2016 Subaru WRX STI Series.HyperBlue - Review & Test Drive

2016 Subaru WRX STI Series HyperBlue Limited Edition Review & Test Drive. The 2016 Subaru WRX STI Hyperblue is a limited edition with a 2.5L boxer engine producing 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. This is sent through a 6-speed manual transmission to a driver controlled center differential, DCCD. The STI features three limited slip differentials, with a front helical LSD and a rear Torsen LSD. Major changes for the 2016 model year versus the previous generation include a more rigid chassis, stiffer suspension, torque vectoring, different seats, a nicer infotainment system, more rear leg room, a flat bottomed steering wheel, and a tighter steering ratio.
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[@jonask.1687]

"I have an STI myself". Sorry, but it's just too funny.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Usually I preface with "Subaru" but I was feeling bold this day.

[@jonask.1687]

+Engineering Explained Nice that you can laugh about it.

[@TurdFurgeson571]

Can you do a video explaining the performance advantages offered by limited edition paint colors?

[@pootisspangle6636]

Bruh, look at your profile picture!

[@internetpolice1166]

Best car I've ever bought...The hyper blue is much nicer in person. I get constant compliments and thumbs up from drivers.

[@nickamarit]

Could you please do a video about the differences between helical and TorSen LSDs?

[@Chuzo1946]

You are a beast reviewer, love your technical details.

[@dlashkov]

2.0L boxer is where it's at! Can't wait for the STI to get that new engine! Add a little electric hybrid to the mix and the new STI will be a whole lot more fun, and efficient!

[@ChrisTopher-vh8tu]

“Wrx is EQUALLY as fast... uh... at low speeds” 😂 Good video man.

[@lauriejamesmackeson]

Great review. The right amount of techy-details and common-folk observe rations and experiences! Did they only change the steering ratio and tire/wheel package from the previous year model?

[@smiIingman]

2160p What is this magical quality o.o!

[@CthulhuRlyehFhtagn]

Quick Question, can you change modes (intelligent, sport, and sport sharp) while driving or do you need to be at a complete stop? Also like always excellent job explaining this beaut of a car. Keep up the great work!

[@KAnE3o1]

Yes, you can change the modes while driving 👍🏾

[@diogotaira390]

Happy birthday, dude! I saw you mentioning the noise in the cabin, which I agree. Do you think that making changes to make it quieter would significantly increase the weight?

[@swanblake]

i want this car so bad but i need a hatchback. They need to make the hatch hahaha

[@Ferrari360modenagtr]

Fantastic, your reviews are awesome, very professional

[@caribeach2641]

Part of my dream build is taking the 15/16 sit steering rack and putting it into a 2011 to 2014 DGM sit hatchback. I believe the steering rack is basically the only nice thing about the newest sti's. Otherwise, I still don't like the look of the car, and the interior of the 14's can be upgraded to match

[@Missed_Apex_GT]

I had an sti....trip to the doctors and antibiotics and now it's better...

[@HyperBlueSTI]

that's my baby my pride and joy XD

[@qpSubZeroqp]

represent the hyperblue =D

[@LedGaRRagE]

+SubZero exactly lol!

[@thefives7ar]

It's all about the DGM. The hyper blue is so so flashy lol

[@veeerzes]

I like subaru's, in fact I own a Subaru Forester Turbo. However for 2016 I think these specs are not that good anymore. If you compare the WRX with a 2015 Golf R, which is also AWD and has a 2 litre 4 cylinder turbo engine, the WRX is really not that powerfull anymore. The Golf R has 300 HP, which is 5 less than the WRX, but with a DSG gearbox it goes from 0 - 60 in 4,4 second. And it has a much better fuel economy.

[@0801436]

+veeerzes $$$ though

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

+veeerzes 4.4 seconds no way that's not far off a camaro SS and a bmw m4 does it in like 4.0 seconds flat. maybe 5 seconds

[@RedPanda555]

The problem with the Golf is that it just looks so bland and lacks the raw excitement and hardcore attitude of the STi.

[@cobra454tim]

Still want one, but bought the Legacy EZ36 due to the fact that at the time that was the only Chain driven engine Subaru had back in 13, (and that didn't really have anyone oil consumption issues) now that the new WRX 2.0 is out and the new STI is coming...

[@eedoamitay3341]

Hey! If you could somehow look at tje Lexus 2011+ IS-F, that would be incredible. It has loads of technology to talk about and I am super interested to hear you talk about it. Also, I think it's a shame that there is not too much information on the internet about the internals and detailed components of the IS-F. This would be a great video and I would be very happy to see the video

[@BasicBodThor]

Never seen your content before today...very well done and explained everything I was hoping to know about this car...sub'd

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@heavyreign1000]

Ive raced a '14 wrx and 2 sti's '14 and '15 in my stock 350z. Ive beaten both sti's pretty definitively but always lose to my buddies wrx (bone stock). Even though the sti's make a bit more power the 6speeds that they have make a HUGE difference. Those extra gear shifts really hold them back where as the wrx has the 5speed which keeps the car accelerating longer. Sti's arent as quick as theyre made out to be.

[@liquidjubb3672]

awesome video Jason!

[@JohnSmith-yr6je]

Review on which awd system is best for track and also for wet roads?

[@MrFaniaros]

I'm quite curious as to how the Golf R compares to this! I would like to see a comparison based on your opinion!!

[@kennethlopez1508]

Can you make a video explaining torque vectoring please?

[@adamcopperthwaite7150]

Happy birthday Jason. Have a great day.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks Adam!

[@AlDim000]

The engine in the 2015 STI somehow makes quite a bit more power at the wheels (as much as 20 hp) than the previous gen as a lot of dyno tests show. Subaru just hasn't advertised that for some odd reason. That must be while you feel it's still "relevant" :)

[@pretzel0898]

Great review. I agree with you that the fuel economy needs to improve. Frankly, the fuel economy is dreadful.

[@tanner1ie]

Good to see the Impreza being offered as a saloon again :) .

[@mstutz2319]

Could you do a video on the new 2018 STI dccd? How has it changed from the previous? Can you completely unlock it sending 100% power to the rear wheels?

[@nicolashamnett7221]

Yo Jason. Love that colour on the STI, very sexy. Would you by any chance be able to review a Audi S3 Sedan? It's very similar to the STI but would love your review and opinion of it. Much appreciated and keep up the great work

[@warlords8839]

I watched both of your review of the subaru wrx sti and the audi s4 and i want to know wich one is faster and fun to drive every day?

[@Coupydog]

at 7:47, you mention high interior noise levels in the 80+ decibels. What specifically is making the noise? Engine, exhaust, wind or road noise? Depending which it is, could make a big difference on noise "tolerance" levels.

[@bingoberra18]

Actually that DCCD torque split does not send different amounts of torque depending on the setting. The torque split is the same all the time. The only difference is if the centre diff is open (0%), closed (100%) or somewhere in between.

[@EngineeringExplained]

There would be no clutch if this were true.

[@bingoberra18]

Engineering Explained The centre differential works just like a rear differential only it sends the power to the front and rear instead of left and right. Now a centre differential can be either open, viscous, torsen, clutch type etc. The DCCD allows you to control the clutch engagement in the centre differential so you can allow it to act like an open diff or as a spool (100% locked), or somewhere in between which a typical 4wd performance car has. In either way, you cannot alter the torque bias. At least in the old STIs with DCCD, since it was rear biased, if you kept the DCCD setting on 0% or fully open, it would allow you to effectively do RWD skids with the car since the rear tires would break loose easier(gets more torque) and as it did so, it would keep being the dominant side of the centre differential to recieve the torque from the engine. Just as when you start doing a one wheel burnout, chances are that tire will keep spinning til you stop. I do follow your channel because its great, but by all means, make an explanation on how DCCD works. I have never seen a good explanation and a lot of people would benifit from it.

