The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Since 2014, the WRX lineup has split from the Impreza, offering a different body style than the traditional hatchback/wagon.
For the VA series WRX released in 2014 for the 2015 model year, Subaru decided to move away from marketing the WRX and WRX STI under the Impreza name. Although, the WRX and WRX STI are the performance models based on the GJ/GP Impreza with higher output engines, firmer suspension, larger brakes, lowered ride height and much more. The VA model is the first of the WRX line to deviate from the EJ-series engine. It uses the new 2.0-lter FA20F engine, which implements direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger. Oh, did we forget to mention that a 6-speed TY75 manual transmission comes standard on the WRX?
The Subaru WRX is impressive when seen on paper, but how does it truly feel once you’re behind the wheel? Fortunately for us, Tiffany – our customer service manager, has a 2011 Subaru WRX STI and was kind enough to let us get a feel for what a Subaru was really capable of. So we took it around the local streets of Gilbert, Arizona, and quickly came to the conclusion that the Subaru WRX STI is an incredible platform. But here at Vivid Racing, we love to go above and beyond on our project cars to make sure we maximize the cars’ potential. So we started on the first area of the Subaru WRX STI where we felt it lacked – the handling.
To begin our list of modifications, we started off with a simple yet effective upgrade to the suspension system – the Whiteline Roll center/bump steer correction kit. This kit is a must for any lowered vehicle as they are designed to correct roll-center geometry using specially engineered ball joints and tie rod ends. Raising the front roll-center results in a substantial increase in front roll resistance and a significant reduction in suspension compression of the outside front wheel during cornering. The result is more even weight distribution and improved tire contact ultimately improving front-end grip and cornering speeds.
Next on our list is the Whiteline front & rear sway bar kit for the Subaru WRX STi. Engineered to ‘Activate More Grip’ – this kit is a packaged solution designed to improve performance and enhance the driving experience of your vehicle. Boasting a 22mm 2-point adjustable front sway bar and 22mm 3-point adjustable rear sway bar, the kit is completed with high-quality sway bar links and mounting accessories that ensure optimum performance and ease of installation.
Coming in as the 3rd modification on our Subaru WRX STI – is the Whiteline front control arm and lower inner rear bushing motor. Whiteline products are developed by a qualified and willing engineering group of dedicated enthusiasts who are trained in the company’s products and philosophy. Using a range of sophisticated testing and data logging tools, we rely on comprehensive testing to maximize the product benefits and ensure that they work as a complete package to give you the best handling outcome.
The last upgrade on our list is none other than the ST Suspension coilover kit for the Subaru WRX STI. The ST Suspension kit offers application-specific adjustable lowering springs, the perfect range of options for wheel spacers, complete sport suspension sets, anti-sway bar kits, and a range of coilovers at an unmatched value. Developed for an everyday driver, this coilover system is an ideal mix of sportiness, simplicity, and comfort.
The ST Suspension coilovers come with a preset dampening and rebound and the galvanized coilover struts which are made of galvanized steel and their additional sealing which ensures an optimized corrosion protection.
With a low-friction and pressure-resistant damper housing, and the use of a hard chromed piston rod and a mono block guiding- and sealing package, this coilover kit can undergo extensive stress on the road.
Features:
- Height-adjustable
- Composite spring plate
- Dust protection, bump stop and weather-resistant
- TÜV technical component report
- KW Quality – exclusively for ST Suspensions
In conclusion, the 2011 Subaru WRX STI is a terrific machine from the factory. But taking the time to upgrade the suspension system on the STI was a great decision, resulting in overall better handling and cornering. So now the Subaru WRX STI can carve up the canyon roads or hit some dirt trails with little to no worries.
