GT5 Transcripts/Subaru Impreza (second generation, Type-I)

The arrival of the all-new Impreza in August 2000 marked the rebirth of the company's prize compact car. This new generation model had a completely redesigned exterior that was highlighted by large round headlights.

The much-anticipated STi version appeared two months later, in October 2000. Under the hood was the same EJ20 powerplant that powered the previous model, a turbocharged flat-4, but while power remained the same at 276 HP at 6400 rpm, torque increased to 274.8 ft-lb at 4000 rpm. The boxer engine came mated to a 6-speed manual transmission built in-house. Sticky 225/45R17s provided excellent grip and traction (the wagon's tires were 215/45R17).

Subaru opted to go with Brembo for the new STi's brakes, rather than developing its own. The new system featured a lateral G-sensor along with a super-sports ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) that made stopping one of the car's strongest traits when ripping around a racetrack. The suspension consisted of inverted struts at all four corners.

After minor fine-tuning to the car's front end in September 2001, Subaru unveiled the STi Type RA Spec C the following December. Not only was this model lighter, it had more torque, delivering 283.5 ft-lb to all four wheels. Handling was also improved by geometrically modifying the front caster, which marked the first time this was done on an Impreza.