[@omarortiz7211]

+bingoberra18 YESSS YOU THE REAL MVP!!! too many people think you directly control the torque bias or that torque bias stays at 50:50 on full lock. i blame it on Subaru's marketing department.

[@rude7292]

Can you do the 2016 Subaru Impreza 2.0i limited sport hatchback? Nobody has done an in depth review on the car.

[@DarkMan2555]

Can you do a video explaining the perfect outdoor temperature for maximum oxygen in the air? Because I always thought that the cooler it got, the more oxygen is in the air and that = more horsepower.

[@asaikaly2]

I agree with the fact that it is low mpg. I have a 2016 Chevy Tahoe with a 5.3L v8 and its rated at 23 hwy

[@mcspikesky]

+Bobby Lemon As do most 2.0 4cyl turbo cars

[@asaikaly2]

+mcspikesky even some n/a cars that are around 2L

[@KingdomOfMog1]

+mcspikesky 1.8L corolla s gets 4 at wot and 7 at about half

[@harindersingh8169]

How are those leather seats in limited I am debating between base Sti and limited just cause I am not sure if getting leather seats in a quick car like this one is a good idea please suggest , thanks , also are those wheels suppesed to be better performance wise then base black ones ? Thanks

[@RR-cg2rq]

Is it worth buying one of these if mostly, you're gonna use it as a daily?

[@doctorferdinand1003]

I like the idea of doing a 5-60 test as well, much more realistic measurement. No one, especially subaru owners will be launching their car on the street unless they really want their car dead.

[@doctorferdinand1003]

***** lol, well I wish you luck with your transmission.

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

+Doctor Ferdinand Dude it's easy as to replace a WRX transmission the transmission tunnel is north south it isn't like a fwd trans. You just pull the exhaust off, intercooler, take prop shaft off, take half shafts off, starter motor, clutch slave cylinder, unbolt cross members, unbolt the trans to engine bolts, loosen the engine mounts so u can wiggle the engine a lil bit and u can separate the transmission. there are a few other things but you get the idea. If you're quick u can do it in 2 - 4 hrs in a drive way. also you can also upgrade to a 6sp sti trans. I love the GTi's, I think they're a way better car in terms of friendless and daily driving than a WRX, fast too. I launch my WRX and end up munching so many cars as I jump off the line so much faster, they don't even expect it. slip the clutch too and the gearbox is fine, can pick up lightly used clutches for $100 as well LOL Most of the time I roll off and just boot it, but the GTI isn't slow especially the dual clutch. though gc8 is lighter and more powerful (slightly) so has power:weight and more top end

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

+driftfrog 95% cars can't though

[@tigerbalm666]

All you need is GTMat in the doors to reduce noise. My speed3 get's 36 mpg hwy. My concern is, are Subu's low maintenance?

[@geligapictures]

@Thavady Pech you can make your own channel, just start something, things will get better and better overtime.

[@nVinc3nt]

Hi Jason, How do you like the C. Diff adjustability? I'm not exactly sure but I think the WRX does not have that function. Can you change the C diff to lean towards FWD for a better MPG? Sorry I'm not exactly sure how that system works, and I would like to learn more about it. Thank you :D

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Vincent I haven't noticed it changing MPG much. I rarely use it, usually have it in Auto or Auto(-) if I'm having some fun, occasionally lock it if I'm on snow/ice. WRX does not have this.

[@konstantinos_iliadis]

happy birthday man!!!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks!

[@vikenshirinian8857]

+Konstantinos Iliadis Raiders baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@vikenshirinian8857]

+Konstantinos Iliadis Raiders baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@konstantinos_iliadis]

you're damn right! :)

[@lovenotwar598]

Beautiful car the look the colour the spoiler love it

[@Joe-eg7ml]

is ringland issue that bad and will the new fa fix this issue? in the market!

