Model Page
Subaru Impreza
Produced: |
1992 - 2000 |
|---|---|
Production Run: |
- |
Built: |
Japan |
Engine: |
Flat Four 1994cc 22B - 2212cc |
0-60: |
4.6-5.3 Model Dependent |
Max Speed: |
Japan Spec - 112mph (Limited) UK Spec 143-155 model dependent |
The Impreza was released in Japan in 1992 and made an immediate impact by offering incredible reliability practicality and performance. The Impreza replaced the aging Subaru Leone. Which was produced from 1971 to 1994. The Leone was powered by a Subarus EA boxer and had been in service for many years. The Impreza was released with the reliable EJ engine which was introduced in 1989 and powered the 1st generation Subaru Legacy’s.
What distingusied the impreza from their competiros was the offering of the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system which in 1996 became a standard throughout the Impreza range. The Impreza was developed due to rule changes in the WRC (Wolrd Rally Championship). Subaru were competing in rally with the legacy however due to these rule changes Subaru had to engineer a light weight smaller quicker car to be comply with the new rules and be competitive. The legend that is Impreza was born.
WRX
In 1993 the impreza reached the UK however it was not until 1994 did we see the introduction of the turbo charged impreza known as the impreza turbo or impreza 2000. It was in Japan where a three letter word was born which was to become synonymous with the word Impreza that is of course WRX. The impreza was availbe in either a 4 door saloon or 5 door estate. A distintive feature of the Impreza was the sound of the flat four engine. UK editions of the impreza produced 208 BHP while the japan WRX models boasted more power. The Japan WRX turbocharged and intercooled EJ20 engine produced 241 bhp.
Additional engine choices included 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engines. Trim levels included LX, GL and Sport. The LX models were front-wheel drive, and powered by a 1.6-litre engines. They were only availabe with four doors. GL’s were either front wheel drive or all wheel drive badged 2WD or AWD respectivly. Cars launched in 1993 had a choice of 1.6 and 1.8 engines. The 1.6 being available with 2WD, the 1.8 an AWD version only. Subaru in 1996 for the Europe market dropped the 1.6 and 1.8 versions and replaced them with the non turbo 2.0 litre engine. Sport versions had alloy wheels a larger rear spoiler and revised interioir trim. This generations chassis was reffered to as the ‘GC’ series.
STI Version 1
STI Version 1
1994 Subaru introduced a performance version of the WRX to compete both in rallying and on the road with the Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution. This was branded STI standing for Subaru Tecnica International. STI are a Subaru tuning division. STI Impreza’s were only obtainable in Japan until 2001 where type UK STI’s were available All Rally spec WRC cars are STI branded. Road going saloons and estates STi’s were producing 250 bhp @ 65000 rpm and 288lbs/ft of torque @ 3500rpm. Road going versions of the STI had a highly tuned WRX engine which included numerous upgrades. Specifically, forged pistons, a re-mapped ECU, a lightweight valve adjuster arrangement and polished intake ports. A improved TD05H turbo was included along with intercooler waterspray and improved intercooler intake. The water sprayed onto the intercooler will then evaporate, which takes heat away from the intercooler and cools the intake charge. A larger Fujitsubo exhaust bore produced a more prominent rumble from the flat four engine whilst giving that little extra bhp. Suspension was revised with stiffer springs and dampers. Brake pads were uprated. The original STI kept the WRX gearbox. STI made some exterior modifications in the form of a high rise boot spoiler and numerous STI badges rounded off the aggressive STI look. Interior modifications began with a red stitched Nardi steering wheel and STI emblem embedded into the wrap around seats. STI labelled dials and gear knob rounded off the interior. Options on the STI included a limited slip differential costly however well worth it for the serious car enthusiast.
Type RA
In November 1994 a type RA STI was launched. Power was up to an impressive 275hp@6500rpm. The Type RA also had a diver controlled centre differential (DCCD), which can be found as standard on the 3nd generation Subaru’s. With a rear limited slip differential which allowed between 50 and 65 percent of power to the rear wheels. Gear ratio’s were closer resulting in reduced 0-60 times. The car had 16inch gold alloy wheels with a rally style roof vent. A black and silver engine strut brace and type RA badges rounded off the RA exterior design. Handling was improved upon by incorporating a faster steering rack.
