Just as the 300-horsepower Impreza WRX STi brings rally-bred performance to the road, its design draws on the expertise and success of the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT). The expressive new design is the result of close consultation with Subaru STI engineers and SWRT to improve air resistance, optimize lift force balance, maximize engine cooling and provide Impreza models with a bolder, more dynamic appearance.

Impreza follows a "high density sports machine" design theme. Central to the Subaru design philosophy, designers crafted the exterior lines to maximize the driver's visibility from inside. Frameless door glass with optimized pillar position is a cornerstone of Subaru design to ensure excellent visibility as well as a lighter appearance.

For the 2004 redesign shared with all Impreza models, bold new character lines run from the insides of the headlight clusters rearward along the hood, enhancing the design and providing a functional benefit - better sight lines to aid handling and maneuverability. A driver's side windshield wiper fin helps ensure stable wiper performance at higher speeds.

Functional from Bumper to Rear Spoiler
The functional design of WRX STi leaves no doubts about its performance potential. The enlarged hood scoop in the aluminum-alloy hood feeds outside air to an intercooler that is significantly larger than the unit used on Impreza WRX. The functional dual-plane rear spoiler - which appears to be borrowed directly from the Subaru World Rally Car - helps reduce lift and improve stability at higher speeds. Side spoilers on the front bumper and body-colour STI side ground effects moldings also help to manage airflow.

The front fascia features aerodynamic contoured multi-reflector halogen headlights. The system allows the driver to lower or raise the low beams to maintain height control for oncoming traffic.

The large diameter Brembo® brakes are clearly visible between the spokes of the 17-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy BBS® wheels. Customers can choose between gold-colour and silver wheels. The sedan's rear design has been modified with a new taillight design and a revised rear fascia.

Racing Roots Run Through Cockpit
Inside, the performance design front seats feature substantial side bolsters, an integrated head restraint design and an embroidered STi logo. The seats are upholstered in unique perforated blue Ecsaine® fabric with contrasting black knit bolsters. The Ecsaine fabric and side bolsters help to hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place during cornering.

Although, true to its performance character, Subaru kept the Impreza WRX STi's weight in check, comfort features such as semi-automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks and power mirrors - amenities that an owner cannot add after the sale - are included as standard equipment.

Instrument Panel Means Business
A revised STi instrument gauge cluster places a 9,000-RPM tachometer in the centre, in the driver's direct line of sight. The SWRT design black leather-wrapped STi steering wheel is smaller in diameter than that in the WRX to complement the quick-ratio (15.2:1 vs. 16.5:1 for WRX) power steering system. The steering wheel design gives the driver a clear view of the instrument gauges, even during cornering maneuvers. The wheel features red upper stitching and black lower stitching, and the matching leather-wrapped parking brake handle with red stitching is also unique to Impreza WRX STi.

The speedometer, DCCD display, fuel and temperature gauges, red LED indicators and illuminated STi logo in the tachometer reinforce the sporty driving environment. All three primary gauges are trimmed with aluminum rings.

The STi kill switch-type master key and new instrument panel emphasize vehicle's performance potential. When the key is turned to start the car, all the gauge needles swing to their maximum positions, then fall back to normal.

Pedals are sporty aluminum and the bezels for the semi-automatic climate control system and vents are trimmed with a dark gray metallic finish. Chrome inner door handles provide a bright contrast to the blue and black interior colour scheme.

The Practical Side
When necessary, the Impreza WRX STi slides effortlessly into its mild-mannered alter ego as a smartly designed four-door sedan with room for five people. There are two front cupholders, including a dash-mounted cupholder that slides out diagonally and a second cupholder molded into the centre console.
The ride quality may be firm but interior comfort is uncompromising. A new pump-type driver's seat height adjuster and standard tilt-adjustable steering column help ensure an optimal driving position and visibility.
Highlights of the standard equipment for WRX STi include:

- Ambient temperature gauge
- Cruise control
- Foldaway heated power mirrors (body colour)
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Remote keyless entry system
- Power door locks
- Power windows with one-touch driver's side auto-down
- Semi-automatic climate control system with air filtration
- 6-speaker AM/FM/Cassette sound system with 6-CD changer
- Anti-theft security system
- Heated driver's seat