Around the Block: EFI Logics Tuned 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
There is something to be said for a car that’s quirky; one that doesn’t really fit the established mold and that does something unexpected. A few companies have made their money on models like these. Porsche for one comes to mind, with its rear engined Flat 6. So does Saab, which for decades only had two stroke engines available in its cars.
Subaru is another company that has made its money being quirky. At first look Subaru may seem like your prototypical Japanese car company. Somewhat conservative styling, compact cars, hatchbacks and what not and on your first look, the Impreza definitely fits that mold.
But then one checks out the spec sheet. All wheel drive. Flat 4. And what is that? Is that a hood scoop?
The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is not your prototypical Japanese compact. Nor is it your typical performance car. Unlike many performance cars, the WRX STI is a WRC homologation special– built so that Subaru could race.
Stock, this Dark Gray Metallic WRX STI puts out 305 HP and 290 ft/lbs of torque from its 2.5 Liter turbocharged Flat 4. This WRX STI isn’t stock though. Its been modified by EFI Logics of Bethel, CT with a Greddy SE Catback Exhaust, Tomei Equal Length Headers, an AEM Cold Air Intake and a Cobb Access tuner.
That means that this WRX STI now puts out 367 HP (294 at all four wheels) and 336 ft/lbs of torque.
That also makes for a very fun ride.
Before we set off, a quick look at some of the WRX STI’s tricks. Inside, you have a Driver Controlled Center Differential, showing its rally heritage that’ll split the power between the front and rear wheels. During normal on street driving, 59% of the power goes to the rear wheels and 41% goes to the front wheels.
The car also features Vehicle Dynamics Control with three driver-selected modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport #. Each mode modifies the throttle control and the ECU to best suit the conditions of the road and what the driver calls on for the car to do
Acceleration in the WRX STI started out slow. Mash on the throttle and it takes a second for the turbo to spool up and the boost to it. My reaction when first planting the throttle was, “What’s wrong?” The car looked fast, but it didn’t feel very fast. Then the boost hits.
I was thrown unexpectedly back in my seat as the engine bounced off the rev limiter. A quick shift into second from the long but firm six-speed manual transmission and the engine is at its 6800 RPM redline again, all accompanied by a whoosh from the turbo and its blow-off valve and a tremendous rumble coming from the Subaru’s boxer engine out the back.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI also handles great too, even on its stock suspension. While the car did exhibit some noticeable body lean in sharp turns (chalk that up to its rally-bred suspension), it was tremendously tractable and never short of grip. While the car would understeer a bit at the limits, I noticed that by playing with DCCD, I could further tailor the car to suit how I was driving it.
The 5-door WRX STI is also incredibly comfortable driving around town. Clutch action is very light (if slightly vague) and the suede sport seats are comfortable and supportive.
From my Around the Block short take, this 2009 EFI Logics tuned Subaru Impreza WRX STI Its fast, handles great and its comfortable; its the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it too.
Look out for a more thorough review coming soon.
