Subaru WRX STI
A Tribute to the Subaru WRX STI as We Gear Up for a New Performance Era
For over a quarter century, the Subaru WRX STI has stood as the pinnacle of turbocharged performance, serving a dual role as a captivating ride for driving enthusiasts and a formidable competitor for racing professionals.
At the heart of its prowess lies the iconic turbo EJ Sports Boxer Engine, propelling the Subaru WRX STI to be the quintessential vehicle for those who find their calling on the open road. Crafted with precision, every aspect of this car is engineered to transform each moment behind the wheel into an indelible adventure.
With the discontinuation of the EJ25 engine in 2020, the sales of the current generation Subaru WRX STI have been paused, although we still have some stock available for interested buyers.
As the anticipation for the ensuing exhilarating chapter in the Subaru WRX STI saga builds, let’s embark on a retrospective voyage to commemorate the evolution of a legend, whilst extending our gratitude to the remarkable community of Subaru WRX STI enthusiasts and owners.
WRX STI TECHNOLOGY
Racing Through History with WRX STI’s Legacy
The Subaru WRX STI owes its distinctive name to Subaru Tecnica International—STI—which stands as the heart of Subaru Corporation’s performance division in Japan. Established in 1988, the core objective of Subaru Tecnica International has always been to craft the world’s most enjoyable driving experiences, by honing the harmonious interaction between driver and automobile.
Right off the bat, STI showcased its mettle by smashing the 100,000km world speed record, steering a Legacy (Liberty) to a scorching average speed of 223km/h for 447 hours, 44 minutes and 9.9 seconds, without a break (this impressive record held its ground until April 2005).
This feat ushered in a golden age of rally success both in Australia and on the global stage, fueling the fervour of the ‘Rex family’s devoted fan base. This passion propelled the sales of both WRX and WRX STI, marking a notable sales triumph in Australia.
The launch of the first-generation Impreza WRX in Australia in February 1994 sparked a wildfire of enthusiasm, which further intensified with the introduction of the STI variant. This version elevated the turbocharged excitement to an unparalleled pinnacle.
The automotive enthusiast community was sent into a frenzy in October 1998, when the Impreza WRX 22B STI made its grand appearance at the Sydney Motor Show. With a mere 425 units available globally, Australia received just five of these coveted vehicles—one of which holds a place of honour in Subaru Australia’s Museum collection today.
Thus began the epoch of iconic large bonnet scoops and rear wings, symbolising a unique blend of performance and aesthetic appeal.
Subaru WRX STI Australian Rally Championship Titles
- 1996 – Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent
- 1997 – Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent
- 1998 – Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent
- 1999 – Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent
- 2000 – Possum Bourne and Mark Stacey
- 2001 – Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent
- 2002 – Possum Bourne and Mark Stacey
- 2003 – Cody Crocker and Greg Foletta
- 2004 – Cody Crocker and Greg Foletta
- 2005 – Cody Crocker and Dale Moscatt
- 2016 – Molly Taylor and Bill Hayes
Generations of Subaru WRX STI
1st Generation (1998-2001)
The immense interest garnered by the Impreza WRX STI led to a special production run of 400 limited edition two-door coupes for the Australian market in January 1999, which were quickly snapped up. Boasting a power output of 206 Kilowatts, these were exclusively available in the signature WR blue or white, complemented by gold 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and STI performance enhancements.
This enthusiastic reception spurred the release of 400 four-door Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedans in October 1999, which also met with a voracious demand from buyers. These too generated 206kW of power and were offered in blue steel mica or white, adorned with gold 16-inch six-spoke alloys, suede seat inserts, and STI performance upgrades.
2nd Generation (2001-2007)
Believing in the potential for the STI variant to be a lasting addition to the Impreza WRX lineup, Subaru Australia dedicated itself to launching the second generation, which was introduced as a permanent variant in December 2001.
3rd Generation (2008-2014)
The third generation Subaru WRX STI, unveiled in February 2008, expanded the range by providing two options: the entry-level and the spec.R variants.
4th Generation (2015-2020)
In its latest iteration, the fourth generation Subaru WRX STI, unveiled in April 2014, brought forth the option to forego the striking rear spoiler for the first time, alongside its peak power output of 221 kilowatts. Upon its release, it subtly set itself apart from its predecessors by dropping the Impreza name – a nod to the diverging development trajectories for the Impreza and WRX variant chassis and technology in the future.
Accessorise Your Subaru WRX STI
Subaru STI Performance Parts are crafted following a ‘total tuning’ philosophy, aimed at holistically enhancing the vehicle’s handling and performance through engineered design.
Created in tight collaboration with the Subaru Tecnica International (STI) development team, these parts are engineered to amplify the performance, durability, and/or aesthetics of your Subaru. Genuine STI Performance Parts offer a pathway to personalise your vehicle while maintaining its inherent quality and integrity.
Seize the Subaru WRX STI Sensation
If you’re yearning to experience the exhilarating essence of a Subaru WRX STI, a visit to Perth City Subaru’s collection of vehicles is a must. These hot commodities are known for their quick turnover, thanks to automotive enthusiasts swiftly scooping them up. The unique blend of performance, style, and reliability that the WRX STI offers makes it a highly sought-after vehicle.
At Perth City Subaru, you have a chance to get behind the wheel of this legendary machine, but act fact, these vehicles are known to dash out of the inventory almost as swiftly as they race on the roads!
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