2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: Power, Control, Pure Performance
SEE ALSO: Subaru Buyers Guide
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 3, 2012; Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Ultimately it's all about performance, and the 2013 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled SUBARU BOXER engine teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru's symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system.
Control and Confidence
The WRX STI design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the
car an aggressive road presence with wide front and rear track
dimensions, as well as pronounced front fenders and rear quarter
panels. The design maintains a consistent flow from front to rear
bumper, creating a distinctive identity.
On the WRX STI 4-door sedan model, wide fenders stretch wider than the
tail lamps, and this accentuates a look of stability. A striking high
profile rear spoiler was exclusively designed for the STI 4-door. The
design contributes to an appropriately low drag coefficient, and the
rear spoiler design means stable high-speed handling with zero lift.
The WRX STI 4-door features its own version of the polished stainless
steel quad-tailpipe exhaust.
The WRX STI delivers ultra-crisp handling along with everyday ride
compliance. High-tensile strength steel is used at key structural
points and the suspension-mounting areas. Inverted struts used for the
front suspension provide high bending resistance for quicker and more
consistent performance under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower
L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight.
A specially tuned suspension uses pillow-ball bushings in front and
stiff bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone
suspension - these improve camber and toe stiffness.
The 2013 WRX STI features Dunlop SP600
245/40R18 summer performance
tires with 18-inch Enkei aluminum wheels in a charcoal finish on the
entry model and a high-lustre finish on the Sport-tech Package.
The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, including
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics
Control (VDC) system, which features a track performance-optimized
mode. Hill Holder, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a
manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling
backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
SI-DRIVE Offers Ultimate Control
Exclusive to the WRX STI models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)
technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving
characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes -
Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp - using a rotary dial on the centre
console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by
regulating the Engine Control Module (ECM) and by fine-tuning the
Electronic Throttle Control system. With Intelligent mode selected,
SI-DRIVE improves fuel efficiency and provides a more relaxed throttle
response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for
example.
Sport mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear
acceleration, making it ideal for everyday sporty driving. In Sport
Sharp mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine's electronic throttle mapping
to deliver super-quick throttle response and put down the power
sooner.
Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with three-mode Vehicle Dynamics
Control
The 2013 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver
Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru symmetrical
full-time All-Wheel Drive. The system employs planetary-type
differential gears with a maximum 41:59 torque split. A mechanical
limited-slip type centre differential augments an electronically
controlled centre differential to enhance torque transfer performance.
Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM,
lateral g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer
response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN
torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side
power distribution, helping to prevent the inside wheels from slipping
during cornering.
The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes. Auto mode provides
the best all-around performance for most drivers and circumstances,
varying the front/rear torque distribution automatically via the
limited-slip differential (LSD) in response to vehicle acceleration,
deceleration, steering angle, cornering force and wheel slippage. The
Auto(-) mode makes less use of the centre limited-slip differential
(less locking factor) and holds the torque bias to the rear more
frequently, which yields more handling-oriented steering
characteristics. For driving on slippery surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, the Auto(+) setting tightens the LSD. In manual mode, DCCD offers
six levels of centre differential locking, allowing the driver to vary
the front-to-rear torque distribution (up to 50/50 maximum) to optimize
AWD performance for varying driving conditions.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system
is standard on all Subaru models. It is important to note that, in
Subaru vehicles, traction control plays a second line of defence
against wheel slip after AWD torque distribution. In contrast, some
All-Wheel Drive systems on the market lack the performance advantage of
a locking centre differential and rely solely on traction control to
redistribute torque away from slipping wheels.
Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Multi-Mode VDC system offers the driver
three settings: VDC Normal, Traction, and Off. The Normal setting
provides the highest level of system engagement, with traction control
(TCS) and VDC. The Traction setting is more performance-oriented,
employing less-restrictive VDC and disengaging the engine
torque-reduction control. The Off setting disengages the VDC and the
traction control functions.
Also exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System uses
ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with Super Sport anti-lock brakes (ABS)
and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Front discs measure 326
mm (13.0 inches) in diameter and use 4-piston, fixed-position calipers;
the 316 mm (12.6 inch) rear discs use 2-piston, fixed-position
calipers. Taking input from a lateral g-sensor, a steering angle
sensor, a yaw sensor and a brake pressure sensor, Super Sport ABS can
control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, which
optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce
understeer. In contrast, conventional ABS systems control the rear
wheels as a pair, reducing the braking force to both rear wheels
equally.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke,
leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo in its centre. WRX
STI models are further equipped with standard aluminum alloy pedals,
driver's footrest and leather-wrapped gear selector. The instrument
panel's electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the
gauge faces upon engine start-up. Performance-design front seats
integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure and
are heated for added comfort in colder temperatures. An advanced
AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with six speakers is standard. This
system also includes a MediaHub for iPod/USB audio integration with
Bluetooth streaming audio and a voice-activated Bluetooth system for
mobile phone connectivity.
The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to
minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep
luggage compartment. In the 5-door models, the wide and flat load floor
can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the
upright position. In the 4-door sedan model, which is 165 mm (6.5
inches) longer than the 5-door, the extra space provides for a larger,
deeper trunk that can accommodate three tour-size golf bags. A
60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and
convenience, and the 4-door also features a rear seat folding centre
armrest.
For 2013, the WRX STI Sport-tech Package features a Pioneer AVIC connect
in-dash touchscreen navigation system, smartphone integration,
AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Bluetooth streaming audio, Bluetooth mobile phone
connectivity with steering wheel-integrated controls and Pioneer
TS-A1684R front speakers. The WRX STI with Sport-tech Package further
features a power sunroof, Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID)
headlights, automatic climate control, and mirror-integrated LED turn
signals.
Subaru Safety
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) provides precise control of
braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle
load to improve stability and stopping distances. Brake Assist analyzes
the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost
to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system
early if needed.
All Impreza models utilize the proven advanced Subaru ring-shaped
reinforcement frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones.
Front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all
Subaru models. The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) features
a passenger side front seat sensor module that detects seat occupancy
and passenger weight to control airbag deployment. As part of the
system, the dashboard features an airbag indicator light. There are
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, including front
height-adjustable seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners
and force limiters.
About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered
in Mississauga, Ontario, the
company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories
through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more
information on the entire Subaru lineup, including complete
specifications, please go to www.subaru.ca.