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BLUEPRINT: TAILORING THE STI – VDC, DCCD, AND SI-DRIVE

SUBARU UPS THE ANTE IN VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY BY GIVING STI DRIVERS

MANAGEMENT OF STABILITY CONTROL, CENTER DIFFERENTIAL SETTINGS, AND ENGINE
MAPPING.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI has a heritage of power and control. Previous models have been
the foundations for countless racing victories and championships. The new WRX STI promises the same
with its 305-horsepower, turbocharged, intercooled Boxer engine and six-speed manual transmission
(only!).

But there’s more. Power and control incorporate enhanced technology. As suggested by new
switchgear on the dashboard and center console and by markings within the instrument cluster’s
center-mounted tachometer, a driver has some things to learn before wringing out the most from the
car.

Today’s electronics now allow the driver to tinker with engine response characteristics, the manner in
which the All-Wheel-Drive system fights for traction, and the degree to which braking and engine
management help maintain vehicle stability. These capabilities are made possible by standard Vehicle
Dynamics Control (VDC), Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), and Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-
DRIVE).

IT STARTED BY STOPPING WITH ANTI-LOCKING BRAKES

Beginning with basic Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) technology, electronic control units have evolved
from those that helped to prevent lockup during braking so the driver maintained steering control to
more sophisticated systems. Today, ABS controls take information from a host of sensors, and that
information enables advanced braking, traction, and stability-control functions for the 2008 WRX STI.

Super Sport ABS

Using input from a lateral g-sensor, a steering angle
sensor (new for 2008), a yaw sensor, and a brake
pressure sensor, Super Sport ABS can control the
braking forces at each wheel independently. The
system enhances straight-line braking and optimizes
braking ability during hard cornering by helping to
reduce understeer. In contrast, conventional ABS
systems control the rear wheels as a pair, reducing
the braking force to both rear wheels equally
instead of independently.

Super Sport ABS works in conjunction with VDC and

DCCD, and it is complemented by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

EBD

EBD helps to reduce stopping distances and to improve stability by precisely controlling braking
pressure between the front and rear wheels based on vehicle load.

Brake Assist
Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal. If the control unit senses an emergency
situation, the system increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced braking, also activating the ABS
system early if needed.

VDC
The WRX STI driver also can custom-
tailor the level of dynamic intervention
offered by VDC. Changes are made by
pushing the OFF switch on the dashboard
to the left of the steering wheel column.

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VDC has three settings:

VDC – the default setting, optimized for
daily driving situations. There are no
warning lights associated with this mode,
which enables all controls for ABS, the
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) off switch Traction Control System (TCS), and VDC.
Traction – set by holding in the VDC off
switch, which turns the VDC warning light
green. This setting is more performance-
oriented, with less-aggressive stability
control. Engine torque-reduction control is
disengaged.
Off – set by pushing the off switch once. This
setting turns off stability control and the
traction control functions for emergency
situations, such as getting out of mud or
snow. It leaves ABS and incline start assist
active.

VDC
Driver Controlled Center Subaru Intelligent Drive
Differential (DCCD (SI-Drive) control dial SETTING DRIVING CONDITION MODE SWITCH WARNING LIGHT
control switch)
Default – no action needed; to return from Traction or Off
Normal Daily driving conditions None
settings, press once

Performance-oriented driving
Traction Hold in for more than two seconds Green
conditions

Off Emergency – mud or snow Press once Yellow

DCCD DECISIONS
The 2008 WRX STI features an enhanced version of the DCCD All-Wheel-Drive system. DCCD is one of
the most advanced and most performance-directed AWD systems on the market, regardless of vehicle
segment. The system employs planetary-type differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A
mechanical limited-slip type center differential augments the electronically controlled differential to
enhance torque transfer performance. Steering sensor input improves torque transfer response by
accurately relaying the car’s cornering situation. Lockup is controlled by the Transmission Control
Module, with setting selected by switchgear on the center console.

