10 Things You Need To Know About The 2012 Subaru WRX STI

The World Rally Championship has been responsible for the genesis of some of the most blistering street performance cars of all time, including modern warriors like the 2012 Subaru WRX STI. With manufacturers typically required to sell at least a token number of examples of a given rally model in order to compete in the series, automakers such as Subaru have used their motorsports participation as a springboard for dominating the streets as well as the gravel and snow-covered WRC courses around the world.

Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Subaru WRX STI.

1. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Comes In Sedan and Hatchback Editions

The 2012 Subaru WRX STI is available in two distinct body styles. The Subaru WRX STI sedan offers a traditional four-door look with an aggressive aero package, up-sized wheels and the availability of a distinctive trunk-mounted wing to set the vehicle apart from the standard Subaru Impreza model on which it is based. The Subaru WRX STI hatchback offers additional practicality thanks to the inclusion of a wide rear cargo opening and a folding back seat that allows the small wagon to expand its carrying capacity to 44.4 cubic feet of gear - more than double what most full-size sedans have to offer. Both versions of the car also display eye-catching quad exhaust outlets.

2. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Features A Turbocharged Engine

The 2012 Subaru WRX STI comes standard with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes use of a turbocharger and an intercooler in order to push out a healthy 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. These lofty numbers, achieved in part through the inclusion of Subaru's Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) make the WRX STI the most powerful model in the automaker's lineup and one of the quickest compact vehicles on the market. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission the Subaru WRX STI is capable of leaping to 60 miles per hour from a standing start in just 4.5-seconds.

3. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Offers An Advanced All-Wheel Drive System

A big part of the 2012 Subaru WRX STI's outstanding performance has to do with the symmetrical all-wheel drive system that corrals every one of its 305 ponies and sends them to the ground without a hint of drama. The WRX STI's impressive traction helps the vehicle launch with ease and it also improves handling by offering substantial grip on corner entry and exit. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is enhanced through the inclusion of a Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) which offers three different modes for managing torque and grip. Auto(-) is designed to send more power to the rear wheels in order to offer sporty dry-weather driving, while Auto(+) improves grip during slippery conditions. Manual mode features six selectable locking levels for the center differential in order to customize the car's characteristics to driver preferences.[page4. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Provides Rally-Inspired Handling

The 2011 Subaru WRX STI's rally roots are plainly visible underneath its chassis, where in addition to its all-wheel drive system the vehicle also offers beefed up anti-sway bars front and rear, stiff springs and pillow ball bushings on the front lower suspension arms in order to combat understeer resulting from abrupt steering inputs. The WRX STI additionally features oversized and ventilated Brembo disc brakes at all four corners. The Brembo system is actuated by four pistons in the front and two pistons at the rear and is managed by Subaru's Super Sport ABS to balance safety and control at the limits of adhesion.

4. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Provides Rally-Inspired Handling

The 2011 Subaru WRX STI's rally roots are plainly visible underneath its chassis, where in addition to its all-wheel drive system the vehicle also offers beefed up anti-sway bars front and rear, stiff springs and pillow ball bushings on the front lower suspension arms in order to combat understeer resulting from abrupt steering inputs. The WRX STI additionally features oversized and ventilated Brembo disc brakes at all four corners. The Brembo system is actuated by four pistons in the front and two pistons at the rear and is managed by Subaru's Super Sport ABS to balance safety and control at the limits of adhesion.

5. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Is Equipped With Advanced Performance Technology

The 2012 Subaru WRX STI is famous for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system, but one of the vehicle's secret weapons is its SI-Drive system. SI-Drive is designed to offer driver control over the vehicle's throttle response, custom-tailoring how the vehicle's engine responds to pedal inputs in order to either maximize fuel efficiency or engage full-out, explosive power for track days. Intelligent mode helps the WRX STI sip fuel at a more casual rate as well as minimize wheel spin when road conditions turn treacherous, while Sport maximizes linear power delivery and high end oomph. The Sport Sharp setting unleashes the full potential of the STI's 305 ponies.

6. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Offers A High Grade Interior

All versions of the 2012 Subaru WRX STI come with an upgraded passenger compartment compared to the run-of-the-mill Impreza. The WRX STI offers special heated leather sport seats that grip front occupants with aggressive side bolsters in order to keep them in place during high speed maneuvers. A leather-wrapped, tilting and telescoping steering wheel is also included free of charge, as is a CD player with a USB input, iPod interface and Bluetooth connectivity and a unique interior accent lighting system that adds an exclusive touch to the interior of the WRX STI not available with the less powerful WRX model.

7. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Comes In Two Trim Levels

The 2012 Subaru WRX STI is offered in two separate editions. The standard WRX STI comes with a long list of features including HID headlights, integrated side mirror turn signals, 18-inch BBS wheels, Alcantara upholstery, a full range of power accessories and STI electroluminescent gauges. The WRX STI Limited ups the ante by including equipment such as a power moonroof and upgraded leather trim for the vehicle's sport seats. The Limited trim is exclusively available with four-door sedan editions of the WRX STI and while it represents the more luxurious of the two versions of the car it doesn't sacrifice any performance in order to deliver comfort.

8. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Can Be Factory-Customized To Your Tastes

The 2012 Subaru WRX STI can be outfitted with a wide range of optional features and factory accessories in order to give it a more personal flavor. One of the most popular additions to the WRX STI is a voice-activated GPS navigation system, which installs a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen at the center of the vehicle's dash and upgrades the audio system to take advantage of the new interface. The Subaru WRX STI can also be had with a boost gauge to keep track of turbo performance, a short throw shifter to improve the accuracy and speed of gear changes via the six-cog manual transmission and a media hub that is designed to improve the ability of the WRX STI to interact with portable music devices.

9. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Enjoys Enormous Aftermarket Support

When comparing the 2012 Subaru WRX STI to other compact performance cars what quickly becomes clear is just how extensive the aftermarket support is for this particular model. Most of the drivers who purchase a rally-bred sports sedan or hatch like the WRX STI have a strong interest in modifying or customizing the vehicle to take it past the factory specs and squeeze every last drop of speed and handling out of the car. Companies such as Cobb, Perrin, AEM, Prodrive and Grimmspeed can provide components such as intakes, engine management systems, boost controllers and full exhaust systems in order to hone the WRX STI into an even more potent beast.

10. The 2012 Subaru WRX STI Is One Of The Most Affordable Sports Cars On The Market

The 2012 Subaru WRX STI starts out at an MSRP of $34,095. This is an exceptionally inexpensive asking price for a vehicle that offers performance on par with vehicles such as the Porsche 911 (MSRP $82,100), the Chevrolet Corvette (MSRP $49,525) and the BMW M3 (MSRP $59,900). Not only is the WRX STI in the same ball park as these sports car heavyweights when it comes to acceleration, braking and cornering, but it also provides a full back seat and even the practicality of a hatchback option. Throw in the foul weather performance of its standard all-wheel drive system and it becomes clear as to why the Subaru WRX STI is such a popular year-round sports car choice.

Learn more about the 2012 Subaru WRX STI.

See the Subaru WRX STI video.