Peter Banks The 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a legendary rally car that is still popular among car enthusiasts today. One of its most notable features is the Driver Controlled Center Differential or DCCD. The DCCD is a unique feature that sets the WRX STI apart from other sports cars. In this article, we will take a closer look at what DCCD is, how it works, and what benefits it offers to the driver.
Key Takeaways
- The 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STI comes equipped with the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD).
- DCCD is a unique feature that allows the driver to control the amount of torque delivered to the front and rear wheels.
- DCCD offers improved traction and handling, especially in tricky driving conditions.
- DCCD can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences and driving style.
What is DCCD?
DCCD stands for Driver Controlled Center Differential. It is a system that allows the driver to control the amount of torque that is delivered to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. This helps to improve traction and handling, especially in tricky driving conditions.
In the 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the DCCD system is integrated into the car’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The AWD system in the WRX STI is unique in that it uses a mechanical limited-slip differential to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels.
How does DCCD work?
The DCCD system in the WRX STI uses an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to adjust the amount of torque that is delivered to the front and rear wheels. The system works by monitoring various inputs such as vehicle speed, throttle position, and steering angle to determine the optimal torque distribution for the current driving conditions.
The driver can then use the DCCD control switch to adjust the torque distribution according to their preferences. The switch allows the driver to adjust the torque split between the front and rear wheels from fully open (for maximum rear-wheel bias) to fully locked (for maximum front-wheel bias). The system also has an automatic mode that adjusts the torque distribution based on the current driving conditions.
What are the benefits of DCCD?
The main benefit of DCCD is improved traction and handling. By allowing the driver to control the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, DCCD helps to optimize the car’s performance in different driving conditions. For example, in slippery or low-traction conditions, the driver can bias the torque towards the rear wheels to improve traction and prevent wheel spin.
DCCD also offers improved handling by allowing the driver to adjust the car’s handling characteristics to suit their preferences and driving style. For example, a driver who prefers a more oversteer-oriented driving style can bias the torque towards the rear wheels to induce more oversteer.
Customizing DCCD
One of the unique features of DCCD is that it can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences and driving style. Subaru provides a range of DCCD settings that can be accessed through the car’s onboard computer system. These settings include adjustments for the automatic mode, as well as custom torque distribution maps that can be programmed by the driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all WRX STIs have DCCD?
No, only certain models of the WRX STI come equipped with DCCD. In the 2003 model year, DCCD was only available on the WRX STI.
How do I use the DCCD control switch?
The DCCD control switch is located on the center console near the shifter. To use the switch, simply press it to cycle through the available torque distribution settings. The current setting will be displayed on the car’s dashboard.
Can I turn off DCCD?
Yes, DCCD can be turned off by setting the torque distribution to fully open. However, it is not recommended to turn off DCCD as it may compromise the car’s handling and performance in certain driving conditions.
Is DCCD difficult to use?
No, DCCD is designed to be easy to use and can be adjusted on the fly using the control switch. However, it is important to understand how the system works and to adjust the torque distribution based on the current driving conditions.
Conclusion
DCCD is a unique feature that sets the 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STI apart from other sports cars. By allowing the driver to control the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, DCCD helps to improve traction and handling in different driving conditions. It also offers a range of customization options that allow the driver to tailor the car’s performance to suit their preferences and driving style. For WRX STI enthusiasts, DCCD is a must-have feature that adds an extra level of control and excitement to the driving experience.
