2011 Subaru WRX STI 2.0 JDM spec

Highlights

• JDM-spec WRX STI GR
• One UK owner, self-imported in 2023
• Subtly modified with performance enhancements
• New cambelt and water pump this year
• 2.0-litre EJ207 engine – more powerful than UK spec

Overview

While previous iterations of the Subaru Impreza WRX pretty much sold themselves thanks to the rallying antics of Colin McRae and Petter Solberg, with the 2007-on ‘G’ series of models, the Japanese firm had to try a bit harder, not least because (for European markets, at least) it was a five-door hatchback and there was no WRC campaign to drive awareness.

It's fair to say that the WRX STI ‘GR’ (in Subaru speak, that means ‘five-door/wide body’) never really gained the sales traction of its forebears, nor was it showered in as much praise by the media – but this is perhaps more because they no longer had rallying referenceability.

In addition, the UK and Europe were only offered one engine – a 2.5-litre flat-four that met Euro 5 emissions requirements. The EJ257 unit developed 296bhp, but it didn’t quite have the allure of the JDM models’ smaller capacity 2.0-litre unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger, which gave greater boost and more flexibility. The EJ207 unit developed 304bhp in standard tune, and was much livelier to drive.

That’s why it’s a popular choice among importers, and quite a few Japanese-market models have made their way here over the past few years, including this one, which the vendor brought here in 2023. A 2011 model, the vendor imported the car himself and has spent a lot of money improving it. It’s now running an upgraded intercooler, coilovers, a Stage 1 remap and a heavy-duty clutch with upgraded flywheel, to name just a few of the mechanical enhancements detailed below.

If you want a subtle but brilliantly poised and well sorted performance car, there’s a huge amount here to like.

History and documentation

• Manufactured in August 2011 and first registered in the UK on 1 October 2023
• No previous UK owners
• Two keys
• All original import documents
• Invoices relating to work carried out during current ownership, including timing belt and water pump replacement in Mar 2025, at 83,650km
• MOT valid until 22 September 2025, with no advisory notices issued

Interior

• Very smart overall interior presentation
• High-back STI sports seats with Alcantara seat facings and red stitching
• Carbon fibre trim inserts
• Climate control
• Electric windows (though the seller advises that the nearside rear motor is slow)
• Double-DIN aftermarket head unit with smartphone functionality
• Original jack and tool kit
• Alloy pedals
• XRevolution Lufi OBD boost gauge

Exterior

• Original Urban Grey metallic paint in good overall order
• Paint on rear spoiler will need attention
• Excellent structural condition with no panel damage
• Prodrive 18inch 9J45 mono forged wheels in good condition
• Hankook Ventus TD semi-slick road tyres
• Wind deflectors
• Keyless entry system

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre 16v EJ207 falt-four
• Twin scroll turbocharger
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Cotosports blow-off valve
• New Process West Top Mount inter cooler
• Greddy aluminum radiator, hose kit and low water temperature thermostat
• HKS exhaust backbox
• HKS Stage 1 map
• MTech brake discs with Endless MX72+ pads
• Goodridge brake hoses
• Whiteline front and rear antiroll bar kit set
• Cobb short shifter
• Perrin reverse knob and new bushes all-round
• Upgraded STI 11 VAB Type-RA Bilstein coilover kit
• ORC-400L-HP clutch with lightweight flywheel set
• New main and secondary clutch pump fitted 2023
• Steel clutch hose
• New STI 11 VAB steering rack with four-wheel alignment
• Diff and Gearbox oil change with new oil seals in 2023
• Blitz temperature thermostat oil cooler
• MAGNEX stainless steel exhaust system
• Timing belts and water pump replaced in March 2025

Summary

It’s clear from the work that’s been done to this car that the vendor is fastidious about his car ownership, and that the STI has been carefully and properly upgraded. It’s also a great-looking example in one of the absolute best colours.

The JDM-spec versions of G-Series Imprezas may not be as well-known as the more traditional cars from the WRC era, but they’re honed from the same engineering excellence and brilliance, and are well worth seeking out. This one appears to be an absolute cracker.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Wigan, Lancs.