STI Version 2
STI Version 2
1995 saw the release of the STI version 2. Similar to the type RA this version produced 275hp@6500rpm and 235lbs/ft@4000rpm. The inlet manifolds were painted red this laid the foundation for all STI’s to colour code their inlet manifolds. A visual distinctive feature of the STI engine.
555
In 1995 success in WRC saw Colin McRae take the WRC title in an Impreza. To celebrate this victory Subaru released the 555 road car which combined elements from the type RA and the STI version 2. The V Limited edition was released at approximately the same time and was also virtually identical to the Type RA however the numerous 555 stickers were dropped.
STI Version 3
STI Version 3
1996 saw the introduction of the STI version 3. Similar to the previous version however power was further increased to an impressive 280 bhp. A new type RA was released sprouting the aforementioned red inlet manifolds. This car came with a lightweight carbon fibre strut brace even lighter forged pistons and molybdenum coated valves. An uprated bore exhaust and a metal head gasket were added. Gear changing times and accuracy were improved by installing a STI quick shift gear linkage and an up rated clutch. A new style Impreza arrived on the scene in January 1997. Named ‘Type R’ it had a stiff 2 door body a front splitter and side skirts. The new design was complete by adding a deep rear valance, tinted windows and of course type r badging. This edition had rally style Group N gear ratios intercooler water sprayer, air con and blue instrument panel gauges.
STI Version 4
STI Version 4
In September of 1997 version 4 of the Impreza WRX STI was released. Subaru won a hat-trick of manufacturer championships and celebrated by releasing a new special edition Impreza. The Subaru Impreza Terzo was born. Only 333 Subaru Impreza Terzos were made and very often overlooked by other special edition subaru’s. The WRX and STI versions received a facelift by introducing new front and rear bumpers along with a redesigned bonnet. Interior modifications began with a new Momo steering wheel. In 1998 the dashboard from the newly designed Subaru forester was installed. A new high rise rear spoiler was designed for the STI. Bhp remained the same however torque was increased to 260lbs/ft@4000rpm.
STI Version 5
September 1998 version 5 of the STI was released. The front splitter was altered to improve air flow, a large rear spoiler and fog lamp covers completed the aggressive look of the STI. Engine power remained at 280bhp.
22B
It was in 1998 where widely regarded as the best ever Impreza was introduced. It was called the 22B. Please click here for more information on the 22B
STI Version 6
STI Version 6
Engine performance on this STI remained the same however Subaru did make a few minor cosmetic changes noticeably the re-moulded rear wing. Designed to be more aggressive. There were 2000 WRX STI Version 6 Limited produced. 1999 saw Richard Burns join the Subaru world rally team. To celebrate this Subaru released another special edition. Called the RB5. Only 444 RB5’s were produced. The car came equipped with 17" Speedline alloy wheels and was only available in Blue Steel Metallic. The car could also be ordered with the WR sport pack. This included a Prodrive designed rear wing, new ecu. A new exhaust, air filter and upgraded intercooler pipes.
P1
1999 Also saw the release of another special edition. Please click here for more information on the P1
S201
S201
This generation Impreza ended with the yet another special edition. Called ‘S201’. Only 300 were built and were based on the version 6 Type RA Impreza. The car was released in April 2000. It had an extreme body kit and a 300 bhp engine. It had a tri-planar wing and a large front splitter. The entire suspension was composed of STi parts. The body kit for many Impreza fans was too radical and therefore the S201 remains largely unheard of in the UK.
Engine: |
Subaru EJ Boxer |
|---|---|
Capacity: |
1.6L - 2.2L |
Valves: |
16 |
Compression Ratio: |
- |
Fuel System: |
Fuel Injection |
Maximum Power: |
110bhp - 280bhp Model Dependent |
Maximum Torque: |
- |
Transmission: |
Manual 5 Speed |
