Subaru Impreza WRX – The Quintessential Rally Rocket for the Road

The WRX’s storied history began in 1992, coinciding with the introduction of the first-generation Subaru Impreza. A product of Group A rallying’s homologation rules, the WRX has earned its reputation as the ultimate rally car for the road.

The formula was simple. Take an Impreza, chuck Subaru’s AWD system on it, slap a turbocharger on its flat-four powerplant and top the package off with a hood scoop and a big rally wing. This template created a legend and has been more or less the same ever since.


GC8/GF8 (1992 – 2000)

Replacing the Subaru Legacy as their weapon of choice in the World Rally Championship (WRC), the Subaru Impreza was released to almost instant success. Smaller and more agile than its older brother, the Impreza proved straight away that it could hang with the rest of the pack and went on to start a legendary rivalry with a certain tri-diamond manufacturer.

Off the rally circuit, the WRX was proving to be a hit with the general public. Its relatively sedate looks (in non-STI guise anyway), four-door practicality, rally-bred turbocharged performance and AWD grip, and fairly reasonable price tag made it a tasty proposition in its day.

The WRX was released on Australian shores in 1994 with an output of 155kW and 270Nm. Tipping the scales at a meagre 1270kg, the WRX gave local heroes like the SS Commodore and Falcon XR8 a run for their money, earning itself a giant-killer reputation.

For those craving a more focused WRX, the STI was also offered in Australia in their Version 5 and Version 6 guises, albeit in limited numbers. Opting for the STI over the WRX added more power, uprated suspension, special STI bucket seats, gold wheels and an even bigger rear wing.

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Part Numbers:

1994 - 1998 GC8/GF8 WRX & WRX STI AWD Front - DB1219 GCT, DB1219 HD, DB1219 ULT

1994 - 1998 GC8/GF8 WRX & WRX STI AWD Front w/ 2 Pot Front Calipers - DB1342 GCT, DB1342 4WD, DB1342 HD, DB1342 ULT

1994 - 1998 GC8/GF8 WRX & WRX STI AWD Rear – DB1186 GCT, DB1186 HD, DB1186 ULT

1998 - 2000 GC8/GF8 WRX & WRX STI AWD Front w/ 4 Pot Front Calipers - DB1170 GCT, DB1170 HD, DB1170 ULT, DB1170 SRT, DB1170 BR

1998 - 2000 GC8/GF8 WRX & WRX STI AWD Front w/ 2 Pot Front Calipers - DB1342 GCT, DB1342 4WD, DB1342 HD, DB1342 ULT

1998 - 2000 GC8/GF8 WRX & WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1186 GCT, DB1186 HD, DB1186 ULT


GD/GG “Bugeye” (2000 – 2002)

After eight years of service, Subaru retired the GC chassis in 2000 in favour of the “New Age” Impreza. Bigger, comfier and more refined than its predecessor, the “New Age” update brought the Impreza to a wider market.

However, it was released to a rather mixed reaction. This can be chalked up to the design of the front-end. Dubbed the “Bugeye” by Subaru aficionados thanks to its round headlights, the “New Age” Impreza was introduced to a rather polarising reaction with some considering it to be a far cry from the previous generation’s more aggressive good looks.

However, there was still some good news. Underneath the softer, more plush exterior, the WRX was still the same fire-breathing rally rocket car enthusiasts had come to love. Sticking to the same turbocharged AWD formula set by its predecessor, the Bugeye WRX could still hang with the best of them, so those who could look past its polarising looks were in for a treat.

The Bugeye Rex also received an up-spec’d STI variant which added power due in no small part to a larger intercooler and turbocharger, STI seats and other interior bits, special STI suspension components as well those classic gold STI wheels. New for the STI, big Brembo brakes were fitted all round to help bring the heavier chassis to halt with ease. The STI was also offered with a 6-speed transmission in place of the WRX’s 5-speed. The Bugeye WRX STI marked the first STI model to be sold in unlimited numbers in Australia.

