I am very concerned with the weight of the new WRX. I have been thinking about how to make it lighter for a very long time. Here is something I thought about today. It is simple math, but kind of made me feel a bit relieved. Follow my thinking...

The old RS sedan weights 2825lbs. The new RS sedan weights 2965lbs. The new WRX sedan weights 3085lbs. Now, the difference between the new WRX sedan and new RS sedan is 3085-2965=120lbs. Since there isn't that much difference between the car besides the turbo, lets just say that these 120lbs is the weight of the "turbo". Since the components are pretty much the same as on the old WRX, lets just say that if we would have gotted a WRX in the "old" body style, the old US WRX would have weighted 2825+120=2945lbs. So now we have 2 WRX's, the new one that weights 3085lbs and the old one that weights 2945lbs. The difference between them is 3085-2945=140lbs. Thats right, the new WRX is only 140lbs heavier than "it-should-have-been", but with that extra weight, we get a super stiff body, very safe shell, wider track and more interior space. 140lbs can be reduced greatly, so, folks, IT IS NOT THAT BAD.

Hehe, these ideas really made me happy tonigh. I have to sleep on it now. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif

Hate to rain on the parade, but you forgot one thing... the new RS has a steel hood while the WRX has an aluminum one. 20-25lbs? Not too bad, but I didn't feel the weights of the trunk lid either.

Oh and I think that MOMO emblem on the steering wheel is good for at least 20-30lbs. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif

Also, the new WRX doesn't have a sunroof (20 lbs?).

I don't think the car is that bad at all. In general, Honda is the only manufacturer that consistently stays on a diet.

So how do we shed the extra weight?

1. Replace the spare with fix-a-flat (a-la-M5 and Z06)
2. Gut the bumpers (a-la-Donnie)
3. Remove the fogs (a-la-STi)
4. Don't get the aero kit or wing
5. Get a light rim/tire combination
6. Don't load all 6 discs into the changer http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif
7. Clean the back seat regularly

I doubt that I'll do anything to lighten the car besides #7. But I don't need precious 1/100 second improvements to keep me happy on the road.

.....shouldn't that be "PHAT" ? http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif

Adam

T-wrx, you forgot one thing. Start that new diet so the drive weight isn't that much.

If you plan on street driving the car, you DO NOT want to remove the spare tire. It plays a key role in the crashworthiness of the rear structure.

Also, I just don't think the car is that bad in terms of overall weight. I think that once everyone drives the car, they will be very happy with it.

WRX1- hehe, I do need to lose a few pounds. I was 170 in college, and now I am in the 190's. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/lol.gif

Hey imprezer don't forget about the airbag seats! I bet them puppies weigh a bunch.

I was almost going to rip you a new one because I thought you were whining about how heavy the turbo car is vs the RS. I am glad you compared the pre 02 RS vs. the 02 RS. Thank you! http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

Does anyone know if we can take the seats out and replace them without getting in trouble due to removing an airbag? I would really like some comfy and nice looking STI or Sparco seats.

umm..hate to rain on the parade..but for arguments sake..the WRX (old body styled) was lighter than our RS..that is why the rest of the world is complaining about the portly-ness of the car, while we don't car..our RS was overweight as it was..the new WRX just added a couple hundred pounds and an extra 62 horsepower..with more availble really easily. BUT the ej25 does weigh more than the ej20 does..this adds to the ej25 weight diff...along with our bumper mounts, stupid saftey http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif..etc. etc.

SO..the ej20 turbo actually may weigh in a little less than the EJ25 in an RS..this is if you were to swap motors and nothing else..BUT you could seam weld the body, add a cage, etc. and gut the car, and have a really lightweight WRX killing coupe http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif (hehehe..it'd cost more..but hey http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif )

98imp, no. I was saying that if we were to get an old style US WRX, it would weight ~ 2.5RS + ~100lbs. Of course, JDM WRX's are lighter due to lower safety standards.

i see..never mind.. strike that from the wreck-ords http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/lol.gif http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

The Chasis alone is worth it http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif