Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8 Version VI
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is the car that brought World Rally Championship technology to the streets. When Subaru entered the WRC in 1993 with the Impreza, the road car became its homologation base, and the STI (Subaru Tecnica International) versions were the ultimate expression of that rally DNA.
The GC8 STI used Subaru's signature horizontally-opposed (boxer) EJ20 engine, turbocharged to produce 280 PS — the gentleman's agreement limit. The boxer layout gave the car a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, while Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system with a driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) provided extraordinary traction in all conditions.
Subaru released the STI in numbered 'Versions,' each improving on the last. Version I (1994) started the lineage, with subsequent versions adding larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and refined engine management. The Version VI (1999) is widely considered the finest GC8, with forged pistons, improved DCCD, Brembo brakes, and a close-ratio gearbox.
In the WRC, the Impreza dominated the mid-1990s. Colin McRae won the 1995 drivers' championship in spectacular fashion, and Subaru took three consecutive manufacturers' titles (1995-1997). Richard Burns, Carlos Sainz, and Petter Solberg all drove Imprezas to rally glory.
The GC8 was never officially sold in the US in STI form (the STI arrived in the US only in 2004 with the GD chassis). This makes JDM GC8 STIs particularly desirable as imports. Special editions like the 22B STI (400 units), S201 (300 units), and RA-R are among the most collectible Japanese cars of the era.
JDM import is the only way to get a GC8 STI. Verify the version and specification carefully — STI, WRX, and base models look similar. The EJ20 turbo is robust but check for head gasket failure (common Subaru issue), turbo bearing wear, and ringland failure from detonation. Many cars have been modified — stock examples are rare and valuable. Rust attacks the rear quarters, subframes, and fuel tank area. The 22B is the ultimate GC8 but commands $150,000+.
GC8 STI production spanned Versions I through VI (1994-2000). STI was JDM-only (US got WRX only from 2002). Limited editions: 22B STI (400 units, widebody coupe, 2.2L), S201 (300 units by STI), RA and RA-R (lightweight rally homologation). Each Version ran approximately one year. The WRX (non-STI) was available worldwide from 1992.