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Image credits: Subaru

SUBARU ANNOUNCES 2004 IMPREZA WRX STI PRICING
-- The most powerful Subaru ever offered for sale in North America--

CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 23, 2003 - Subaru of America, Inc., the only manufacturer to have all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle they make, announced today Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) for the 2004 Impreza WRX STi. The all-wheel drive WRX STi with a standard six-speed manual transmission is $30,995, and will be available with a choice of rally inspired gold or silver painted wheels.

Introduced earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show, WRX STi will be the performance flagship of the Subaru line when it arrives in dealerships at the end of May, and will earn distinction as the most powerful Subaru ever offered for sale in North America.

The Impreza WRX STi draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, and is designed to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast. The WRX STi builds on the performance and styling success of the award winning Impreza WRX models that were an overnight success in the U.S. market. STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the high performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STi is powered by an intercooled and turbocharged 2.5 liter DOHC boxer engine with Active Valve Control System (AVCS), variable valve timing, and an intercooler manual control water spray system delivering 300 horsepower at 6000 RPM and 300 lb-ft. peak torque at 4000 RPM.

The Impreza WRX STi comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and our most advanced Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system with a Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD), and a high performance inverted strut sport-tuned suspension to provide the ultimate combination of power and handling.

Impreza WRX STi also features the latest in performance safety engineering - as standard equipment. High intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights provide increased forward visibility, while heavy duty Brembo® four wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Super Sport ABS provide superior braking stability. Additional standard safety features include front seat head/chest side impact air bags, dual front airbags, and three-point seatbelts for all seating positions.

All 2004 Impreza models, including the WRX STi, are equipped with a safety brake pedal system that is designed to yield during a serious frontal impact in order to help reduce injury to the driver's lower limbs. The 2004 model year Impreza also meets all Federal Passenger Car Safety Standards. These models comply with Low Emission Vehicle Standards and are certified for sale in all 50 states. The 2004 Impreza features the peace of mind of standard 24-hour roadside assistance coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

The destination and delivery fee is $550, except in Alaska ($685). The price listed does not include destination and delivery charges, licenses and state or local taxes. Independent distributor's destination and delivery rates may vary; prices are subject to change without notice.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only manufacturer to have all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle they make. Subaru has been the best-selling import wagon in America for the past 20 years, based on R.L. Polk & Company new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2002.

Source - Subaru Media

Subaru -

Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the long-awaited 2004MY Impreza WRX STi, an ultra high-performance all-wheel drive sedan, at the North American International Auto Show in January of 2003. Based on the critically acclaimed Subaru Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX STi is completely re-engineered to provide world-class sports car levels of acceleration, handling and braking performance. Impreza WRX STi will serve as the performance flagship of the Subaru line when it arrives in dealerships this summer and will earn distinction as the most powerful Subaru ever offered for sale in North America.

The Impreza WRX STi draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, and is designed to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast. Impreza WRX STi is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter DOHC boxer engine producing 300 horsepower @6,000 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 4,000 rpm, teamed exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a sophisticated Subaru All-Wheel Drive system designed to optimize performance in all conditions.

Introducing Subaru Tecnica International (STI)

STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Subaru, which offers the only exclusively All-Wheel Drive line of passenger cars and crossover-type vehicles in the United States, has been proving the performance and durability of its

All-Wheel Drive technology in World Rally Championship competition since 1989.

Until now, STi-badged Subaru vehicles had been available only in select world markets. However, the success of the WRX in the U.S. prompted strong (and vocal) demand from American consumers for an even more extreme-performance version of this car.

As a result, the U.S.-market Impreza WRX STi gives up nothing compared to models offered in Europe, Japan and other markets and in some ways offers more performance. For example, the 2.5-liter turbocharged powerplant is the largest displacement engine ever installed in a WRX STi model and is exclusive to the North American market. This unique engine also provides strong torque characteristics at both low and high rpm.

