2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hatchback

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3373
City (MPG) 17
Hwy (MPG) 23
Horsepower 305@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 290@4000
Wheelbase 103.3
Length (in.) 173.8
Width (in.) 70.7
Height (in.) 57.9

Subaru 's performance flagship, the Impreza WRX STI, is revised for the latest model year, and the mainstay hatchback version also gains a sedan variant.

Based on the standard Impreza hatchback, the WRX STI sports unique body parts to make room for the big 18-inch wheels and wider track (1.3 inches wider up front and 2.5 inches in the back). Only the front doors and hatch are shared with the lesser based model, apart from the main body shell of course. The rear doors, for example, are unique to the WRX and WRX STI, as they are blistered to flow into the fatter rear fenders.

The power from the 2.5-liter boxer four is prodigious: 305 horsepower at 6,000 rpm along with 290 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The only transmission is a six-speed manual. Fuel economy for the STI is 17 mpg in the city cycle and 23 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

In reality, STI drivers likely rarely see these figures as this car was built to be driven. Hard.

What's new in the latest model? For starters, the chassis was upgraded and fully re-tuned with higher rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and new bushings. Although the STI had 18-inch wheels already, the latest model's wheels shed some weight and gained high-luster paint.

Behind the STI Hatchback you will find four polished stainless steel tailpipes.

The all-wheel drive system is more complicated and user-customizable from run-of-the-mill WRXs, with a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) controlling the torque split.

More standard fare on the STI includes HID headlights, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Brembo performance brake system and STI exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets on the outside.

Inside, buyers get an 80-Watt 10-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA and auxiliary audio jack, STI-design instrumentation with aluminum trim rings, center-mounted tachometer with adjustable tachometer red-line warning with audible indicator, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with audio system and cruise control buttons, STI-design front seats with fixed integrated head restraints and embroidered STI logos and Graphite Gray Alcantara upholstery with Carbon Black leather bolsters.

A BBS Package upgrades the wheels to 18-inch 18-spoke BBS aluminum-alloys in either gold or sliver and adds fog lights.

Once that's purchased, a Navigation package can be ticked off, replacing the stereo with a 100-watt 10-speaker audio system with single-disc in-dash CD player and MultEQ audio enhancement built into the seven-inch touch screen LED that provides navigation information, trip information, outdoor temperature display, fuel economy and maintenance log. Auxiliary inputs and Bluetooth support give the system multimedia capabilities.

A lengthy list of dealer options can also be added to the STI.

Key competitors
Subuaru appeals to two very different groups - families seeking safe and reliable transportation, and younger buyers seeking fast, fun, all-wheel drive performance vehicles. The Impreza WRX STI Hatchback is aimed at the second group, finding its biggest competition in the rival Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. Some may also consider the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 and the Ford Focus ST.

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    • General
    • Body Style: Hatchback
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Sports
    • Weight: 3373 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 173.8 in.
    • Width: 70.7 in.
    • Height: 57.9 in.
    • Wheelbase: 103.3 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 5.9 in.
    • Front Track: 60.2 in.
    • Rear Track: 60.6 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 94.4 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 19.0 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 44.4 cu. ft.
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 43.5 in.
    • Head Room: 40.3 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.4 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 33.5 in.
    • Head Room: 37.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 53.2 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.3 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.5L I4
    • Power: 305 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 23 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
    • Forced Induction: Turbocharger
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: All Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Wheels
    • Front: 18" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 245/40R18
    • Rear: 18" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 245/40R18
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

    • Close

      WRX STI

      • 305-hp Subaru Boxer engine
      • Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
      • Brembo performance braking system
      • Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio

      Info
    • Close

      STI Limited

      • Leather-trimmed upholstery
      • Power moonroof
      • 18-inch BBS aluminum-alloy wheels
      • Available touch-screen GPS navigation system

      Info
    Next
    Total Price:

  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Options

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