Auto Mode
Set in Auto mode, the electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch can vary the torque
distribution ratio in response to driving and road-surface conditions. Auto mode provides the best all-
around performance for most drivers and circumstances. The system determines the ideal power
distribution in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle, cornering force, and
wheel slippage.

The three Auto modes are:

Auto – the same as in the previous STI model.
Auto [-] – shifts the torque bias to the rear and reduces the center limited-slip differential lock,
which allows sporty driving on high-traction surfaces.
Auto [+] – for driving on slippery surfaces, such as gravel or snow, the setting increases limited-slip
differential lock.

Manual Mode
The six manual differential locking settings remain the same as in the previous model. In manual
mode, DCCD allows the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution (up to 50:50 maximum) to
optimize AWD performance for varying driving conditions. The driver first selects manual mode with a
console-mounted button and then pushes or pulls the rocker switch on the center console to select
from six levels of center differential locking. Increasing the lock factor sends more power to the front
wheels, which the driver might want in certain driving conditions or to suit an individual driving style.
A helical-type limited-slip front differential and TORSEN* torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential
optimize power distribution side-to-side, helping to prevent the inside wheels from slipping during
cornering.

DCCD
SETTING DRIVING CONDITION MODE SWITCH MODE DISPLAY

All-around performance for most Push AUTO/MAN to select between Automatic

Auto AUTO
drivers and circumstances and Manual modes

For dry roads – quick response from

Pull the control switch rearward when in the
Auto [-] the steering wheel and smooth AUTO [-]
AUTO mode
driving

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For slippery roads – emphasized Push the control switch forward within the
Auto [+] AUTO [+]
traction control AUTO mode

Driver’s choice of initial limited- Push AUTO/MAN to select between Automatic [six bars that indicate
slip-differential torque – from and Manual modes, then push the control the level of limited-
Manual
minimal to almost completely switch forward to increase the initial limited- slip-differential
locked (50% front:50% rear) slip-differential torque torque desired]

Click here to read more about DCCD in Version 1.2 of Subaru Drive Performance magazine.

THE INTELLIGENCE OF SI-DRIVE

The SI-DRIVE system is integrated into the Engine Control Module (ECM). SI-DRIVE enables three
distinctively different modes of vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the ECM and by fine-
tuning the Electronic Throttle Control system. The three modes are:
Intelligent [I]
Sport [S]
Sport Sharp [S#]

With Intelligent mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches
to a more relaxed throttle response curve. Intelligent mode can provide smoother response while
commuting in traffic. In addition, Intelligent mode complements the low-traction-surface driving safety
provided by the All-Wheel-Drive system.

Selecting Sport mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration, making it
ideal for everyday sporty driving.

In Sport Sharp mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver lightning-
quick throttle response. As its name might suggest, Sport Sharp mode enhances the performance feel
of the car and is ideal for tackling twisty roads and for track driving situations.

Click here to read more about SI-DRIVE in the Summer 2007 issue of Subaru Drive magazine.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR DRIVE TODAY?

What’s the lay of the land? What kind of weather are you having? What’s traffic like out there?
(Sounds like the morning weather and traffic report.)

Confused as to which of the WRX STI SI-DRIVE, DCCD, and VDC settings to use? We thought that might
be a problem at first – at least until you’ve had some experience with the car. After that, you’ll have
your own preferences.

For starters, the chart below has some suggestions for different types of weather and/or performance
driving.

SI-DRIVE/DCCD/VDC – SUGGESTED SETTINGS

CONDITION SI-DRIVE DCCD VDC

NORMAL DRIVING

All-Season S Auto Normal

Performance S# Auto - Traction

Snow/Dirt S or I Auto + Normal

MOTORSPORTS

Competition S# Driver Preference Off

Snow S# Manual Off

Dirt S# Manual Off

* TORSEN is a registered trademark of JTEKT TORSEN North America, Inc.

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