Subaru Impreza WRX

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Image:Wrxsilver.jpg
Subaru Impreza WRX
Manufacturer:Subaru
Production:1992– (Japan), (Asia)
1994– (Australia, Europe)
2002– (U.S.A.)
Class:Compact
Body Styles:4-door sedan
5-door wagon
Predecessor:Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
Successor:none
Shares components with:Saab 9-2X
Subaru Forester
Competitors:Acura RSX
Dodge Neon SRT-4
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
This article is part of the automobile series.
For the high-performance version of the Impreza WRX, see the Subaru Impreza WRX STi

The Subaru Impreza WRX (colloquially pronounced as the "Impreza Rex") is a turbocharged version of the Subaru Impreza, a small all-wheel drive sedan. The WRX has become a popular choice for automobile enthusiasts wherever it is sold for its high performance, great handling, and relatively affordable price (approximately $45,000 Australian, or $25,000 US).

Image:Impreza WRC 2003.jpg

Originally introduced in 1992 in Japan, then shortly afterwards in Australia and Britain, the WRX had a turbocharged flat-4 2.0 L engine producing 155 kilowatts of power (208 horsepower). From the 1997 model and later model, the WRX offers 227 horsepower. Compared to the base Impreza, the WRX had wider low-profile tires, larger brakes (further improved in later versions with the fitment of four-piston calipers and larger discs), and firmer, higher quality suspension components.

The current WRX is based on the Peter Stevens designed Subaru Impreza WRC. The now famous instructions given by Prodrive boss David Richards were to make a car that "looked like it was doing 100 mph, even when it was standing still in a car park".

A series of low-volume versions with even greater power and grip were built by Subaru's in-house modifier, Subaru Tecnica International (STi). STi versions of the Impreza, which produces 300 hp (224 kW) from new, are often raced, largely unmodified, in production car circuit racing and stock classes of car rallies to great success. Introduced in 1994, the STi has proven to be a very popular high-performance machine in the Japanese domestic market.

In the 2002 model year, an all-new version of the car was released, finally appearing in the United States, with an engine rated for 227 hp (169 kW) and 217 ft·lbf (294 N·m) of torque. The US-spec engine produced far less power than Impreza WRX offered elsewhere in the world due to the modification done on the engine to satisfy the US emission regulation. To celebrate the debut of the STi in the European market, 1,000 special "ProDrive" models were produced with exclusive ProDrive interior items designed by Peter Stevens. The Impreza WRX was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2002 and 2003.

While the new model was more refined and handled better, it was not as popular with enthusiasts since its greater weight (approx 3100 lb or 1400 kg) hampered performance slightly, although 0-60 mph acceleration time takes approximately 5.5 seconds. A higher-powered engine (300 hp) fitted to the Japanese market version remedied that problem somewhat. In addition to the sedan model, a 5-door wagon was offered, and met with brisk sales. Even so, the exterior "bug eyed" styling was widely regarded as somewhat unattractive. As a result, in an unusually early revamp, Subaru updated the style again for the 2004 model year. A third update adorns all 2006 Imprezas, including the performance models, with the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille first debuted on the Subaru B9 Tribeca sport-utility vehicle, along with new headlights, taillights, and bumpers. Opinion on this style is split, but is generally regarded as better applied on the Impreza than the Tribeca. Subaru states that they chose this style to go back to their heritage, paying homage to their grandfathered company, the Nakajima Aircraft Company, while others believe it is an interpretation of the Alfa Romeo grille originally designed by now Chief Designer at Subaru, Andreas Zapatinas.

In the 2004 model year, Subaru began selling the highly performance-tuned WRX STi in the United States, with a 2.5 L engine with AVCS producing 300 hp (224 kW).

As of the 2006 model year, Subaru updated the US WRX model to use a 2.5 L engine with AVCS that produces 230 hp (171.5 kW) and 235 ft·lbf (318 N·m) of torque. A new controversial "corporate" front end (similar to the B9 Tribeca) was also a part of the freshen-up which occurred for MY06. The STI model received similar styling changes (Subaru has capitalized the I in STI in their promotional literature and website) and continues to use a 2.5 L producing 300 hp.

The Subaru Impreza WRX is used as the basis for the Saab 9-2X Aero. It is manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd..

Recently Toyota bought several shares of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. from General Motors. This 8% stake may lead to joint efforts and designs (GM formerly owned 20%).

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External links

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