GE/GH/GR (2008 – 2010)

In 2008, the Subaru Impreza saw its first major chassis update in eight years. Targeted to a wider market, the Impreza was softer and more sedate than ever before. Whilst this did make it generally more appealing, die-hard Subaru fans were left wanting more.

The WRX also received the same timid styling as the run-of-the-mill Impreza offerings, a far cry from the more aggressive WRX models before it. Coupled with a ride that was also made softer, the new WRX was far less popular with enthusiasts that had grown fond of the street-fighter attitude of WRXs of old.

The STI, however, was a different story all together. The 2008 STI was every bit the hardcore rally car for the road it had always been, with a few signs of growing up here and there. Whilst more practical and easier to live with day to day, the STI still performed like its previous generations would. To differentiate itself from the other lowly Impreza models, the STI received pumped from and rear guards, more aggressive front-end styling, a dual-exit exhaust and that enormous hood scoop. Under the skin, the STI remained largely the same as its predecessor, powered by the same 2.5L turbocharged powerplant, albeit with a power increase to 221kW. The 2008 STI also received Subaru’s SI Drive, allowing drivers to choose between three different response settings to suit everything from the daily commute to the weekend mountain road thrash.

A first for Subaru, the 2008 STI was only offered as a hatchback, much to the disappoint of Subaru fans that longed for the classic sedan look and Subaru’s signature big rally wing.


Part Numbers:

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Front - DB1491 GCT, DB1491 4WD, DB1491 HD, DB1491 ULT

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Rear - DB1803 GCT, DB1803 HD

2008 - 2011 GR WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2008 - 2011 GR WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT


GV/GR (2011 – 2014)

In 2011, Subaru finally answered calls to bring back the long-missed sedan body style to the STI. Complaints about the WRX’s softer, more docile character were also heard by Subaru who in turn, gave the WRX its bare-knuckle bruiser attitude back.

The 2011 WRX was given the same wide body flares and dual-exit exhaust as the STI as well as a front-end facelift, giving it back that much-needed presence that was so sorely missed from the previous generation. Not much else was changed mechanically apart from slightly stiffer suspension, but this styling update alone was enough to reignite that WRX flame in the hearts of car enthusiasts.

The big news for the STI was the return of the sedan body style, and just as important, the return of the big rally wing. The hatchback remained in the STI line-up to cater for those seeking a more practical car. The STI also received a suspension overhaul for 2011 thanks to stiffer bushings and springs and thicker anti-roll bars, making it a sharper, more focused machine than its predecessor.


Part Numbers:

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Front - DB1491 GCT, DB1491 4WD, DB1491 HD, DB1491 ULT

2008 - 2014 GE/GH & GV/GR WRX AWD Rear - DB1803 GCT, DB1803 HD

2011 - 2014 GV/GR WRX STI AWD Front - DB1678 GCT, DB1678 HD, DB1678 ULT, DB1678 SRT

2011 - 2014 GV/GR WRX STI AWD Rear - DB1521 GCT, DB1521 ULT, DB1521 SRT


VA (2015 – Current)

2015 saw the release of yet another new-from-the-ground-up WRX. This time around, separate from the Impreza range all together. The 2015 WRX dropped the Impreza name all together and featured all-new sheet metal, looking far different from its run-of-the-mill Impreza counterparts. Compared to the Impreza, the WRX’s styling is angular and far more aggressive. The hatchback and station wagon bodies were also retired for the VA WRX, marking the first time that the WRX would be offered only as a sedan.

The WRX received a major update in terms of what’s under the hood. Subaru farewelled the EJ-series engine that had been in service since the Liberty RS of the early 90s, and fitted the WRX with the all-new 2.0L Direct-Injected FA20 unit with an output of 197kW and 350Nm. For the first time, the WRX was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as well as a Lineatronic CVT tweaked specially for the WRX. Electric power steering was also used for the first time, also adjusted for the WRX to still provide a weighty feel.

The STI version retained the turbocharged EJ25 used in previous generations. Pumping out a healthy 221kW and 407Nm, the STI still had the power advantage over the WRX. The STI also kept the traditional hydraulic power steering system. Whilst the WRX became the perfect comfortable daily/weekend warrior, the STI remains the weapon of choice for those more serious about driving.


The Street Road Track brake pad is an ultra-high performance brake pad for the road going race car. With its high friction mu and extreme tolerance to heat, your WRX can go hard and stop harder, every time. The specially developed shims reduce heat and noise, enhancing the Street Road Track performance on the track, and useability on the street.



For more WRX pads, click HERE.

Find out more about the Bendix Street Road Track brake pad HERE.

To find your nearest Bendix stockist, click HERE.

For the latest Bendix news and updates, visit our Facebook page.