2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited, Understated Rally Hero on Bring a Trailer

Yahoo

16-03-2025

Here's an STI from the era when it was a performance bargain.
Modifications are minimal, which is rare for a WRX.
As a Limited trim and finished in silver, it's more subtle than the typical STI.
Subaru killed off the WRX STI back in 2021, to the lasting grief of many a rally fan. Really though, the car had something of a lingering death, as it had gradually been getting surpassed by the rising tide of performance from the competition. A little over 300 horsepower from a slightly laggy 2.5-liter boxer-four that returns 20 mpg was outdated by the dawn of the 2020s.
Things were different back in the early 2000s. This 2007 STI Limited, up for sale on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos), is one of 800 sold in the U.S. in that year. It was the final hurrah for the GD-chassis car that brought the STI badge to the U.S. in 2004. Back then, this practical four-door Subaru sedan could go toe to toe with a V-8 Mustang in a straight line, then tear up a snowy day sideways, making its driver feel like Colin McRae.
Fond memories indeed. Unfortunately, many of these cars eventually passed to less careful hands and were modified by plenty of would-be Ken Blocks who gymkhana'd their cars into the nearest curb. Attrition levels were as high as the boost levels, and performance Subarus still in factory spec today are the exception rather than the rule.
This example is one of those exceptions. With 40K miles on the odometer, it has only a couple of changes from showroom stock, and those are from Subaru's in-house Subaru Performance Team. This car's cat-back exhaust and air intake were dealer-installed accessories that wouldn't have violated the warranty when new.
The EJ257 flat-four is specific for the U.S. market (Japanese STIs got a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with around the same power) and in this application made 293 horsepower. Getting that power to the ground in slippery conditions are limited slip front and rear differentials, with a driver-selectable central differential shunting things front to rear. The transmission is a six-speed manual.The hatchback STI that followed this generation of STI was a much softer car that felt less driver-oriented. It was a better Impreza in terms of everyman comfort, but less of a rally hero. This 2007 STI offers a much rawer driving experience. It's louder and lighter, with heavier steering and a smaller feel. It's what you want your Subaru rally hero to be like.
Being a Limited, there are some pleasant options such as heated leather seats and automatic climate control, but the appeal here is the originality more than luxury. The Limited is also perhaps the most reserved STI variant of its day, with a discreet rear lip spoiler and modest 17-inch wheels. Don't let the subtle looks fool you; it's still a rally hooligan at heart.
Listed as number 51 of the 800 made, this STI has the potential to be a future collectible. Even if Subaru starts building the STI again, it's not going to be able to make them like this anymore.
The auction ends on March 19.
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