Home | News | Road Tests Subaru release new Impreza WRX Home > News > Subaru 9th September, 2010 They’re bold and agile – meet Subaru’s newest turbocharged 'twins', the Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STI, featuring new metal jackets and engineering. Both high performance Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive variants are available as wide-body sedans, as well as the established hatch body. And for the first time WRX STI offers an automatic choice – the fine-tuned five-speed paddle-shift until now only available in Japanese domestic market A-line versions. Incredibly, despite extra engineering and specification, WRX pricing still starts from $39,990* (Manufacturer’s List Price*) for both sedan and hatch variants. The WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof is $1,000 less than the superseded equivalent model. WRX STI has reduced by $2,000 and now starts from $59,990* for both sedan and hatch, auto or manual. Optimising performance, WRX STI’s auto is matched to the A-line’s 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 221 Kilowatts of power at 6,200 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque between 3,000-6,000 rpm. Manual WRX STIs retain the current engine, producing 221 kW at 6,000 rpm and 407 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. WRX STI is five millimetres lower, literally taking handling to a new level. WRX and WRX STI share the sporty blistered guards that now set all performance variants apart from the normally aspirated Impreza range. WRX STI suspension is totally revised, highlighting its renowned road holding. Sedan versions wing it with a large aerodynamic spoiler that confirms its sporty status. Increased WRX tyre and track width enhance driving performance. Both cars offer Bluetoothâ wireless technology compatibility. Among the many major changes, WRX adds: Wide-body sedan and hatch design New STI exhaust system – four tailpipes New lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gun metal grey finish New bumpers Wider front and rear track Wider tyres Rear suspension upgraded Bluetoothâ wireless technology compatibility WRX STI highlights include: Introduction of widebody sedan Automatic option – STI-tuned five-speed paddle-shift A-line engine for auto – ideally set-up for sport performance Large aerodynamic rear spoiler on sedan Sporty new bumpers and grille Suspension totally revised for better cornering performance, handling and overall stability 5 mm lower - adding to sporty appearance New stainless steel exhaust tip design unique to model New wheels - lighter standard ENKEI 18-inch alloy wheels New finish on BBS 18-inch alloys on WRX STI spec.R Darker instrument panel and door trim Bluetoothâ wireless technology-enabled audio system USB jack in centre console – non SatNav cars Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “All our turbocharged variants now look considerably different from the normally aspirated cars.” “That’s a conscious decision to appeal to the performance fans and enthusiasts that represent the loyal core of WRX and WRX STI customers.” “We constantly try to offer refinements and improvements over time and the significant upgrades to both models won’t disappoint.” He added: “We’re delighted by the fact we’ve managed to maintain the same price levels for entry level WRX, while actually reducing pricing for the WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof, and also the WRX STI.” “This makes both choices absolutely incredible value, especially when you factor in the variety of engineering and cosmetic changes to the models.” Both the WRX and WRX STI have an independent five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP). They’re also protected by DataDot security. WRX – WHAT’S NEW EXTERIOR Both hatch and sedan feature the wide-body style of the WRX STI. All models feature sharper bumper corners and new design fog light surrounds. The bigger, dark finish grille merges with the headlight lines, underscoring the sporty look. Sedans feature a rear diffuser that includes a centre rear fog light. WRX has new lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gunmetal grey finish. All models feature four exhaust tailpipes. COLOURS – WRX AND WRX STI Plasma blue (WRX STI–only) Satin white pearl Spark silver metallic Dark grey metallic Obsidian black pearl WR blue mica Lightning red INTERIOR Both WRX and WRX STI adopt darker tone metal-type cabin finishes in line with their sporty theme. Instrument clusters on all variants have more detailed gauge scales, including a “sweep” function when the ignition is turned on. ENGINEERING Front and rear track are widened by 35 mm and 40 mm respectively. Tyres are 10 mm wider. Wider track and tyre width combine with suspension tuning to produce great stability and road holding. Rear suspension sub-frame bushings are changed to optimise stability and road holding at higher speeds. EXHAUST WRX adopts WRX STI’s exhaust, including four tail pipes and the distinctive note. Sedans have an exhaust system unique to the model, with 80 mm diameter pipes that project a powerful appearance and sound. SUSPENSION In addition to an increase in turning stability via the wider front and rear track, the rear suspension subframe bushes have been fine-tuned. This optimises toe and camber rigidity, improving high speed stability and road holding. BRAKES WRX adds 16-inch front brake callipers plus pad return springs for enhanced performance. WRX STI – WHAT’S NEW EXTERIOR A four-door sedan variant of the current generation WRX STI is available for the first time. Bumper corners are sharpened and fog lamp surrounds feature a new look, plus black-tone grille. The rear bumper diffuser is located between the dual exhaust pipes, underlining the sporty appearance. WRX STI sedans have a striking, large aerodynamic rear spoiler. Also aiding aerodynamic performance is a large undercover panel. Lightweight 18-inch ENKEI alloy wheels are standard on WRX STI variants, with a high lustre finish. Combined, they are 7.2 kg lighter than the superseded design. Eighteen inch BBS alloys on the WRX STI spec.R also feature the reflective finish. INTERIOR Instrument panels and door trims now have a darker hue, contrasting with dark silver trim highlights to enhance the sporty look. Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility is added to the standard audio, together with steering wheel-mounted buttons, for added convenience. A USB jack is now located in the centre console box (non SatNav models). ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WRX STI automatic variants adopt the Japan domestic market A-Line engine that produces 221 Kilowatts of power at 6,200 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque between 3,000-6,000 rpm. The optional five-speed paddle shift automatic transmission is the fastest in the Subaru line-up. It includes “blipping” control, which allows drivers to change quickly, for example, from fifth to third simply by operating the paddle shift twice in quick succession. Temporary manual mode can even be used when “D” has been selected with the shifter. The centre differential has a 45:55 front/rear torque distribution, continuously variable to suit driving conditions and offer optimum balance. MANUAL GEAR RATIOS:   WRX STI manual WRX STI auto First 3.636 3.540 Second 2.235 2.264 Third 1.590 1.471 Fourth 1.137 1.000 Fifth 0.891 0.834 Sixth 0.707 - Reverse 3.545 2.370 Final reduction 3.900 3.583 SUBARU INTELLIGENT DRIVE (SI-DRIVE) The SI-Drive system in WRX STI offers optimum drivability and power delivery across the operating range. Drivers have the option to refine performance to suit their preferences by using a simple dial on the centre console. It features three modes, each of which is clearly displayed on the instrument panel: Intelligent offers very gentle, smooth power output - best suited in congested conditions at low speed, or for smooth freeway cruising. Activated by pushing the dial down. Sport is the default mode. It optimises performance on city and highway drives and is ideal for routine, day-to-day driving. Activated by turning the dial left. Sport # boosts engine revolutions for sharp, sporty driving. Provides dynamic performance for true driving enthusiasts through highly responsive engine and throttle control. Activated by turning the dial right. SI-Drive regulates the engine control unit, and fine-tunes the electronic throttle control. The modes can be changed while the car is moving. In Intelligent mode, a blinking indicator light located in the tachometer advises the driver when is the optimum time to change gear. SUSPENSION Suspension is completely revised, with ride height 5 mm lower, for even more precise handling. A new aluminium lower arm is added to the front suspension. The rear bushes of the arm are changed to a pillow-ball type, improving toe and tread rigidity, which better reflects the driver’s steering input. Rear suspension sub-frame bushing is changed to improve toe and camber rigidity, but produce better responsiveness and road-hugging ability. Specialised tuning of the damping force of both front and rear dampers produces secure roadholding, while changes to the front and rear coil springs and stabilisers have greatly improved roll rigidity. Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabiliser bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm versus 20 mm in front and 19 mm versus 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 per cent in front and 53 per cent in the rear. NEW WRX MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE SAFETY ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Brake Assist Child seat anchor points Curtain airbags – full length front and rear Dual front airbags Dual side airbags Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear) Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage Hill Start Assist Rear door child lock Seatbelt indicator lights – front seats Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals Side intrusion bars Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt Vehicle Dynamics Control (electronic stability control system) INTERIOR Alloy pedals AM/FM radio, in-dash CD, MP3/WMA compatible, 10 speakers AUX jack Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled audio** Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre console Boot/cargo area light Cargo hooks (hatch) Cargo security blind (hatch) Central locking – remote. Two keys supplied Climate control air conditioning Cruise control – steering wheel buttons Driver’s footrest Height and reach adjustable steering column Height adjustable driver’s seat Immobiliser security system Leather trim steering wheel with red stitching and audio controls; leather gearshift Map lights (2) Power steering, mirrors and windows Privacy glass Rear illumination electroluminescent instrument display Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap Sports bucket front seats with red stitching and WRX logo - seatback pocket (passenger side) Vanity mirrors 60/40 split/fold rear seat 12V/120W power jacks EXTERIOR Colour-coded mirrors and door handles Double locking system Front fog lights Headlights auto off Mesh grille Privacy glass Quad exhaust Rear diffuser Rear roof spoiler with LED brake light (hatch); sedan boot spoiler with LED brake light Rear roof mounted radio antenna Rear wiper (hatch) Remote central locking – two keys supplied Self-levelling Xenon headlights with pop-up washers Sports body kit WRX badges – grille and boot/hatch 17-inch alloy wheels – spacesaver spare ENGINEERING Active Valve Control System Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Rear Limited Slip Differential – Open front, Torsen type rear 2.5 litre four cylinder DOHC horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine 195 kW/6,000 rpm, 343 Nm/4,000 rpm. OTHER FEATURES Alarm system Auto hatch/boot unlock on key DataDot security technology Three year Roadside Assist Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty OPTIONS Leather trim with WRX logo, sunroof and satellite navigation MY11 WRX PRICING * Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. WRX sedan and hatch $39,990* WRX sedan and hatch with