[@geligapictures]

My dream car.. A subaru impreza sti..

[@JuliooooxD]

+damagecase13 just sti

[@kiliabgonzalez9977]

Julio Lopez technically it's wrx STI lol. People just call em STI though for simplicity

[@operatorscooby]

Hey man, are you located in oregon?

[@oppanheimer]

Yes they do need to get with the times with a much better interior and a new engine, also the rear lights could be better. Other then that it is still a very fun car to drive but beware it drinks fuel like a raging alcoholic.

[@bmwmsport11]

Did you like this as a daily driver? I want to buy one of these to replace my WRX. But $35k is a stretch for what I could afford, so I'd probably be driving it for every occasion for 6 years+

[@Bielawg]

+bmwmsport11 Personally I wouldn't buy the car to keep that long with the current engine in place. The STI will likely get a new engine in the next 2 years or so, and it'll be a lot more modern, have less turbo lag, get better MPG and hopefully be more reliable and have more HP. As far as being a daily driver, I've owned a 2005 STI and a 2012 WRX, and I've driven several other models years. They were daily drivers and I've always felt that if you can live with the ride of a WRX, the STI isn't that much worse and the the fun factor is a little bit higher. I just leased a 2016 STI, primarily to use as a daily driver for the 8 months out of the years that it sucks to own a RWD car in Canada. Although I plan to trade that car in once they decide to change the engine.

[@larryspiller15]

I would like an sti too but they are about 48k in Canada and the wrx is 38k. and a brz is 29k.. sigh.

[@Bielawg]

+larry Spiller That's fully loaded. Unless you feel that you need all those gadgets, the cars can be had for around $38K, 30K and $27K respectively. For the money, especially if you want a car that is fun to drive 365 days of the year in Canada, the WRX is a great bargain.

[@larryspiller15]

+Bielawg your right sort of, I could of swore the prices were different a couple months ago but I'm not saying they actually were but my memory said that. you just need to add 2k to all of your prices and that's what you need to pay minamum.

[@AJTalks]

S# is much more linear and controllable at Stage 1 and 2, the stock maps are really bad.

[@2strokenojoke]

i agree its an awesome blue

[@alex91062]

Can you explain what the difference between drifting and power sliding is?

[@Scouter98]

the cars that get better em pee gees probably dont have permanent awd

[@ben8596]

"em pee gees" bud. wtf.

[@Scouter98]

***** newfriend cant meme

[@EngineeringExplained]

How about the WRX? 10 mpg better in my testing, faster 60 in my testing.

[@0801436]

+Engineering Explained I dragged a 15 STI with my 15 WRX on the track and we were dead even from around 50 kmph to 140kmph

[@stephenvigilante6527]

Iam getting a hyper blue sti in 7 more months. It has been garaged and only has 1,200 miles

[@Emp3rorD4v1d]

the new sti's should come with 400 horsepower stock now.

[@kiliabgonzalez9977]

Scott Summers 400 is a bit much stock from factory for the price. There's rumors though that next year the STI is finally gonna get the new FA motor and have 350 HP.

[@Emp3rorD4v1d]

Kiliab Gonzalez what? No its not, it goes for around the same price as the american pony cars which all come with 400 hp stock

[@kiliabgonzalez9977]

Scott Summers they're also heavier, RWD, don't handle as good, and not as practical as the STI. But I agree they should've upped the HP on em awhile ago. But there's no way it's gonna have 400 hp coming out of the factory any time soon.

[@Emp3rorD4v1d]

Kiliab Gonzalez heavier? Lol no and AWD is only good for acceleration and that 0-60 time but rwd is better for reaching the higher speeds alot quicker and newsflash, the camaro and mustang have improved their handling tenfold in the last 5 years so that's not an excuse no more. Not to mention that they come with v8's and mod friendly engines. The camaro and mustang are the best price for performance cars in the market right now. And if the new gen sti releases with at least 400hp stock it'll be just as good as the pony's.

