Official 2009 Impreza WRX - 265HP (Info & Pics)

[SOA Blog]

OK, here you go guys. Pics should be on auto sites shortly. Goodnight.






For Immediate Release

SUBARU UNLEASHES NEW 265 HP 2009 IMPREZA WRX

New WRX Based on "Kyo-Ka" Goal:
More Power, Quicker, Sharper-Handling





CHERRY HILL, NJ--Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. The Impreza WRX moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.


The project team developing the 2009 WRX had a clear aim, summed up as "Kyo-Ka" (translated from Japanese as "strengthening"). To reach their goal, Subaru engineers thoroughly revamped the car's performance character. With a larger turbocharger, increased boost and a new low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust backpressure, the WRX engine now produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm (vs. 224 hp and 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 model.)


To supplement the increased power, Subaru re-tuned the WRX suspension, increasing spring rates and adding thicker stabilizer bars. Standard 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wear 225/45R17 summer performance tires, compared to 205/50R17 all-season tires on the 2008 WRX.


The 2009 Impreza WRX is equipped exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission and, like all Subarus, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, standard on all Impreza models for 2009, helps to enhance road handling safety. An Incline Start Assist feature can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on a hill.


Rally-Inspired Interior
The WRX interior for 2009 gains new WRX-exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery, accented by red stitching. A standard tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented by red stitching, and standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers now include the driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats come with the head restraint integrated into the backrest and provides a one-piece, sporty look. The optional Premium Package gains a power moonroof for 2009; other contents carry over, including the 10-speaker audio upgrade with auxiliary input jack, projector-beam fog lights, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. A navigation system with video jack inputs is also available.


New GT model for 2009
A new Impreza 2.5GT model for 2009 (4-Door and 5-Door) is powered by a 224-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine mated exclusively to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT.


Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru employs four versions of Symmetrical AWD system across its model line. The type used in the WRX utilizes a viscous coupling locking center differential that distributes torque 50:50 front/rear. Should slippage occur, the system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction. The version of Symmetrical AWD used in the Impreza 2.5 GT utilizes an electronically controlled continually variable hydraulic transfer clutch.


All Impreza models for 2009 feature a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. (The WRX and 2.5GT models feature larger front brakes than other Impreza models.) All Impreza models are equipped with advanced dual stage front air bags, front seat mounted side air bags and side-curtain airbags.


Full pricing is expected to be announced August 25, 2008.


About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2005. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.


Subaru, Impreza, WRX and STI are registered trademarks of Subaru of America, LLC

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[banyan]

Thank you, SOA Blog.

[subySerb]

Summer Tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AWDPilot]

No info on the 2009 STI?

[SOA Blog]

Originally Posted by AWDPilot

No info on the 2009 STI?

the STI is essentially unchanged for 2009. A full line Impreza kit will be out soon.

[subySerb]

what do you mean Impreza kit?

[AWDPilot]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

the STI is essentially unchanged for 2009. A full line Impreza kit will be out soon.

fair enough, I'll pick up a leftover instead ... if the wife agrees haha

[Hogie]

Thanks for the early posting! Now to find the pics

[anarchyburger]

FINALLY! Subaru seems to be getting their heads out of their asses (slowly)! Summer tires, more HP, interior upgrades, better handling, WAY TO GO SUBARU!

[SilverSubaab]

Sounds promising...Thanks for giving us the info...

[WAZZSCL]

PICS!!!!

http://prn.newscom.com/cgi-bin/pub/s...iew&tr=1&row=1

[Hogie]

Supposed pics found here

Same news info, but released at 1:37 GMT

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/NETH046

I should've hit post sooner, you just beat me to it!

[SilverSubaab]

Now for pricing...If they could sell this at the current cars price, they would sell a ton of them...


^And good find on the picture...looks good.

[1stockwrx]

wow,its here!

[WAZZSCL]

Is there also gonna be a 4 door 265hp WRX? Or it's gonna come out later?

[Option]

Originally Posted by WAZZSCL

PICS!!!!

http://prn.newscom.com/cgi-bin/pub/s...iew&tr=1&row=1

If true then there's an STI wing included on the WRX now. The tiny spoiler on the 2008 model was one of my biggest styling pet peeves (right up there with the clear tail lights). Now we need some interior shots.

[Option]

Originally Posted by WAZZSCL

Is there also gonna be a 4 door 265hp WRX? Or it's gonna come out later?

I didn't see anything in the press release that mentioned hatch or sedan so I assume the sedan gets the same upgrades.

[unclemat]

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

the STI is essentially unchanged for 2009. A full line Impreza kit will be out soon.

No optional Recaros to replace the upholstered tree stumps? Lame. One would think a year was enough time to do R&D for the occupant sensor.

[rsholland]

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...-and-25gt.html

I'm real happy with the WRX, less so with the 2.5GT.

Bob

[Ender81]

That's an improvement but I won't be happy until they do the next facelift or major model change. Until then it's still hard to get past the looks.

[Raxy]

Yay! Now how about some news on the '09 STI?

[theshadowonme]

I doubt they'll be able to keep the price the same, but it's obvious their goal is to beat mitsubishi.

May the best auto-maker win.

[Option]

Originally Posted by Raxy

Yay! Now how about some news on the '09 STI?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but SOA Blog already confirmed that it is carrying over from 2008 unchanged.

[Option]

Originally Posted by rsholland

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...-and-25gt.html

I'm real happy with the WRX, less so with the 2.5GT.

Bob

Thank goodness that chrome strip on the rear hatch is finally body colored!

[collegemt]

Do we know any detailed specs yet?