Rally Tested, Road Ready

The Impreza WRX STi benefits from the redesigned front and rear styling of the 2004MY Impreza line. The expressive new design is the result of close consultation with Subaru STi engineers and the Subaru World Rally Team to improve air resistance, optimize lift force balance, maximize engine cooling and provide Impreza models with a bolder, more dynamic appearance. In its exterior design, Impreza WRX STi leaves no doubts about its performance potential -- a look that is equally functional. The enlarged hood scoop in the aluminum hood feeds outside air to the intercooler that is significantly larger than the unit found on Impreza WRX. A completely functional dual element rear spoiler -- which appears to be borrowed directly from the Subaru World Rally Car -- helps reduce lift and improve stability at high speed. Airflow is also managed via front side spoilers on the front bumper and STi side ground effects. The front fascia features four high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with smoke tinted lenses and distinctive STi fog light insert covers for a no-nonsense look. Large diameter Brembo® brakes are clearly visible between the spokes of the 17-inch lightweight aluminum- alloy BBS® wheels.

The 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ('boxer') four-cylinder engine is based on a specially reinforced 'semi-closed deck' engine block with forged aluminum alloy pistons, forged high-carbon steel connecting rods and sodium-filled exhaust valves. This advanced powerplant incorporates Subaru AVCS (Active Valve Control System) variable valve timing technology to optimize the engine's volumetric efficiency throughout the rev band. It is the first application of this technology on a Subaru in North America. The large capacity intercooler includes a manually operated water spray feature to provide additional cooling.

Driver-Adjustable All-Wheel Drive

WRX STi is equipped with the brand's most performance-directed All-Wheel Drive system with DCCD (Driver Control Center Differential). In automatic mode, the computer varies the front/rear torque split automatically depending on driving conditions and driver input. In manual mode, the DCCD system allows the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution for different driving conditions.

Using a small control wheel on the car's center console, the driver can set the system to transfer as much as 65 percent of available torque to the rear wheels to increase handling agility.

Standard safety features include front seat head/chest side impact air bags (SRS), dual front airbags and three-point seatbelts. Front seat belts include electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters. All 2004 Impreza models receive collapsible pedal controls that 'break away' during a frontal impact to help reduce foot injuries.

Source - Subaru Media

Introduced by Subaru in November of 1992, the Impreza is a compact car that was offered in either front wheel or all wheel drive and featured sporty curves. The Impreza came in both four-door sedan/saloon versions or five-door station wagon/estate. More compact than the Legacy, the Impreza had a more enhanced high-performance driving and feeling of quality than its predecessor.

The Impreza became Subaru's entry into the small-car maket segment in U.S., European, Japanese and numorous other world markets. ‘Subura' a Japanese word meaning ‘unite' has a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction that is represented in their more than 10 million vehicles sold worldwide.

Equipped with a flat engine (or an internal combustion engine, also called a boxermotor) the Impreza came with distinguishable Subaru characteristics. With an engine choice of 1.5: or 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines that were neither turbocharged nor supercharged.

Available in a 4-wheel drive turbo charged version that delivered 211Bhp and had the distinction of the turbo charger mounted on the right side of the engine. The intercooler is located above the engine, therefore the reason for the big central air vent on the bonnet of the Impreza. On the racing version of the Impreza, the intercooler is located in the front bumper.

The Impreza came with an engine that was mounted longitudinally, making the gearbox and transmission much easier to fit and service.

For drivers searching for a car that provides thrills without major frills, the Japanese manufacturers have gained the status of being the only ones still able to produce a car for such a low price. Subaru Impreza turbo is gaining impressive commercial success due to price to performance ratio, its racing successes and reliable features.

The Impreza turbo's commercial success has led to production of more impressive versions that aren't available outside of Japan. The Impreza GT turbo evolved into becoming a multiple World Rally Champion with three world championship titles.

Common in Japan and Europe, special editions of the Impreza were available, usually coinciding with significant victories at World Rally Championships.

For the 1997 model year, the Impreza received an updated exterior facelift that was followed by a complete interior redesign in 1998.

A first-generation Impreza, turbocharged was never received in the North American market.

Elizabeth Johnson

Subaru introduced its Impreza Compact Car in 1993 and has since become a pinnacle of performance. The name 'Impreza' was derived from an Italian word 'impresa', meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, the name 'Impreza' means to 'party', an 'event' or 'show'. In either language, the name is suitable.

When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.

Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.

The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.

Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.

The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.

While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.

In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.

The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.

In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.

The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.

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Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally	Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally	Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally	Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally
2006 STPR - Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally	2006 STPR - Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally	2005 STPR - Susquehannock Trail ProRally

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