Home | News | Road Tests LOOKING BACK - 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STi updated 30th June, 2010 Home > News > Subaru At $55,130, the Impreza WRX STi featured a comprehensive specification list combined with scintillating performance that was unmatched at the price. The sophisticated technology package drew directly on engineering skills gained in Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive World Rally Championship programme, producing a car with outstanding sports handling and ride. With a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.45 seconds, the Impreza WRX STi’s engine is a technological marvel which drew great interest amongst performance car enthusiasts. While the Impreza WRX STi was only previously available in limited numbers, it became a permanent part of the Subaru range. The impressive engineering credentials included: Dual overhead cam 2.0 litre turbocharged horizontally opposed Boxer engine with Active Valve Control System Six speed All-Wheel Drive close ratio manual transmission Front and rear Suretrac Limited Slip Differentials High performance sports suspension Brembo brakes Mr Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said (in December 2001): “Impreza WRX STi is the essence of Subaru’s high performance engineering. It’s not only quick, it’s got a tremendous specification list and possesses the intrinsic engineering quality and active and passive safety that has made the entire Impreza range the benchmark in its class. This is a delightful car to drive, with great balance, poise, performance and safety. It is further proof that Subaru is a performance car specialist.” Mr Senior said the Subaru Impreza WRX STi offered performance previously only available on cars costing many thousands of dollars more, while it was also user-friendly and included features such as cruise control. At the time, Subaru anticipated selling 50 Impreza WRX STi a month throughout Australia. Standard features at a glance All-Wheel Drive Aluminium bonnet Aluminium pedals AM/FM radio with six-CD in-dash stacker, cassette and six speakers Active Valve Control System Brembo brakes 326 mm 4-pot front, 316 mm 2-pot rear, vacuum assisted Clear free-form quad headlights integrated with indicators Comprehensive keypad alarm security system Cruise control Dual front airbags Dual trip meters Grille unique to STi Instrument panel with large centre STi tachometer – driver adjustable rpm warning Intercooler waterspray Larger bonnet scoop (than Impreza WRX) Metallic-finish centre console control panel with dial controls Momo leather steering wheel Outside temperature display Rear centre three-point lap-sash seat belt. All rear seat belts A/ELR Rear spoiler Red stitching on leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever Remote central locking, integrated with hazard lights for visual recognition Semi automatic air conditioning Six-speed close ratio manual transmission Space saver spare wheel Sports ABS with EBD Sports bodykit Sports interior, including bucket seats with STi logo and blue inserts STi badging on grille, front doors, boot and front bumper STi gearshift surround STi large diameter exhaust STi logo on intercooler Suretrac front and rear Limited Slip Differentials Variable intermittent windscreen wiper control Window integrated radio antenna 2.0 litre turbocharged horizontally opposed Boxer engine 17-inch five-spoke gold-finish alloy wheels unique to Sti Colours The Impreza WRX STi was available in: WR Blue mica Blue Black mica Pure White Premium Silver metallic Engine Subaru Impreza WRX STi’s amazing performance came from a DOHC 2.0 litre turbocharged horizontally opposed quad-cam 16-valve Boxer engine. It produced 195 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Active Valve Control System electronically adjusted the intake valve timing through a range of 35 crankshaft degrees. This produced optimum power and torque while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. The high strength engine block featured: Semi closed deck design, providing reinforcement around cylinder tops, while maintaining the cooling advantage of a full open deck design. Forged pistons, for heightened durability and strength under high thermal loads. Connecting rod construction drew on new design and manufacturing processes introduced in Subaru’s highly successful H6-3.0 engine, used in the Outback H6. Hollow inlet valves reduce valve train inertia, enabling the valves to follow the camshaft profile even at high engine speeds. Sodium-filled exhaust valves dissipate heat from the exhaust valve