SatNav, leather trim and sunroof $43,990* MY11 WRX HIGHLIGHTS Widebody sedan and hatch design – new front bumper and grille, WRX badges New STI exhaust system – four tailpipes New lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gun metal grey finish New bumpers Wider front and rear track Wider tyres Rear suspension upgraded - sharper, more aggressive handling Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility WRX entry-level pricing maintained – simple choice between hatch or sedan WRX option with SatNav, leather trim and sunroof $1000 less than superseded equivalent model NEW WRX STI MY11 MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE SAFETY ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Brake Assist Child seat anchor points Curtain airbags – full length front and rear Dual front airbags Dual side airbags Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated) Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage Hill Start Assist (manual) Rear door child lock Seatbelt indicator lights – front seats Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals Side intrusion bars Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt Vehicle Dynamics Control – multi-mode (Full, Traction and Off) INTERIOR Alloy pedals AM/FM radio, in-dash CD, MP3/WMA compatible, 10-speakers Auxiliary jack Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled audio* Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre console Cargo/boot area light Cargo hooks (hatch) Cargo security blind (hatch) Central locking – remote. Two keys supplied Climate control air conditioning Cruise control – steering wheel buttons Driver’s footrest Height and reach adjustable steering column Height adjustable driver’s seat Immobiliser security system Leather sports steering wheel with audio controls; leather gearshift Map lights (2) Power steering, mirrors and windows Privacy glass Rear illumination electroluminescent instrument display Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap Sports bucket seats STI badging USB jack in centre console – non SatNav Vanity mirrors 60/40 split/fold rear seat 12V/120W power jacks EXTERIOR 18-inch wheels with STI logo – spacesaver spare Colour-coded mirrors and door handles – mirrors with integrated indicators and electronic folding Double locking system Front fog lights Headlights auto off Quad exhaust – airflow resistance reduced 38 per cent Rear diffuser Rear roof spoiler on hatch with LED brake light; aerodynamic STI boot spoiler on sedan Rear roof mounted radio antenna Rear wiper - hatch Remote central locking – two keys supplied Self-levelling Xenon headlights with pop-up washers Sports body kit STI badging ENGINEERING Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD – manual) Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Front and rear Limited Slip Differentials. Manual: Helical front, Torsen type rear. Auto: Front open, viscous coupling rear Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) Sports ABS 2.5 litre four cylinder DOHC horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine. Manual: 221 kW/6,000 rpm, 407 Nm/4,000 rpm. Auto: Auto 221 kW/6,200 rpm, 350 Nm/3,000-6,000 rpm OTHER FEATURES Alarm security system Auto hatch/boot unlock on key DataDot security technology Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty WRX STI SPEC.R ADDS: 18-inch lightweight BBS alloy wheels Satellite navigation with Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility** Leather trim Sunroof WRX STI SPEC.R WITH RECARO ADDS: Recaro seats * Depending upon the software in individual mobile telephones. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more WRX STI MY11 PRICING *Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. WRX STI manual hatch $59,990 WRX STI auto hatch $59,990 WRX STI manual sedan $59,990 WRX STI auto sedan $59,990 WRX STI spec.R manual hatch SatNav $65,990 WRX STI spec.R manual hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990 WRX STI spec.R auto hatch SatNav $65,990 WRX STI spec.R auto hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990 WRX STI spec.R manual sedan SatNav $65,990 WRX STI spec.R manual sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990 WRX STI spec.R auto sedan SatNav $65,990 WRX STI spec.R sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990 MY11 WRX STI HIGHLIGHTS EXTERIOR Aerodynamic flared front and rear guards – zero lift design Colour-coded electronically folding wing-mirrors with integrated indicators Dunlop SP 600 tyres Quad exhaust system Rear wing and diffuser to optimize road holding Front and rear bumpers and grille unique to model Xenon low beam headlights with pop-out power jet washers 18-inch alloy wheels INTERIOR Large cabin, short and light body Optimum NVH STI front door sill panel STI instruments ENGINEERING 2.5 litre DOHC turbocharged engine. A-line engine for auto – ideally set-up for sport performance Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS), ensures optimum power and torque output Manual engine meets Euro STEP5 emission standard; auto STEP4 Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension ensures optimum drivability Framed doors for enhanced safety and NVH Multi-mode Drive Control Centre Differential – manual only SI-Drive Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control STI close ratio six-speed manual gearbox Body stiffened at strategic points to aid rigidity and performance Braked towing capacity of 1,200 kg Light front suspension – improved steering response and cornering, reduced NVH Double wishbone rear suspension – sharper handling, less cargo area intrusion SAFETY Vehicle Dynamics Control across the range ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety; four-star pedestrian rating All-Wheel Drive Dual front, side and curtain airbags Ring-shaped reinforcements around the cabin Hill Start Assist Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Subaru News ..... here Top of page About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2010   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. 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