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Part Numbers:

2000 - 2007 GD/GG WRX AWD Front - DB1170 GCT, DB1170 HD, DB1170 ULT, DB1170 SRT, DB1170 BR

2000 - 2007 GD/GG WRX AWD Rear - DB1220 GCT, DB1220 HD, DB1220 ULT, DB1220 SRT

2000 - 2007 GD WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2000 - 2007 GD WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT


GD/GG “Blobeye” (2002 – 2005)

In 2002, the GD chassis received its first facelift. Recognising complaints about the Bugeye’s soft appearance, Subaru set to rectify this and introduced what would go on to be known as the “Blobeye” by enthusiasts around the world. The goofy-looking round headlights were done away with in favour of a set of more rectangular lamps.

The redesign was an instant hit with Subaru fans, reminiscent of the aggressive lines of the first Impreza. WRX fans that were put off by the Bugeye’s looks were reeled back in by the release of the Blobeye, eventually becoming the favourite of the bunch for many in terms of styling between the very first and current of the WRX’s lineage.

Underneath the skin, the WRX was business as usual. Mechanically, the Blobeye WRX remained relatively changed from its predecessor, which is by no means a bad thing. The Blobeye WRX was still the same rally rocket for the road it had always been. It had just returned to being a menacing sight in rear-view mirrors, just like the first-gen Impreza.

The Blobeye WRX STI also remained largely unchanged apart from the inclusion of an enormous hood scoop and return of that signature big rally wing. However, the 2005 WRX STI saw two major inclusions. The first was the change to a 5x114.3 stud pattern from the 5x100 stud pattern that was standard for Subarus at the time. The second was the introduction of DCCD for Australian market models. DCCD (Driver Control Centre Differential) allowed the driver to adjust torque split between the front and rear wheels from the comfort of their own seat. This system allowed for a torque split from 50/50% to 35/65% front to rear, allowing for a more dynamic driving experience.

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Part Numbers:

2000 - 2007 GD/GG WRX AWD Front - DB1170 GCT, DB1170 HD, DB1170 ULT, DB1170 SRT, DB1170 BR

2000 - 2007 GD/GG WRX AWD Rear - DB1220 GCT, DB1220 HD, DB1220 ULT, DB1220 SRT

2000 - 2007 GD WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2000 - 2007 GD WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT


GD/GG “Hawkeye” (2005 – 2007)

In 2005, Subaru gave us yet another facelift of the GD Impreza chassis. Whilst not as controversial as the Bugeye’s front end styling, this third facelift did receive criticism for the design of its front grille. Designed as Subaru’s corporate face, the front grille which was meant to resemble an aircraft intake (alluding to Subaru’s history as an aircraft manufacturer), was likened to a pig’s nose which in turn gave this facelift model the “Pignose” nickname. Thanks to its angular headlights, it was also dubbed the “Hawkeye” by Subaru enthusiasts - a far less derogatory nickname.

Along with the styling update, the Australian market Hawkeye WRX also saw a major update underneath the bonnet. Since the first-generation, the WRX had been powered by the trusty 2.0L flat-four EJ20. The Hawkeye introduced the 2.5L EJ25 to the Australian WRX. This improved down-low driveability a great deal. Whilst power remained the same at 169kW, torque jumped to 320Nm.

The Hawkeye STI also received the 2.5L powerplant with a power output of 206kW and 382Nm. On the outside it was unmistakeably an STI, with the Hawkeye also receiving the same treatment as the STI offerings that had come before it. STI buyers were still treated to those massive Brembo brakes, clever DCCD system, and of course, that big rally wing. `

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Part Numbers:

2000 - 2007 GD/GG WRX AWD Front - DB1170 GCT, DB1170 HD, DB1170 ULT, DB1170 SRT, DB1170 BR

2000 - 2007 GD/GG WRX AWD Rear - DB1220 GCT, DB1220 HD, DB1220 ULT, DB1220 SRT

2000 - 2007 GD WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2000 - 2007 GD WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT

GE/GH/GR (2008 – 2010)

In 2008, the Subaru Impreza saw its first major chassis update in eight years. Targeted to a wider market, the Impreza was softer and more sedate than ever before. Whilst this did make it generally more appealing, die-hard Subaru fans were left wanting more.

