Introduction
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Market Position
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Market Position:
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Performance rally-bred homologation special, enthusiast-focused sports sedan
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Subaru WRX STI, Lancia Delta Integrale, Ford Focus RS, Audi S3
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Key Features
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Key Features:
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Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC), potent turbocharged engine, robust chassis
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Target Audience
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Target Audience:
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Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, performance tuners, owners seeking in-depth technical understanding
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Unique Selling Proposition
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Usp:
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Unrivaled all-wheel-drive system and rally heritage translated to a road-going performance icon.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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4G63 MIVEC Turbocharged, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
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Transmission:
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6-speed manual (Getrag), drivetrain components, propeller shaft, rear differential, driveshafts
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Brakes:
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ABS, EBD, front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, brake fluid, bleeding procedures
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Suspension:
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Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, alignment procedures
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Steering:
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Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods
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Electrical:
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Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, CAN bus, ECU, sensors, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
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Bodywork:
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Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass, bumpers, aerodynamics
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HVAC:
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Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant, troubleshooting
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Safety Systems:
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SRS airbags, seatbelts, seatbelt pretensioners
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and replacements
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault diagnosis for all major systems
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Repair:
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Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair
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Disassembly Assembly:
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Step-by-step instructions for removing, installing, and reassembling all major components
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Diagnostics:
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OBD-II diagnostics, ECU data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
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Specifications:
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Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics)
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Front Impact:
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Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year, but generally good for its class.
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IIHS Side Impact:
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Not explicitly rated by IIHS for this specific model year, but generally good for its class.
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Standard (Bosch 5.3 ABS)
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Ebd:
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Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
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Acd:
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Standard (Active Center Differential)
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Sayc:
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Standard on MR trim, optional/integrated with ACD on GSR
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS)
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Seatbelts:
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3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
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Roll Cage:
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Reinforced chassis structure, often referred to as a 'safety cage' for rally homologation
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions; severe use requires more frequent changes).
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type and manufacturer recommendation).
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Timing Belt Replacement:
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Crucial: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure is catastrophic.
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Coolant Flush:
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Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
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Transmission Fluid Change:
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Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, especially for spirited driving.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Capacity:
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Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 Liters (with filter)
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Engine Oil Recommendation:
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0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ACEA A3/B4 recommended for performance).
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Coolant Type:
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Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (DIA-QUEEN SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant, typically red or pink.
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 (preferably DOT 4 for higher performance).
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Known Issues
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Engine:
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Head gasket failures (especially on modified engines), turbocharger wear, piston ring wear, connecting rod bearing failures (high mileage/abuse).
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Drivetrain:
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ACD/AYC pump failures, manual transmission synchro wear, rear differential issues.
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Electrical:
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Faulty ACD/AYC pump relays, ABS sensor failures, ECU failures.
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Suspension Steering:
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Worn suspension bushings, strut mounts, power steering pump leaks.
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