The first-generation Subaru Impreza, which was introduced in 1992. The GC8 was a popular car among car enthusiasts for its performance capabilities, especially in the rally racing scene where Subaru had a successful history. The GC8 WRX and WRX STi models were particularly popular for their powerful turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive system, and precise handling.

The Impreza popularity was boosted by the Initial D series, Bunta decides to switch to a Subaru Impreza WRX STi GC8, which he heavily modified for drifting and racing on the mountain roads of Gunma. The GC8 was chosen because of its all-wheel drive system, powerful turbocharged engine, and reputation for performance and handling, which made it a popular car among car enthusiasts and in the rally racing scene.

The Subaru WRX STi is a high-performance version of the Subaru Impreza, first introduced in 1994.

History of Subaru in Rally Racing

Subaru has a long and successful history in rally racing, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The company first entered the WRC in 1980, and over the next three decades, Subaru became one of the most successful teams in the sport.

Subaru won the WRC manufacturers’ championship three times, in 1995, 1996, and 1997, and its drivers won the WRC drivers’ championship three times as well, with Colin McRae in 1995, Richard Burns in 2001, and Petter Solberg in 2003. The company’s iconic blue and gold livery became synonymous with rally racing, and the Impreza WRX and WRX STI models became fan favorites and performance icons.

Subaru’s success in rally racing can be attributed to a number of factors, including the company’s engineering expertise, its commitment to all-wheel drive technology, and the skill and dedication of its drivers and teams. The company’s rally success also helped to boost its reputation and brand recognition around the world, particularly among performance enthusiasts and motorsports fans.

While Subaru has scaled back its participation in rally racing in recent years, the company continues to develop and produce high-performance vehicles, such as the WRX and WRX STI, that draw on its rally heritage and engineering expertise.

 

Here is a brief history of its evolution:

First Generation (1994-2000): The first WRX STi was launched in 1994 as a special edition model of the Impreza, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 240 horsepower. It featured a stiffened suspension, upgraded brakes, and a driver-controlled center differential. The WRX STi featured the EJ20 engine, with the version used in the STi model coded as EJ20G. The Japanese market also had a more powerful version with the code EJ20K.

Second Generation (2001-2007): The second-generation WRX STi was introduced in 2001, featuring a larger 2.5-liter engine with 276 horsepower. It also had a redesigned body and upgraded suspension and brakes. In 2004, Subaru introduced a limited edition WRX STi with a more powerful 2.5-liter engine producing 300 horsepower. The WRX STi used the EJ207 engine, which was only available in Japan. In other markets, the WRX STi used the EJ257 engine.

 

Third Generation (2008-2014): The third-generation WRX STi was launched in 2008, featuring a wider body and a more refined interior. It was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 305 horsepower. In 2011, Subaru introduced a limited edition WRX STi called the “Spec-C” with a lighter body and upgraded suspension and brakes. The WRX STi used the EJ257 engine, which was revised in 2010 for improved power delivery and response.

Fourth Generation (2015-2021): The fourth-generation WRX STi was introduced in 2015, featuring a new exterior design and a more powerful 2.5-liter engine producing 310 horsepower. It also had a new 6-speed manual transmission and a driver-controlled center differential. In 2018, Subaru introduced the limited edition WRX STi Type RA with a more powerful engine producing 310 horsepower. The WRX STi continued to use the EJ257 engine, with some revisions such as a new twin-scroll turbocharger and improved internals.

Fifth Generation (2022-): The fifth-generation WRX STi was introduced in 2022, featuring a new platform, a more powerful 2.4-liter engine producing 400 horsepower, and a new 6-speed manual transmission. It also has a new electronically controlled center differential and upgraded suspension and brakes. The new WRX STi uses a new engine, the FA24F, which is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 400 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque.

The US did not get an STI version of the fifth-generation WRX in 2022 because of stricter emissions regulations in the US compared to other countries. The new FA24F engine used in the fifth-generation WRX STI was not able to meet the more stringent US emissions standards, so Subaru had to delay the release of the STI version in the US until further development could be done to make the engine compliant with US regulations.

However, Subaru has stated that a new STI version of the fifth-generation WRX is in development and will be released in the future. The timing of its release is not yet known, but it is expected to arrive in the US market once the necessary modifications have been made to ensure compliance with US emissions regulations.

What made the WRX popular?

The Subaru WRX has become popular for several reasons:

1. Performance: The WRX is known for its high-performance capabilities, with powerful engines, all-wheel drive, and precise handling. This makes it a fun and exciting car to drive, especially for enthusiasts.
2. Rally heritage: The WRX has a strong association with rally racing, which has helped to boost its reputation as a high-performance car. Subaru has a long history of success in the World Rally Championship, which has helped to create a loyal fan base for the WRX.
3. All-weather capability: With all-wheel drive and good ground clearance, the WRX is a capable car in all weather conditions. This makes it an appealing choice for those who live in areas with snow or other challenging driving conditions.
4. Practicality: Despite its high-performance capabilities, the WRX is still a practical car with four doors and a decent amount of trunk space. This makes it a viable choice for those who want a fun car that is also practical for everyday use.
5. Styling: The WRX has a unique and sporty appearance, which has helped to make it stand out from other cars in its class. Its distinctive hood scoop, aggressive front grille, and wide fenders all contribute to its appeal.