2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

  • World Rally Championship tested performance

  • Three locking differentials

  • All-season usability

After its dominating rallycross success throughout the 1990’s, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI landed in the United States in the early 2000’s, quickly becoming one of the most coveted performance cars on the market. While this example is shown with unique silver paint, the iconic rally blue with gold wheels has become a symbol of tuner culture over the last two decades. The STI is just as usable everyday as it is tunable for on or off-road racing, and with three locking differentials in the car, it is able to easily put power to the pavement, dirt or snow. With fears that Subaru may not pursue another STI, values of these early 2000’s STI’s are continuing to rise in value, especially unmodified examples like this one on display.

Subaru was founded in 1953, focusing on economy cars. Subaru initially entered rallycross competition in 1980, continuing to improve year after year until becoming a dominant force in the mid 1990’s. Colin McRae, one of the best drivers in rallycross history, signed with Subaru in 1992, and the renowned blue and yellow color scheme debuted in 1993. This driver and car combination is what led to Subarus rise in both success and popularity. For three consecutive seasons from 1995 through 1997, Subaru won the World Rally Constructors Championship, winning races on all types of terrain.

The STI road car on display is nearly as capable as the rally cars it was derived from. The technology on hand allows the car to be driven quickly in any climate, with real-time adjustability to allow the most effective power delivery depending on the setting. Perhaps the biggest innovation are the three locking differentials, with the ability to change the percentage of power delivery to front or rear. The differentials combined with the flat powerband present a driving experience that is fully predictable, when driving flat out in poor conditions. The turbocharged flat-four cylinder is a unique powerplant, though is very fitting for the STI. The engine produces a very flat power curve, meaning that the throttle engagement feels nearly the same at any speed or RPM level, leading to an incredibly direct and predictable driving experience.

The best performance road cars are often born from the best technology utilized in racing. Subaru was able to capitalize on the best performance innovations and use them to build a car that can mold to any type of road condition. Even though it has nearly the same amount of power as a 2005 Porsche 911, the STI can make more power easily and many have been highly modified for the track. This example on display shows 30k miles and remains unmodified and may continue to rise in value if Subaru chooses not to produce another STI.

Specifications:

Engine: 2.5 Liter Turbocharged Flat-Four Cylinder
Horsepower: 300 @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 289 @ 4000 RPM
0-60 MPH: 5.4 Seconds
Top Speed: 158 MPH
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Weight: 3240 lbs.

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