head. An engine oil cooler was located between the oil filter and engine block. A large diameter STi exhaust system completes the powerful engine package. Turbocharger and intercooler The IHI turbocharger features an A/R ratio of 15 which, in conjunction with the Active Valve Control System, provided the optimum in volumetric efficiency. (The A/R ratio of the turbocharger determines the characteristics of exhaust gas pressure production. ‘A’ represents the smallest area of the inlet of the turbine housing and ‘R’ represents the distance from the centre of the turbine shaft to the centre of the turbine-housing inlet). A 15 mm-taller bonnet scoop feeds air into the intercooler, which is 39 per cent larger than standard Impreza WRX. This reduced any restriction in the airflow. A driver-controlled water spray can be used to further lower intake air temperature under extreme conditions, for example when accelerating from low speed, when airflow through the intercooler is at a minimum. Clutch The high performance hydraulically operated clutch had 930 kilogrammes of clamping force, providing positive power to the six-speed close ratio transmission. Transmission The six-speed constant mesh close ratio transmission featured double synchroniser mechanisms on first, third and reverse gears, while second gear was equipped with a triple synchroniser mechanism. The synchronisers provide consistent gear-shift performance. The transmission has large gears and bearings for added strength, while a positive lubrication system, using a vehicle speed-driven oil pump, increased durability. The transmission featured Subaru’s well-known centre differential with viscous coupling, used on all its manual transmission vehicles, to provide 50:50 front and rear torque split to the All-Wheel Drive system. Front and rear Limited Slip Differentials Impreza WRX STi featured Suretrac torque sensing Limited Slip Differentials. This self-contained gearless mechanical system works under engine load to transfer torque to the wheel with most traction. It had a large R180 rear differential, compared to the R160 of the standard Impreza WRX. Suspension The inverted KYB suspension ensured outstanding sports handling and ride. The set-up includes heavy-duty springs. The shock absorbers had damping rates matched to the spring rates, while inverted struts, being an integral part of the suspension system, provide high levels of lateral strength. This meant suspension geometry was maintained even during the hardest cornering, thus maintaining maximum tyre contact with the road. Brakes Internationally renowned Brembo brakes and large vented front and rear discs provide excellent stopping characteristics. The 326 mm 4-pot front and 316 mm 2-pot rear brakes are linked to the Sports Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which features Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD). EBD balanced brake force electronically to better distribute it between front and rear wheels. Normally, because of a car’s weight distribution, rear brakes can more easily lock. While a proportioning valve linked to a conventional braking system reduced the possibility of rear brake lock-up, it under-utilises rear braking capacity, especially in a loaded vehicle. However, Subaru’s EBD technology ensured optimum use of braking force at the front and rear wheels. Also, when ABS operates on a rear wheel, it usually automatically regulated the braking force on the opposite rear wheel to the same low level. This is referred to as “select low.” However, increasing Impreza WRX STi’s braking performance still further was Sports ABS. This meant that when cornering forces above a set level are detected and rear ABS activates, the brake force of each rear wheel is controlled independently, providing maximum braking force. Other technical features Impreza WRX STi had a power steering oil cooler to maintain viscosity of power steering fluid under extreme operating conditions. Subaru Impreza WRX STi also had an adjustable revolution warning that can be set by the driver. This acts as an automatic reminder to inform the driver of a preferred gear change point, to suit their individual driving style. Gear ratios: 1st - 3.636 2nd - 2.375 3rd - 1.761 4th - 1.346 5th - 1.062 6th - 0.842 Reverse - 3.545 Front reduction gear - 3.9 Rear reduction gear - 3.9 Performance: 0-100 km/h – 5.45 seconds 0-400 metres – 13.64 seconds (Data independently verified using the NRMA correvit) Safety Like all Model Year 2002 Imprezas, the WRX STi’s body shell had been strengthened further, in line with its status as the