The 2004 Subaru WRX STi is the result of 10 years of development and success in other markets. During that time, Impreza WRX STi has established itself as one of the world's most sought-after high-performance cars, with a loyal following echoed on web sites and even in video games.

The North American version of Impreza WRX STi is powered by a 300-horsepower 2.5-litre engine - all other markets offer a version powered by a 2.0-litre engine. In addition, the standard Driver-Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System that's standard in North America is currently offered as optional equipment only in the Japanese home market.

Although newly available to North American customers, WRX STi has been known to enthusiasts who have been reading European road tests since the first one was introduced 10 years ago.

1992: Birth of a Legend
Subaru introduced the first WRX model in other markets in the same year it launched the first-generation Impreza - 1992. The Subaru World Rally Team switched from the Legacy to the smaller, lighter Impreza at the 1000 Lakes Rally in 1993, and then went on to clinch the World Rally Manufacturers' Championship for three consecutive years - 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., developed the first WRX STi model. It was introduced for other markets in 1994 with a 247-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged/intercooled engine. Reports of the car reached North American enthusiasts through European magazines and later, the Internet. The Type RA (Rally Applicant) WRX STi introduced the first Driver-Controlled Centre Differential All-Wheel Drive System, a precursor to the more advanced system used in today's North American model. In 1996, WRX STi output reached 276 horsepower and North American enthusiasts began to ask for this model.

For the 1998 MY, Subaru introduced the Impreza 2.5 RS, which installed the larger 2.5-litre Legacy engine in the lighter Impreza coupe body and added WRX styling cues and a limited-slip rear differential. The sport-compact segment was growing, and Subaru had the only All-Wheel Drive entry. The model proved popular and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrated that a solid enthusiast base existed for more performance-oriented Subaru models.

If the WRX and WRX STi seemed tempting, then enthusiasts really clamoured for the limited-production 22B-STi offered in other markets in 1998. This version came closer than ever to bringing WRC performance to the street. It was not for the casual enthusiast with blistering performance, flared body panels and a total production of 400 units worldwide. In England only, Subaru offered the Impreza P1 in the year 2000. Capable of zero-60 mph in less than five seconds and with a top speed of 155 mph, this model could run with the world's best sports cars on Europe's superhighways.

For the 2000 MY, Subaru added the four-door 2.5 RS to the lineup - and it quickly became more popular than the original coupe. Then, in 2001 (for the 2002 MY), Subaru introduced a version of the WRX performance icon.

As sales of the WRX climbed, the 2.0-litre WRX STi reached its zenith with 276 horsepower in Japan and 261 horsepower in Europe; however, the 300-horsepower, 300-lb.-ft. 2.5-litre engine remained a surprise for North America until the car's official introduction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, 2003.