[@kiliabgonzalez9977]

Scott Summers lol. All of what i said is true, and my statement still stands. Just do some research if you don't believe me. I'm not knocking muscle cars, they're loud and faster, but that's not what cars like the STI, focus rs, etc are about. And are you implying that The wrx isn't mod friendly? You honestly can't even find a used stock wrx / STI because of how easy they are to mod.

[@LawnmowinJunkie]

Any word on if Subaru will be changing the engine in the STi?

[@geligapictures]

@Diogo Taira some noise insulation would not hurt that much..

[@AleksandarDaGr8]

I have about 24k to spend in my next car and im debating a used wrx or a brand new ford focus st. Thoughts?

[@thebakedpie3]

wrx. it'll have a better resale value and you'll get more bang for your buck

[@IIGrayfoxII]

+Alex Orescanin Subaru. Ford. well its a ford. Too many negatives to list.

[@MrCasuallyAwesome]

+Alex Orescanin Used WRX is a very dangerous proposition, because every owner, no matter what they say, have beaten the living daylights out of their WRX and most are modded to hell.

[@RickTrajan]

+CasuallyAwesome true

[@mikewish19]

+Alex Orescanin If you like torque steer get the ford.

[@brycearnold5854]

How do you launch these wrx's and sti's so well? I have a 2016 wrx and I can't figure out how to launch it effectively. I heard to just drop the clutch at a higher rpm but im worried about burning the clutch.

[@EngineeringExplained]

The clutch grabs pretty hard on both WRX and STI. If you want the most aggressive launch, I say hold it at about 3K, then floor it, then dump the clutch pretty quickly. Flooring it prior to releasing the clutch forces it to pack in more air momentarily, so you can reduce the turbo lag by having a bit more exhaust than just dropping it at 5K. At least, that makes sense in my head haha.

[@brycearnold5854]

+Engineering Explained that actually does make sense, I'll try out that technique sometime soon. Thanks!

[@liquidjubb3672]

You gotta review the 2016 camaro!!

[@ilikepie6879]

"I have an STI" -Engineering Explained

[@TheReaperhu]

Hi, can you try to review a focus st

[@imrbaird]

if you have the dccd in "auto -" will that accelerate tyre wear as per locking the centre diff would? Would you get axle wind up with the diff locked as per a part time 4x4 does on asphalt

[@FlamesfanElite]

The central diff splits torque between front and rear wheels as well as allows the vehicle to turn (hence the AWD all the time). The front axles have a differential and the rear axles have a differential. So basically, axles will not wind up at all because of the central diff.

[@Rentta]

Hmm i wonder how well it would do if you use brake boosting and then launch it from 5mph

[@ravagetalon]

Isn't the 305 horsepower figure the limit set by the WRC?

[@antep6157]

This goes grc

[@matteo.bassini5819]

Why you should buy the Subaru WRX STI - it's the only damn "sport" car with manual transmission that doesn't cost $100,000 in Thailand :( no wait.. this costs $95,000 in Thailand.

[@DestDroid]

I didn't realize the gearing in these was so aggressive.

[@tigerbalm666]

Whould this be better than a Lexus IS200T?

[@IIGrayfoxII]

Hyper blue doesn't look good IMO, Should only be in WR Blue

[@mdh16hunter]

+IIGrayfoxII GTP Represent =D. This is MHPALA btw.

[@trainrya25]

dark blue looks much better than wr blue

[@BStudd1182]

I agree . I saw the hyperblue side by side with the WR blue STi and I'm not a fan of this blue color either .

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

IMO this is a good car, but it costs so damn much, it's a hard core car with performance but when you're not in the mood for fun driving, and drive smoothly you start to realize this isn't the car if you want to be lazy and can get old quickly lol.

