Engine and Fuel

• The 2008 WRX STI had a 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with 205 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The engine produced 290 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm and had a compression ratio of 8.2 to 1. The bore and stroke measured 3.92 inches by 3.11 inches. This trim level came only with a six-speed manual overdrive transmission. The STI WRX got 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
  
  

Size and Measurements

• The Impreza WRX STI weighed 3,395 lbs. and had a wheelbase of 103.3 inches. The front track was 60.2 inches, while the rear track measured 60.6 inches. The car was 173.8 inches long, 70.7 inches wide and 58.1 inches tall. Ground clearance was 6.1 inches and the turning diameter was 36.1 feet. The WRX STI had room for five passengers.
  
  

Safety Features and Ratings

• The WRX STI had driver, front-side, passenger and side-curtain airbags. Power door locks and windows were also standard. Child safety locks were present on all doors. The car had an all-wheel, antilock brake system and a vehicle stability system for added precision on the road. Additional precautions included an electronic brake assistance feature, traction control, locking differential and limited slip differential. In addition to the IIHS ratings, the NHTSA gave the WRX STI perfect ratings in driver and front-passenger crash tests.
  
  

Other Features

• The WRX STI came standard with cruise control, a tachometer and tilt steering. The steering wheel was leather with controls mounted on it. A tire pressure monitor and trip mileage tracker were both in the dash. The seats were leather and the second row folded back to create more room for cargo. A cargo cover and tie-downs were also included. Total cargo space was 19 cubic feet and total passenger room was 94.4 cubic feet. The WRX STI came with a CD player, CD changer and AM/FM radio. A GPS system and subwoofer were optional.