The Subaru WRX STI has built a name for itself with its potent engine and all wheel drive system that has won rally races and competed in motor sports with great success. The dynamic all wheel drive system has helped make it a road, dirt, and gravel gripping machine that provides plenty of fun thanks to its turbocharged flat four cylinder engine. While this is enough for most owners right from the factory, there are some that want more. That’s why one American aftermarket tuning company developed a full tuning range specifically for the Subaru WRX STI model that takes it to a new level of performance and style. The new upgrade program comes standard with new engine tuning modifications, chassis upgrades, a set of COR rims, and aerodynamic body work made from carbon fiber.
One of the most eye catching aspects of the all wheel drive Subaru WRX STI is its flat four cylinder engine that displaces 2.5 liters and comes turbocharged straight from the factory. The standard output is 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque, which can be pushed further with the help of some modifications. The American team of engineers developed a Stage 3 program for the WRX STI that included a larger turbocharger and wastegate, a larger, front mounted intercooler, a more efficient air intake system, a stainless steel turboback exhaust with a three inch diameter, and a software tune that alters a variety of parameters to ensure maximum performance across the rev range. The result was a total of 450 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque being sent to all four of the forged COR rims for quicker acceleration and a higher top speed than the factory spec model.
The additional power required the American aftermarket tuning company to install a variety of chassis upgrades to ensure that it could handle the power. The stock suspension was given a new set of KW Variant 3 coilovers with adjustable damping and rebound, and a 20 mm lower ride height to allow drivers to alter the setup for a given track. New aluminum control arms were also installed. The factory wheels were replaced with forged aluminum COR rims in a monoblock construction that measure 9.0 x 19 at the front and rear axle and wear high performance Michelin sport tires.
The final aspect of the sports car that was modified by the American aftermarket car tuning team was the exterior. Here, they installed a new carbon fiber front spoiler lip complete with side flics to improve downforce at the front axle, and made room for the front mounted intercooler by enlarging the air vent. Each side of the car wears new skirts that redirect air away from the rear COR rims and reduce drag. The rear was finished off with a new carbon fiber diffuser and a large spoiler wing that sits atop the trunk to generate downforce and gain better stability.
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Braxton Herring