[@Camhin1]

Nice blue

[@TheLoneSource]

"Hyperblue" that is indeed the correct name

[@lilPOPjim]

And i thought my car had short gearing... second gear goes to 65. third to 85. revs to 8200rpm

[@Staysa001]

pleeeeeease look into sport bikes

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

+D moat Bikes are dangerous. Bikes are not winter/all weather vehicles. Bikes are not versatile in their use. They are fun though!

[@Staysa001]

+ALT3REDB3AST Meh, not terribly dangerous as long as you don't do stupid things with them, and you can ride them until it snows pretty much, which is most of the year in most areas. I ride all year round here in Houston, TX. I want EE to look into them because of the massive performance increase over cars like this WRX, and the incredible engineering behind how they get 400lb machine putting down 200hp at the wheel.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Another Subaru video/review???....When will Subaru update this 10+ year old engine?

[@zander8412]

I didn't see him hitting the clutch at all when he went 5-60?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Perhaps because it's not in view?

[@cameronjansz88]

+Engineering Explained lmao

[@rossedwardmiller]

A subie review on yr bday? Treat yo self.

[@elmin2323]

In Australia they have auto as well!

[@mikewish19]

+elmin2323 there are no STI automatics, only WRX.

[@optinum]

+Mike Wish no in australia they make an auto version of the sti

[@mikewish19]

+OptinumX Incorrect. No automatic STI. Check again.

[@optinum]

Hm, I guess no more for the newer 2015+. But the 2011 - 2014 were offered as automatics in australia and japan.

[@thavadypech4648]

I would to have your job... it's such a dream for me. would you consider sharing your stories of become a automotive journalist? thank you

[@EngineeringExplained]

I'll be posting something on this on my second channel very soon! (Engineering Explained Extra).

[@thavadypech4648]

+Engineering Explained okay thank you

[@marijaunnaz]

i know its just a review but if i recall isnt thisba rice rocket?

[@g_p_3431]

Who uses the term rice rocket anymore?

[@marijaunnaz]

+Snwszr its reaerves for only the ricier hp cara like wrx sti, 350z nissan those kinds of rice

[@marijaunnaz]

+marijaunnaz *reserved

[@marijaunnaz]

+Anthony Buscemi oh, ok il refrain from putting the sti in there, yea its like 300hp i just thought it was rice cause ya know, its a wrx

[@mcspikesky]

+marijaunnaz Rice is putting loads of crap on your piece of shit japanese import

[@FrenchFries196]

Whats a good way to learn to drive stick?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Big parking lot and a caring friend, or just buy one and force yourself (that's what I did).

[@FrenchFries196]

Nice Nice gotcha

[@DavidHager1]

The gas mileage is questionable for a 2016 car. My old V8 gets better gas mileage.

[@CrazyForCooCooPuffs]

+David Hager 25mpg is easy in an STi

[@ZakTheRipper18]

Who the hell actually achieves 23 mpg on the highway? I get like 20, tops.

[@Thedealershipguy]

They just need to build stronger engines and it would be a great car. Modifying these boxer engines is a nightmare.

[@anewapplevideoeverydamnday5254]

That is not true at all

[@frnciscob1]

how bout more power subaru!!!!

[@robbieosullivan6740]

starting to look like evo not good losing the impreza look

[@robertolopez-qv3qs]

Color code ?

[@ardie72]

Wow 30 up less than Volvo s60

[@GhostReaper5.0]

5-60 .... 6 weeks ?? No brake boost ... Yeah

[@EngineeringExplained]

6 seconds is pretty quick for 5-60, especially considering two shifts. It has boosted brakes...

[@landmine55]

+Engineering Explained He means brake boosting as holding the brakes to keep boost up during launch..

[@swayingGrass]

Gimme buttons and keys

[@XCarbonDioxideX]

This video seems too Dark

[@lylesargent7850]

scotty cranmer

[@andreyoung3536]

Looks like a PoleStar STI lol

[@adomarc]

great car but tacky interior

[@Jacksonskipslegday]

This car sucks compared to the BRZ.

[@Jacksonskipslegday]

Just a troll.