Hey guys! Let's dive into the specifics of the iconic 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. This car is a legend, known for its performance, rally-inspired design, and, of course, those unmistakable Subaru sounds. If you're a car enthusiast or considering getting one, understanding its specs and performance figures is crucial. So, buckle up and let’s explore what makes this car so special.

Engine and Performance

When it comes to the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the heart of the beast is its engine. The 2012 WRX STI is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. This horizontally opposed engine is not just about power; it's about balance and responsiveness. The engine delivers a robust 305 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This power output makes the STI an exhilarating machine to drive, whether you're on the street or tackling a track day.

The Boxer engine's design contributes significantly to the car's handling. By placing the engine horizontally, Subaru achieves a lower center of gravity compared to traditional inline or V-shaped engines. This lower center of gravity translates to improved stability and cornering ability, making the WRX STI incredibly nimble and fun to drive on twisty roads. The turbocharger forces more air into the engine, boosting its power output and providing that signature turbocharged surge that WRX STI drivers love.

Furthermore, the engine's power is delivered through Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system ensures that power is distributed to all four wheels at all times, providing superior traction and control in a variety of driving conditions. Whether you're driving on dry pavement, wet roads, or even snow, the all-wheel-drive system helps the WRX STI maintain its grip and stability. The combination of the powerful engine and the advanced all-wheel-drive system makes the 2012 WRX STI a formidable performance car that can handle almost anything you throw at it.

The engine also features an intercooler to cool the intake air, which increases the density of the air entering the engine and further enhances power output. This intercooler is essential for maintaining consistent performance, especially during hard driving or in hot weather conditions. The engine also benefits from a reinforced cylinder block and high-performance pistons, ensuring durability and reliability even under extreme stress. The engine management system is finely tuned to optimize fuel delivery and ignition timing, maximizing power output while maintaining efficiency.

The 2012 WRX STI's engine is designed to provide a thrilling driving experience. The combination of raw power, responsive torque, and advanced engineering makes it a standout in its class. Whether you're accelerating onto the highway or carving through mountain roads, the engine delivers the performance you need to get the most out of your drive. The engine's characteristics also make it highly tunable, allowing enthusiasts to further enhance its performance with aftermarket modifications. This makes the 2012 WRX STI a popular choice for those looking to build a truly custom performance car.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The transmission and drivetrain are critical components that work hand-in-hand with the engine to deliver the WRX STI’s renowned performance. The 2012 model comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, which is the preferred choice for enthusiasts who want maximum control and engagement. This transmission is robust and precise, allowing drivers to shift gears quickly and smoothly, whether they're on the street or the track. The gear ratios are carefully chosen to optimize acceleration and provide a wide range of performance capabilities.

The 6-speed manual transmission is designed to handle the high torque output of the engine, ensuring durability and reliability even under demanding driving conditions. The transmission features a short-throw shifter, which reduces the distance the driver needs to move the shift lever, resulting in quicker and more precise shifts. This enhances the overall driving experience and allows drivers to maintain momentum during spirited driving. The transmission also includes synchromesh on all gears, which helps to smooth out shifts and prevent grinding.

Coupled with the transmission is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This system is a cornerstone of the WRX STI’s performance and handling prowess. Unlike many other AWD systems that distribute power on demand, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD provides constant power to all four wheels. This results in superior traction, stability, and control, regardless of road conditions. The system actively monitors wheel slippage and adjusts power distribution to maintain optimal grip, ensuring the car stays planted and responsive.

The Symmetrical AWD system in the 2012 WRX STI also features a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). This allows the driver to fine-tune the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, further enhancing the car’s handling characteristics. The DCCD system offers multiple settings, allowing drivers to tailor the AWD system to their specific driving style and road conditions. For example, in slippery conditions, the driver can increase the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels to improve traction and reduce understeer.

The combination of the 6-speed manual transmission and the Symmetrical AWD system makes the 2012 WRX STI a true driver’s car. The precise shifting and constant power delivery provide an engaging and confidence-inspiring driving experience. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or accelerating on the open road, the transmission and drivetrain work seamlessly together to deliver maximum performance. The robust design of these components ensures they can withstand the rigors of high-performance driving, making the WRX STI a reliable and capable machine.

Furthermore, the drivetrain includes heavy-duty axles and differentials to handle the engine's power output. These components are designed to withstand the stresses of hard acceleration and cornering, ensuring long-term reliability. The drivetrain is also engineered to minimize drivetrain loss, which helps to maximize the amount of power that reaches the wheels. This results in improved performance and efficiency. The 2012 WRX STI's transmission and drivetrain are essential elements of its performance capabilities, providing the driver with the control and confidence to push the car to its limits.

