2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S204

The S204 developed STI’s complete-sedan approach through a 320 PS EJ20, coordinated chassis equipment and distinctive seating. STI places it in 2005 and gives a 600-car programme reference, separating it from a normal Impreza modified with selected S-series parts.

The factory heritage year is 2005

STI’s heritage record identifies S204 as a 2005 complete model and describes its development from S203. That date is retained even where an individual car was first registered in the following year. Programme introduction and registration do not have to be identical. A useful identity record connects the actual chassis with its original S204 documentation, rather than relying on a registration description, a familiar body generation or an installed accessory badge.

STI: S204 heritage and specifications

The EJ20 receives a precise complete-car specification

The factory table lists a 1,994 cc turbocharged EJ20, 235 kW or 320 PS at 6,400 rpm and 432 Nm at 4,400 rpm, with a six-speed manual. STI describes individually measured engine components, balancing work, a larger turbine and a titanium sports muffler. These are factory programme references. They do not establish the present output of a modified example, and the PS unit should not be silently treated as an identical SAE horsepower measurement.

Chassis development extends beyond the engine headline

STI highlights performance dampers, changes to links and stabilisers, tuned suspension and lightweight 18-inch forged BBS wheels with specified Pirelli tyres. The historical interest lies in the combination and the testing described by STI, rather than the mere presence of branded components. A collector inspection should compare the complete specification with the parts currently fitted, recording replacement dampers, wheels and consumables so the vehicle’s condition can be understood alongside its identity.

STI: S204 heritage and specifications

Interior equipment helps distinguish the complete model

The heritage account gives special attention to the RECARO seats, including their frames and surface materials. These details belong with the body, chassis and drivetrain changes when explaining what S204 means. Original seats can be repaired, and components can move between cars, so a seat or plaque alone is not conclusive authentication. Dated photographs, original sales records and a continuous vehicle history provide stronger evidence when considered together.

STI: S204 heritage and specifications

A correctly named factory exterior image is now available

The supplied image comes from Subaru’s December 2005 S204 collection and shows the complete car rather than an unrelated similarly named vehicle. This resolves the earlier photographic hold on SUB-099. The factory asset retains its editorial-only terms and manufacturer credit. It illustrates the programme’s appearance, not the delivery history of a customer chassis or a complete ledger proving the date on which every one of the referenced cars was finished.

Specifications and identity reference

Rarity and production scope

STI records a 600-car S204 programme. S203, ordinary GDB Imprezas and cars fitted later with individual S204 components remain separate identities. SUB-099 was held, not imported, in the earlier batch; the matched factory asset now resolves its image gap. The manufacturer reference is attributed, with exact completed production and survivor totals left blank rather than presented as a new chassis census. Registration dates do not redefine the programme year.

What the photograph represents

Factory-supplied S204 exterior image from Subaru’s explicitly named December 2005 S204 collection. It illustrates the complete model’s front and side appearance, not the delivery history or present condition of a particular customer chassis.

Related Subaru profiles

• 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA 2005
• 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary
• 2018 Subaru WRX STI 50th Anniversary Edition

Frequently asked questions

Why use 2005 when some cars were registered in 2006?

STI’s heritage record places the complete-model programme in 2005; registration is a separate date.

Does fitting S204 seats or wheels establish identity?

No. Original chassis and complete-model documentation should establish the car’s identity, supported by equipment and history.

What is the production-count boundary for this profile?

STI records a 600-car S204 programme. S203, ordinary GDB Imprezas and cars fitted later with individual S204 components remain separate identities. SUB-099 was held, not imported, in the earlier batch; the matched factory asset now resolves its image gap. The manufacturer reference is attributed, with exact completed production and survivor totals left blank rather than presented as a new chassis census. Registration dates do not redefine the programme year.

Sources and further reading

1. STI: S204 heritage and specifications

Research checked 19 October 2026. Linked manufacturer heritage pages, factory announcements, official distributor publications and labelled contemporary coverage support the specifically identified claims. Photographic descriptions identify the illustrated subject. Design analysis and suggested authentication steps are editorial interpretation.