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Impreza

Impreza Turbo is Japanese sport car manufactured by Subaru since 1993, with a basic engine that produces 211 bhp. The Impreza became a very popular automobile due to its low cost. The most recognized Impreza is the blue one, because of the popularity of the World Rally Championship.

Starting in 1994, Subaru introduced STi (Subaru Tecnica international) versions of the Impreza, which were upgraded in all categories, especially engine and suspension. The STi versions of the Impreza were immensely successful in the aforementioned rallies and popular among street racers

The Impreza brought Subaru 3 World Rally Championship titles in a row (1995-1997) and is considered the fastest car in the championship. Its top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph) and it has a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds.

Designed by Subaru's sports division, Subaru Technica International, the WRX STi is the modified version of the extremely popular Subaru Impreza WRX. Introduced in 1994, the STi has proven to be a very popular high(er)-performance machine in the Japanese domestic market. The 2002 STi features a new 6-speed manual, a specially developed engine, larger intercooler and sports suspension. To celebrate the debut of the STi in the European market, a special "ProDrive" model will be produced with exclusive ProDrive interior items designed by Peter Stevens. Only 1000 ProDrive models will be produced.

Specifications

Cost: AU$55,1301 Engine: 2 L front-mounted EJ20 DOHC turbocharged flat-4 Power: 197.6 kW (265 bhp) Torque: 343 Nm (253 ft.lb) Drive: AWD Transmission: 6-speed manual Body: 2-door sedan Size (LWH): 4405 by 1730 by 1435 mm (173.4 by 68.1 by 56.5 in) Curb Weight: 1400 kg (3086 lb)

Performance

Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 5.45 s 1/4 Mile: 13.3s2 Top Speed: 238.2 km/h (148 mph)

The Subaru Impreza WRX is a special version of the Subaru Impreza. Other forms of this car include the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS and the Subaru Impreza Outback.

The WRX is the model based on the rally racing car version. The various models are upgraded from the standard Imprezas by having turbos and fancier suspension. And fancy steering wheels. The WRX can be had in 4-door sedan or 'sport wagon' form. The sport wagon lacks the fender flares, so if you take off the WRX logo, it would make a wonderful Q-ship.

Long available only in Japan and Europe, it is being offered in the USA for the first time in 2000 (which, in car-time is the 2002-model year). Car magazines report they are selling like hotcakes, in many cases sight unseen.

The Subaru Impreza WRX is the natural enemy of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series.

The STi part stands for Subaru Technica International, the special in-house tuning shop. The difference between the standard WRX and the STi version include:

more power - around 280 hp (209 kW) reinforced engine block, specially coated pistons more turbo boost 6-speed manual gearing variable center differential numerous minor body and interior details

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Specs (U.S. Version)

Price as tested: $24,520

General Data Curb weight........3130 lb (1,420 kg) Weight dist f/r....61/39 (w/driver) Wheelbase..........99.4 in (2525 mm) Track, f/r.........58.5/58.3 in (1486/1481 mm) Length.............173.4 in Width..............68.1 in Height.............56.7 in Ground clearance...6.1 in Trunk space........15.6 ft³ (442 L)

Engine Type...............aluminum block and heads, turbocharged

Valvetrain.........DOHC 4-valve/cyl Displacement.......122 in³ (1.999 L) Bore x stroke......3.62 x 2.95 in Compression ratio..8.0:1 Power (SAE)...227 bhp (169 kW) @ 6000 rpm Bhp/liter..........113.8 Torque.............217 lb.ft @ 4000 rpm Redline............7000 rpm Fuel injection.....elect. sequential port Fuel...............premium unleaded, 91 pump octane

Chassis & Body Layout.............front engine/all-wheel drive Body/frame.........unit steel Brakes: Front......11.4 in (290 mm) vented discs

Assist type........vacuum; ABS Total swept area...384 in² Swept area/ton.....232 in² Wheels.............cast alloy, 16 x 6.5JJ Steering...........rack & pinion, variable power assist Overall ratio......16.5:1 Turns, lock-lock...3.0 Turning circle.....35.4 ft (10.8 m)

Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, lower L-arms, coil springs,

Rear: Struts, trailing arms, twin lower lateral

Acceleration Time to speed Seconds

Time to distance

Braking From 60 mph........138 ft. From 80 mph........247 ft. Control............excellent Brake feel.........very good Overall rating.....good

Handling Lateral acceleration

Speed through

Fuel Economy EPA city/highway...20/27 mpg Cruise range.......est 313 miles (504 km) Fuel capacity......15.9 US gal (60.2 L)

Accommodations Seating capacity...5 Head room f/r......38.0 in./35.8 in. Seat width f/r.....2 x 17.8 in./51.5 in. Front leg room.....45.0 in. Rear knee room.....22.0 in.

Safety dual front airbags front seat side airbags front seatbelt pretensioners anti-lock braking (all standard equip.)

The Subaru Impreza was launched in the UK in 1994; originally, it was available with front wheel drive and four wheel drive, although the former option was never very popular. There were two bodystyles - a four-door saloon, and a clumsy-looking five-door 'estate' version. At the time, Subaru were very popular in rural areas (such as Wilton), as their cars were, and remain, tough, reliable, and quite cheap. Until the Impreza, their best-selling model had been the Legacy. It was in a Legacy that Colin McRae started his professional rallying career.

However, he became the first British Word Rally Champion in a Subaru Impreza in 1995, and at the same time press interest in the Subaru Impreza Turbo reached fever-pitch. The car cost £20,000 - about the same as an entry-level BMW, but it could reach 60mph in 5.5 seconds, and had handling and roadholding that rivalled a Porsche 911. It was a modern equivalent of Ford's Cosworth cars, and had insurance premiums to match. Along with the Playstation game 'Gran Turismo', it started off a wave of interest in grey imports and obscure Japanese speed machines, such as the Nissan Skyline and the Mitsubishi Evo.

The non-turbo models were obscured by the success of the turbocharged version. For those who don't need or want four wheel drive, they are competent, but a bit dull. The range was replaced in 2000 by the next-generation Impreza; the press complained that some of the raw appeal of the original Turbo had been diluted, and that the looks had been spoiled by bug-eyed headlights.

It's got a 2-litre boxer engine with turbo and intercooler. In the standard UK spec it develops 215 bhp and completes the 0 to 100 km dash in 5.5 seconds going on to an illegal top speed. It has one of the finest chassis setups and 4wd transmission so it holds the road well. Finally, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, although it does drink petrol.