Suspension and Brakes

The 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI's suspension and brakes are engineered to complement its powerful engine and all-wheel-drive system, ensuring exceptional handling and stopping power. The suspension system is designed to provide a balance between comfort and performance, allowing the car to handle both daily driving and spirited track sessions with ease. The STI features a sport-tuned suspension with inverted struts and stiffer springs, which reduces body roll and improves cornering stability. This setup allows the car to remain composed and predictable, even when pushed hard.

The inverted struts in the front suspension provide increased rigidity and resistance to bending, which enhances steering precision and feedback. The stiffer springs and dampers work together to control body motions and minimize unwanted oscillations, resulting in a more planted and confident feel. The suspension is also designed to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. The rear suspension features a double-wishbone design, which further enhances stability and control. This setup allows the rear wheels to maintain optimal contact with the road, even during hard cornering.

In terms of brakes, the 2012 WRX STI is equipped with Brembo high-performance brakes. These brakes are designed to provide exceptional stopping power and resistance to fade, ensuring consistent performance even under extreme conditions. The Brembo brakes feature large, ventilated rotors and powerful calipers, which provide a firm and responsive pedal feel. The front brakes typically have four-piston calipers, while the rear brakes have two-piston calipers. This setup provides balanced braking performance and ensures the car can stop quickly and safely.

The large, ventilated rotors help to dissipate heat quickly, which reduces the risk of brake fade during prolonged periods of hard braking. The high-performance brake pads provide excellent friction and ensure consistent stopping power. The brake system is also equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), which further enhance safety and control. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. EBD distributes brake force between the front and rear wheels to optimize braking performance and stability.

The combination of the sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes makes the 2012 WRX STI a formidable performer on both the street and the track. The suspension provides exceptional handling and stability, while the brakes provide confident stopping power. These components work together to give the driver a sense of control and confidence, allowing them to push the car to its limits. The suspension and brakes are also designed to be durable and reliable, ensuring long-term performance even under demanding conditions. The 2012 WRX STI's suspension and brakes are essential elements of its performance capabilities, providing the driver with the tools they need to enjoy a thrilling and engaging driving experience.

Interior and Features

Moving inside, the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI offers a driver-focused interior designed to enhance the driving experience. While it's not the most luxurious cabin, it's functional and provides the essential features you need for performance driving. The seats are typically bolstered to keep you in place during aggressive maneuvers, and the dashboard layout is straightforward, putting all the vital information within easy reach.

Sport seats are designed to provide enhanced support and comfort, especially during spirited driving. These seats feature aggressive bolsters that help to hold the driver and front passenger in place, preventing them from sliding around during hard cornering. The seats are typically upholstered in a durable and comfortable fabric, such as Alcantara or leather, and may feature contrast stitching for a more sporty appearance. The driver's seat is often height-adjustable, allowing drivers to find the perfect seating position. The rear seats are also designed to provide adequate support and comfort for passengers.

The dashboard is designed to be functional and easy to use, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The instrument cluster typically includes a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and coolant temperature gauge, providing the driver with all the vital information they need to monitor the car's performance. The center console typically houses the audio system, climate controls, and other convenience features. The dashboard may also include a multi-information display, which can provide additional information such as fuel economy, trip distance, and outside temperature.

As for features, the 2012 WRX STI comes with standard equipment like air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a decent audio system. Higher trims may include features such as a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio. While the focus is primarily on performance, Subaru does include some creature comforts to make the car more livable for daily use. The interior is designed to be durable and functional, with high-quality materials and construction. The focus is on providing a comfortable and supportive environment for the driver and passengers, while also minimizing distractions.

Air conditioning helps to keep the cabin cool and comfortable, especially during hot weather. Power windows and locks provide convenience and ease of use. The audio system typically includes a CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input, allowing drivers to listen to their favorite music. Higher trims may include a premium audio system with enhanced sound quality and additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. The sunroof allows natural light and fresh air to enter the cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions, helping drivers to reach their destination quickly and easily.

In summary, the interior and features of the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI are designed to provide a functional and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers. While the focus is primarily on performance, Subaru does include some convenience features to make the car more livable for daily use. The interior is durable and well-constructed, with high-quality materials and a focus on providing a supportive and comfortable driving experience. The features are designed to enhance the driving experience and provide the driver with all the essential information they need to monitor the car's performance.

Overall Impression

The 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI remains a highly desirable car for enthusiasts. Its blend of power, handling, and all-weather capability makes it a standout in the performance car market. While it might not be the most refined or luxurious option, its raw performance and rally-inspired character are what make it so appealing. If you're looking for a car that delivers an engaging driving experience and can handle almost any road condition, the 2012 WRX STI is definitely worth considering.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of performance cars, the 2012 WRX STI offers a unique and thrilling driving experience. Its powerful engine, advanced drivetrain, and sport-tuned suspension provide exceptional handling and performance. The interior is functional and well-designed, with all the essential features you need for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The 2012 WRX STI is a true driver's car, designed to provide the ultimate in performance and excitement.