The WRX also received the same timid styling as the run-of-the-mill Impreza offerings, a far cry from the more aggressive WRX models before it. Coupled with a ride that was also made softer, the new WRX was far less popular with enthusiasts that had grown fond of the street-fighter attitude of WRXs of old.

The STI, however, was a different story all together. The 2008 STI was every bit the hardcore rally car for the road it had always been, with a few signs of growing up here and there. Whilst more practical and easier to live with day to day, the STI still performed like its previous generations would. To differentiate itself from the other lowly Impreza models, the STI received pumped from and rear guards, more aggressive front-end styling, a dual-exit exhaust and that enormous hood scoop. Under the skin, the STI remained largely the same as its predecessor, powered by the same 2.5L turbocharged powerplant, albeit with a power increase to 221kW. The 2008 STI also received Subaru’s SI Drive, allowing drivers to choose between three different response settings to suit everything from the daily commute to the weekend mountain road thrash.

A first for Subaru, the 2008 STI was only offered as a hatchback, much to the disappoint of Subaru fans that longed for the classic sedan look and Subaru’s signature big rally wing.

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Part Numbers:

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Front - DB1491 GCT, DB1491 4WD, DB1491 HD, DB1491 ULT

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Rear - DB1803 GCT, DB1803 HD

2008 - 2011 GR WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2008 - 2011 GR WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT


GV/GR (2011 – 2014)

In 2011, Subaru finally answered calls to bring back the long-missed sedan body style to the STI. Complaints about the WRX’s softer, more docile character were also heard by Subaru who in turn, gave the WRX its bare-knuckle bruiser attitude back.

The 2011 WRX was given the same wide body flares and dual-exit exhaust as the STI as well as a front-end facelift, giving it back that much-needed presence that was so sorely missed from the previous generation. Not much else was changed mechanically apart from slightly stiffer suspension, but this styling update alone was enough to reignite that WRX flame in the hearts of car enthusiasts.

The big news for the STI was the return of the sedan body style, and just as important, the return of the big rally wing. The hatchback remained in the STI line-up to cater for those seeking a more practical car. The STI also received a suspension overhaul for 2011 thanks to stiffer bushings and springs and thicker anti-roll bars, making it a sharper, more focused machine than its predecessor.

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Part Numbers:

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Front - DB1491 GCT, DB1491 4WD, DB1491 HD, DB1491 ULT

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Rear - DB1803 GCT, DB1803 HD

2011 - 2014 GV/GR WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2011 - 2014 GV/GR WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT


VA (2015 – Current)

2015 saw the release of yet another new-from-the-ground-up WRX. This time around, separate from the Impreza range all together. The 2015 WRX dropped the Impreza name all together and featured all-new sheet metal, looking far different from its run-of-the-mill Impreza counterparts. Compared to the Impreza, the WRX’s styling is angular and far more aggressive. The hatchback and station wagon bodies were also retired for the VA WRX, marking the first time that the WRX would be offered only as a sedan.

The WRX received a major update in terms of what’s under the hood. Subaru farewelled the EJ-series engine that had been in service since the Liberty RS of the early 90s, and fitted the WRX with the all-new 2.0L Direct-Injected FA20 unit with an output of 197kW and 350Nm. For the first time, the WRX was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as well as a Lineatronic CVT tweaked specially for the WRX. Electric power steering was also used for the first time, also adjusted for the WRX to still provide a weighty feel.

The STI version retained the turbocharged EJ25 used in previous generations. Pumping out a healthy 221kW and 407Nm, the STI still had the power advantage over the WRX. The STI also kept the traditional hydraulic power steering system. Whilst the WRX became the perfect comfortable daily/weekend warrior, the STI remains the weapon of choice for those more serious about driving.

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The Street Road Track brake pad is an ultra-high performance brake pad for the road going race car. With its high friction mu and extreme tolerance to heat, your WRX can go hard and stop harder, every time. The specially developed shims reduce heat and noise, enhancing the Street Road Track performance on the track, and useability on the street.

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For more WRX pads, click HERE.

Find out more about the Bendix Street Road Track brake pad HERE.

To find your nearest Bendix stockist, click HERE.

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