Debuting on the eve of Subaru Tecnica International's 20th anniversary (April 2008), the new all-wheel drive Impreza WRX STI has been designed to give maximum pleasure through its unique combination of power, performance and handling.

Furthermore, its all-new 5-door design has been developed with the aim of winning the FIA World Rally Championship in future seasons.

Subaru STI Models since 1994

STI model versions have been produced since 1994 with the first STI version of the Impreza making its debut that year with a Japanese specification 250 PS @6500 rpm engine and weighed in at 2,650lb. Based on the turbo WRX model, it was tuned by Subaru Tecnica International Inc. to win the WRC, and for the past 13 years the Subaru World Rally Car has been developed based on the Impreza WRX STI model.

Background of Subaru Tecnica International

Subaru Tecnica International inc. is based in Mitaka, Tokyo and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. The acronym "STI" is derived from the name of the company and has come to symbolize Subaru's highest performance models.

The company was founded in April 1988 to develop Subaru's motorsport activities including the WRC. These competitions act as the ultimate testing ground for Subaru vehicles and the feedback gained is reflected in the development of production models.

Current President Ichiro Kudoh was appointed in June 2007 as the fourth President of STI. STI's first President, the late Mr. Ryuichiro Kuze, was also the founder of the company. His first program was the development of a Subaru Legacy that set a world speed record for continuous driving over 100,000 km, a record that stood for 16 years.

Subaru Tecnica International and WRC

Kuze went on to form the Subaru World Rally Team in Britain, with the SWRT entering its first WRC event, the Acropolis Rally in 1990.

The first WRC victory for Subaru was in 1993 in New Zealand and it claimed the Manufacturer's crown in 1995, 1996 and 1997, with the latter featuring legendary driver, the late Colin McRae. Subaru Tecnica International has competed in the WRC for the past 17 years, and holds three WRC manufacturers' titles and three drivers' titles.

STI in the US

STI models took some time to officially arrive on US shores and the first U.S. specification STI model was the 2004 'Rev. D' Impreza WRX STI, powered by a 2.5 liter turbo engine that delivered 300 horsepower.

In 2006, Subaru introduced a new STI that displayed a new look with a 3- part grille. The 'Rev F' model also featured modified differentials and 2007 saw the 'Rev G' version of the Impreza WRX STI and the 300hp Impreza WRX STI Limited. The 800 STI Limiteds produced sold out immediately.

Subaru Tecnica International's business ranges from the development, assembly and tuning of all motorsports engines to the planning and development of Subaru STI road cars and accessories as well as parts for racing and street applications. In the US, STI parts are distributed and sold by Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT).

Subaru Tecnica International's signature color is known in the US as "Cherry Red".