litre powerplant fitted exclusively for the North American market is also the largest displacement engine ever installed in any of Subaru's STi-badged vehicles which, until now, were only available in selected world markets.
"The outstanding success of the performance-oriented Impreza WRX encouraged us to bring the Impreza WRX STi to Canada," said Norio Osakabe, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "Drawing on motorsports technology gained directly from Subaru expertise and success in World Rally Championship competition, the Impreza WRX STi is created specifically for the serious driving enthusiast."
Impreza WRX STi is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-litre DOHC boxer engine producing 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and teamed exclusively with 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. This unique drivetrain also provides outstanding torque characteristics at both low and high rpm, taking the STi from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Introducing Subaru Tecnica International
Subaru Tecnica International (STI) is 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 North America, has proved the performance and durability of its All-Wheel Drive technology in World Rally Championship competition since 1989.
Rally Tested, Road Ready
The Impreza WRX STi reflects the redesigned styling of the entire 2004 Impreza line. The expressive new design is the result of close consultation with STI engineers and the Subaru World Rally Team to improve air resistance, optimize lift force balance, maximize engine cooling and provide a bolder, more dynamic appearance.
The enlarged scoop in the aluminum hood feeds outside air to an intercooler that is significantly larger than that found on the Impreza WRX. A completely functional dual element rear spoiler reduces lift and improves stability at high speed. Airflow is also managed via corner spoilers on the front bumper and STi side ground effects. The front fascia features four aerodynamic contoured multi-reflector halogen headlamps and distinctive STi fog light insert covers. Large diameter Brembo® brakes are clearly visible between the spokes of the 17-inch lightweight forged aluminum-alloy BBS® wheels.
The 2.5-litre horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder engine is based on a specially reinforced "semi-closed deck" engine block with rigid cast aluminum alloy pistons, forged high-carbon steel connecting rods and sodium-filled exhaust valves. This advanced powerplant incorporates Subaru 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 in warm weather.
Driver-Adjustable All-Wheel Drive
Impreza WRX STi is equipped with the brand's most performance-oriented All-Wheel Drive system with DCCD (Driver Control Centre Differential). When in automatic mode, the computer varies the front/rear torque split automatically according to 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. After selecting Manual Mode, the driver uses a small control wheel on the car's centre console to choose from among six levels of centre differential locking. Increasing the lock factor keeps more power at the front wheels to better suit certain driving conditions, particular roads, or an individual driving style.
Impreza WRX STi uses a new cam-type limited-slip centre differential and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. The centre differential is a gearless unit that responds to a torque difference between left and right front wheels to increase traction and reduce understeer.
Form Follows Function
The STi's interior reinforces the impression that this is no ordinary vehicle. The performance design front seats feature substantial side bolsters, integrated head restraints and an embroidered STi logo. The seats are upholstered in unique perforated blue fabric with contrasting black knit bolsters.
STI engineers also examined a wide range of measures to help reduce weight, eliminating items that did not enhance performance. Weight reduction measures include the use of lightweight rear window glass, aluminum front suspension control arms and forged aluminum BBS® 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 tachometer and speedometer in the centre along with DCCD display, fuel and temperature gauges. All three primary gauges are trimmed with aluminum rings. Red LED indicators reinforce the sporty driving environment. Even the ignition key - inspired by a competition kill switch found in the Subaru WRC car - hints at the performance nature of this vehicle.
All the gauge needles swing to their maximum positions when the ignition is switched on, then fall back to their normal positions. The Subaru World Rally Team-designed black leather-wrapped STi steering wheel provides a clear view to the gauges and features red upper stitching and black lower stitching. The matching leather-wrapped parking brake handle with red stitching is also unique to Impreza WRX STi.
Competition-Proven Chassis
A super-stiff Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with a hydroformed front subframe forms the basis of the high-integrity Impreza platform. Compared to the standard WRX, the STi version has been lowered slightly for a lower centre of gravity. The 4-wheel fully independent suspension inherits technology from the Impreza World Rally Championship competition car, but has been strictly optimized in WRX STi for high cornering performance on paved roads.
Aluminum control arms help reduce unsprung vehicle weight and new inverted struts in the front and rear suspension increase bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. A rally-derived variation on the MacPherson-type strut, the inverted strut essentially functions like a conventional shock absorber set upside-down and covered by another tube. The strength of the outer steel tube bears the brunt of bending forces acting upon the strut under cornering, rather than the internal piston rod.
The piston rod operates in the lower portion of the strut tube (rather than the upper section), and the secondary upper tube mounts to the inner fender where the piston rod would mount in a conventional strut. The piston's stroke remains consistent during hard cornering, helping to maintain the ideal tire-to-road surface contact pattern for increased traction and cornering power.
The WRX STi employs a quicker steering ratio than the standard WRX model - 15.2-to-1 compared to 16.5-to-1 for the WRX. As standard equipment, Subaru equips WRX STi with 17 x 7.5-inch BBS aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/45 ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 directional performance tires.
Brembo® Brakes with Super Sport ABS
Subaru has equipped 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 are 323 mm (12.7 inches) in diameter and 30 mm (1.2 inches) thick with four-piston, fixed-position calipers. The rear discs are 313 mm (12.3 inches) in diameter and 20 mm (0.8 inches) thick and use 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 compared to conventional ABS systems. Conventional ABS systems control the rear wheels as a pair, reducing the braking force to both rear 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 rear wheel, optimizing the braking ability during hard cornering and reducing understeer. EBD 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, dual front airbags and 3-point seatbelts. Front seat belts include electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters. All 2004 Impreza models have collapsible pedal controls that "break away" during a frontal impact to help reduce foot injuries.
For additional information about Subaru Impreza WRX STi visit the new Subaru STi Web Site at www.wrx-sti.ca.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 100 franchised dealers across Canada.
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