Zero/Sports had no intention of leaving the conversion at an aesthetic level, so it's no surprise that once you lift the hood you're greeted with a JDM-spec STI EJ20. The motor was taken from the donor GRB Zero/Sports acquired and dropped into the Anesis without much drama. All of the ancillaries were also transplanted over and joined by pretty much everything from the Zero/Sports catalog.
Helping the engine breathe easier is Zero/Sports' super direct flow kit, coupled to the carbon intake that channels air from the center grille to the filter. On the exhaust side, Zero/Sports fitted a custom one-off manifold, created to help exhaust gases flow faster, helping spool the turbocharger quicker for reduced lag and better throttle response. Joining it is a free-flowing sports catalyst ending with the custom stainless steel system. Also helping to boost response is the Zero/Sports WRC lightweight crank pulley, which is one of its best-selling products. Helping take advantage of the mechanical modifications, Zero/Sports fitted its SP Data R Type 1 ECU, which was remapped to boost power and torque. Both are up considerably with 373 hp being developed as low as 5900 rpm and peak torque coming in at 4500 rpm with a very healthy 382 ft-lbs. On top of the EJ20 swap, Zero/Sports also transplanted the STI 6-speed manual transmission, along with the Zero/Sports clutch kit and lightened flywheel.
Power is nothing without handling, and Zero/Sports knows this after years of running its blistering fast time attack GDB at circuits around Japan. The CZS Type-Z was therefore fitted with a prototype version of the company's new adjustable suspension, tuned to offer a good compromise between fast road and circuit driving.
The final part of the STI transformation happened in the interior, where STI half-leather adjustable bucket seats replace the stock Anesis chairs. Zero/Sports even fitted the STI main dash instrumentation for that true STI feel.
Zero/Sports plans to use this one-off four-door STI sedan as its main promotional car, having already participated in a few time attack events this year (like the Tsukuba Hyper Challenge). The quality of work and subtleness of the conversion is what scores high in our books, exemplifying perfectly what top-level tuning and customization is all about.
Specs & Details
Subaru Impreza CZS TYPE-Z
Engine
EJ20 transplant; Zero/Sports titanium exhaust manifold (prototype), super metal front pipe, catalyst, exhaust system (prototype), WRC 15th anniversary crank pulley, carbon intake box, carbon battery cover, carbon fuse box cover, carbon intake cover, carbon power-steering tank cover, carbon belt cover, super direct flow kit, 1.3K radiator cap, low-temp thermostat, silicone radiator hoses, Cool LLC radiator fluid, Cool Radiator radiator shroud, Cool Action II intercooler air-guide shroud, Zero SP Titanium R 10W-50 oil, V-Effector earthing kit, SP Data R Type 1 ECU
Transmission
STI 6-speed (TY85); Zero/Sports chromoly lightweight flywheel, sports clutch kit, SP Titanium Gear TB 80W-120 transmission fluid, SP Titanium Gear B 80W-120 differential fluid
Wheels & Tires
Yokohama Advan Racing RS-D 9Jx19 (f/r), Yokohama Advana Neova AD-08 245/35/R19
Interior
STI seat conversion, STI instrumentation conversion