The most significant differences between our WRX and a Japan WRX is the comparatively poor quality of the gasoline we get in the US and our very strict emissions and fuel economy regulations. Our gas quality alone reduces power output compared to the same engine in Japan, and some high output engines are never going to be imported for this reason. Our EPA mileage and emission regulations dictate engine tuning and transmission gearing that might otherwise be different.  You will find these facts referred to time and time again through out the site. ANY high performance engine is severely limited by the 91-93 octane fuel we have here and there is just no way around this for the average owner. First piece of advice: "Use caution about turning up the boost!"

The introduction of the  standard "New Age Impreza" WRX, or model GDA 4-door and GGA 5-door, brings a divergence between the Japanese WRX and the STI models that did not exist before. The new STI car is model "B". It is clearly different in its engine, transmission, drive line and body structure than the standard "A" WRX series.

So, while we now have the WRX, the new US and standard Japan specification WRX does not have quite the same raw edge that of every Japan base WRX had during the 1993-2000 GC8 series. There was very little difference in the engine or gearbox of a 1997-2000 Japan WRX and a 1997-2000 Japan spec WRX-STI if we discount the beefier rear drive train in the 16" brake option models and the forged pistons. This has all changed, with much disappointment to prospective Japanese buyers of a $24,000 WRX that used to easily keep up with someone else's $32,000 WRX-STI Version 5 or 6. The new standard WRX can no longer hope to do so for reasons we will examine in other sections.

This introductory area laid out the basic difference between the world export model, the Japan WRX and the Japan WRX-STI models. We offer some analysis of why these differences exist in the other sections on the right. This information is the basic background one needs to understand our new car with respect to the new and old WRX models sold in Japanese market. The sections also pave the way for understanding the path to affordable and effective tuning of the WRX. We also offer high performance options that are different from what we consider tuning of a road car. Please read these various pages at your right for details.