Generation 1 (1992-2000)
WRX's made from 1992 to 2000 had chassis codes starting with GC8. The year was identified by the letter that came after GC8 (letters A-G). Example: if the car was made between 11/1992 through 9/1993, it had a code of GC8A.
GC8A: This was produced from 11/1992 through 9/1993 and was the first WRX produced. It had a bhp (base horsepower) or 236 at 6000rpm. The curb weight was 2,690lb.
GC8B: Produced from 10/1993 to 8/1994. This produced 236bhp at 6500rpm with a curb weight of 2,756 lb. One of the main differences between this model an the previous was the introduction of solid disk brakes on the rear rotors as opposed to the drum brakes in previous model. Also, the introduction of the wagon version of the WRX was produced during this time frame.
GC8C: Produced from 9/1994 through 9/1996. The base horsepower in this version increased to 256bhp at 6500rpm. The curb weight also decreased slightly to 2712 lb. The wheel diameter was increased to 16 inches. Ventilated disks were also added.
GC8D: Produced for one year from 9/1996 through 9/1997. The body styling was modified. The hp rating was increased to 276bhp at 6500 rpm. The curb weight was increased slightly to 2756 lb.
GC8F: Produced from 9/1998 through 9/1999. Mechanically this was virtually the same as its predecessor. The torque was increase a little from 242 lb ft to 250 lb ft at 4000 rpm. The weight also continues to increase and is set at 2800 lb.
GC8G: Produced from 9/1999 through 9/2000. Only styling was changed between this model and its predecessor. It received new alloy wheels, remote central locking, intermittent wipers, map lights, and color coded mirrors and door handles.
Generation 2 (2001 – 2007)
Revision B 2001: This was the official release of the WRX to the US market. The body styling changed and coined the phrase “bug eyed” for this model of WRX. This model had a 2.0 Liter turbocharged engine and produced 227hp at 6000rpm with 217 lb ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The gear ratio is 3.9:1. The curb weight is 3,085 lb.
Revision C 2002-2003: Subaru increased the transmission gear size by 1 mm in size to increase the transmissions durability. A shorter metal fuel pipe and longer hose were put under the intake to avoid fuel leaks at freezing temperatures. In an effort to reduce destroying the gearbox due to AWD launching, a valve that prevents “drop-clutch” was added. In the interior, the ignition ring was lit with green lighting.
Revision D 2004: The WRX received slight body modifications. The changes were designed by Peter Stephens. The motor mechanics were unchanged. They did add multi-phase valve struts to the 2004 WRX to improve handling and drivability. Also, on the interior, they move the tach to the center of the console, and the speed-o to the right.
Revision E 2005: The interior is updated in the 2005 WRX. The wheels from the Subaru Legacy were added to the WRX. The STI hood scoop was added to the regular WRX. It received black painted head lamp bezels. This was the same year that SAAB came out with there 9-2x Aero which is the same thing as the WRX wagon, but with different badges and grill.
Revision F 2006: The WRX changed quite a bit this year. The front end was re-designed. The headlights were changed to a more squared off design and the head lights had tinted lenses. It had a new mesh grill and new tail lamp design. The curb weight is 3193 lb. Of course the biggest change in the 2006 WRX was the addition of the 2.5 liter turbocharged intercooled engine that produced 230 hp at 5600 rpm. The larger engine produced 235 lb ft of torque at 3600 rpm. The turbo charger is the same unit as the previous models, but it’s peak boost is reduced to 11.6 psi.
Revision G 2007: Subaru was trying to cut costs, so they reverted its aluminum suspension back to the steel-cast suspension. There were no major changes this year other than an auxiliary audio port and mp3 cd playback.
Generation 3 (2008-Present)
2008 WRX: While the engine specs didn’t change much from the 2007 WRX to the 2008 (2.5 liter 224bhp at 5200rpm and 226 lb ft of torqe at 2800rpm), the styling changed drastically. Subaru used a shorter version of the Subaru Legacy platform for the 2008 WRX. It came with Vehicle Dynamics Control, ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes, 80 watt 6-speaker audio system, Auxiliary audio ports, heated seats, and 17” x 7” allow wheels.
2009 WRX: Due to complaints, Subaru increase the horsepower of the WRX by 41 hp and the torque by 18 lb ft. The new output showed 265bhp and 244 lb ft of torque. They achieved this by swapping for a different turbo (IHI VF52). The WRX can go 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds. It also received a stiffer suspension from the STI.