benchmark car in its class for safety. The areas strengthened included the front side frames, A-pillars, inner side sills, floor frames, B-pillars and front doors. These combined measures provided extra side protrusion protection. The Impreza WRX STi had front dual airbags, front pre-tensioner seatbelts and three rear lap sash seatbelts with Automatic Emergency Locking Retractors (A/ELR). Interior The Subaru Impreza WRX STi featured a sports interior including STi blue and black bucket seats with the STi logo and door trim inserts. The distinctive STi-style instrument cluster included a centre-mounted tachometer. Cruise control was standard, plus dual trip meters and outside temperature display. Adding to the distinctive STi “look” was red stitching on the Momo leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever. There’s also an STi gearshift surround. A window-integrated radio aerial was also standard. Exterior The grille design on Impreza WRX STi was unique to the model and included the STi logo. There was a weight-saving aluminium bonnet and a rear spoiler that formed part of the sports body kit. Clear free form quad headlights integrated with indicators gave Impreza WRX STi a unique appearance. Gold-coloured 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels completed the high performance theme. In-car entertainment Impreza WRX STi had a six-CD in-dash stacker, AM/FM tuner, cassette and six speakers. Security For added security, a keypad immobiliser and alarm system were standard. The remote central locking was integrated with hazard lights that flash once when the car is locked and twice when unlocked. Pricing Subaru Impreza WRX STi sold for $55,130, plus dealer delivery fees and the various statutory charges. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more Subaru Impreza WRX STi – the highlights Engine: DOHC 2.0 litre turbocharged horizontally opposed quad-cam 16-valve Boxer engine with Active Valve Control System 195 kW of power at 6,000 rpm 343 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm IHI turbocharger Intercooler 39 per cent larger than Impreza WRX – with water spray Large diameter STi exhaust Capable of 0-100 km/h in 5.45 seconds Engine is speed restricted to 235 km/h Engineering: All-Wheel Drive Weight-saving aluminium bonnet Six-speed close ratio manual gearbox High performance clutch Front and rear Suretrac Limited Slip Differentials KYB suspension - includes heavy-duty springs Entertainment: In-dash six-stack CD with AM/FM tuner, cassette and six speakers Security: Alarm and immobiliser keypad security system Remote central locking with visual recognition Safety: Dual front SRS airbags and Brembo brakes with Sports ABS with EBD Lightweight, high-strength Impreza body shell – further strengthened for 2002 Three-point rear lap-sash seat belts with A/ELR Standard features: Clear free form quad headlights for unique appearance Cruise control Grille unique to Impreza WRX Sti Sports body kit Full STi interior including bucket seats Gold-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels Technical specifications IMPREZA WRX STI ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS Type Horizontally opposed Cylinders Four Displacement 1,994 cc Bore x stroke 92.0 x 75.0 Compression ratio 8.0:1 Cam-train system DOHC single-toothed belt with auto adjuster Fuel system Multi-point fuel injection - sequential Maximum power 195 kW/6,000 rpm Maximum torque 343 Nm/4,000 rpm IMPREZA WRX STI DIMENSIONS Overall length mm 4,405 Overall width mm 1,730 Overall height mm 1,440 Interior length mm 1,890 Interior width mm 1,380 Interior height mm 1,180 Wheelbase 2,525 Tread - front mm 1,490 Tread - rear mm 1,480 Min. ground clearance mm 155 Unladen mass kg 1,470 kg with full fuel tank Fuel consumption (L/100 km):   Highway 9.2/100 km City 13.0/100 km Combined 11.29/100 km Fuel tank capacity 60 litres Minimum fuel requirement 98 RON for full power Steering Engine speed sensitive power rack and pinion Minimum turning circle 11 metres Suspension:   Front Macpherson strut type with KYB inverted dampers, independent, coil spring Rear Multi-link type, independent, coil spring Brakes:   Front 326 mm ventilated discs with 4-pot Brembo callipers Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza RE040 225/45R17 Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Subaru News ..... here Historic Vehicle News ..... here Top of page About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2005 and 2010   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. 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