Images: Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX (2000-07)
Released in October 2000, the Subaru GD and GG Series I (GD.I and GG.I) Impreza WRX was available as a sedan or wagon, respectively. Manufactured in Ota, Japan, the GD/GG Impreza WRX range was initially powered by Subaru’s 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder EJ205 engine which had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, a turbocharger, intercooler and operated at a compression ratio of 8.0:1. The Impreza WRX was initially available with a five-speed manual transmission… Read full Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX review
Images: Subaru GD.II/GG.II Impreza WRX (2002-05)
Released in December 2002, the Subaru GD and GG Series II (GD.II and GG.II) Impreza WRX introduced mechanical upgrades and updated styling. The Impreza WRX engine was fitted with variable valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Active Valve Control System’) and had a higher compression ratio (increased from 8.0:1 to 9.0:1), while automatic models were fitted with the ‘Sportshift’ gear-lever for sequential shifting. The ‘bug eyes’ of the GD/GG Series I were replaced with a redesigned bonnet, headlights and bumpers. Inside, the Impreza WRX had a more prominent centre tachometer in the instrument binnacle and a chrome hand-brake button; the STi was fitted with a smaller three-spoke sports steering wheel and a new instrument binnacle with red back-lighting.
Images: Subaru GD.III/GG.III Impreza (2005-07)
Released in August 2005, the Subaru GD/GG Series III Impreza WRX range introduced Subaru’s 2.5-litre EJ255 and EJ257 turbocharged four-cylinder engines for the WRX and WRX STi, respectively. For the Impreza WRX STi, the all-wheel drive system was modified as the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) was fitted with dual mechanical and electronically-controlled limited slip differential; the static torque distribution ratio was also changed from 35:65 to 41:59. Furthermore, the six-speed manual transmission was also upgraded for smoother gearshifts. The Subaru GD/GG Series III Impreza WRX could be identified by its three-piece grille and more aerodynamically efficient bonnet scoops.
