New WRX unveiled in LA
Both body and chassis are significantly stiffened, but not at the expense of additional weight.
In US specification, the next-gen WRX has a range of new features, technology and style, starting with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection boxer engine, offering improved performance and lower emissions.
Significantly, the WRX will be available with the option of a Sport Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the first time. Subaru says the new auto transmission offers sharp shifting response, especially in eight-speed 'manual mode'. The standard six-speed manual transmission will still be available.
The product concept for WRX is "Pure Power in Your Control", with the aim of reaching an even higher level of driving excitement. The concept was embodied to maximize the potential of the turbo Boxer engine and the pursuit of ultimate driver control. To this end, the body has been made lighter and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.
CHASSIS AND BODY
Chassis and body performance have been thoroughly enhanced, so drivers can better enjoy the absolute control of combining Symmetrical AWD with a turbo Boxer engine.
Stiffening both body and suspension, while optimizing suspension geometry, has both quickened steering response and raised the cornering limit. In addition, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring are added for even more predictable and enjoyable driving.
Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning has produced a flat yet comfortable ride.
Electric power steering, together with more rigid steering gearbox mounts, helps improve fuel efficiency while producing a more direct steering feel.
ENGINE
WRX has a new high performance 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Direct Injection turbo engine for high power with low emissions.
The DIT engine has vastly improved performance over the superseded 2.5-litre model. It produces a maximum 199 Kilowatts at 5600 rpm and 349 Newtonmetres of torque from 2000 to 5200 rpm, while maintaining high environmental performance.
TRANSMISSION
It is the first time a manual transmission has been paired with the DIT Boxer engine.
The new optional Sport Lineartronic CVT provides greatly improved shift response, for a sportier ride than other CVTs, for higher torque. It offers excellent environmental credentials combined with sporty driving excitement.
Six-speed manual
The gear ratio and gear stick mechanism are optimized to achieve better drivability and smoother shifting, to match the sporty features of WRX.
By widening the gear ratios from the existing five-speed manual transmission, to keep engine speeds lower, it has better fuel economy and is quieter at high speeds.
Sport Lineartronic CVT
The Sport Lineartronic CVT draws out the full potential of the 2.0-litre DIT Boxer engine in terms of power, torque and environmental performance.
When driving in the D-range, selecting "Sport# (S#)" mode in "SI-Drive", switches to eight-speed shifting.
Giving the Lineartronic a selectable mode, in addition to its standard smooth shifting mode, lets drivers directly feel WRX's impressive power performance, for a sporty ride.
SAFETY
In line with Subaru's significant safety commitment, performance in all safety areas is enhanced.
Active Safety
With Symmetrical AWD at its heart, the body is lightened, rigidity improved and chassis performance enhanced along with VDC. All this gives WRX the best hazard avoidance performance in its class, making driving excitement safe in any scenario.
Passive Safety
New WRX employs more high tensile steel plating with strengthened joints. While helping reduce weight, these changes also produce a stronger body, with world-class safety performance in collisions from the front, rear or sides.
In addition to using collision-absorbing structure in the bonnet and bulkhead, collision-absorbing material is added in the side of the engine compartment, for increased pedestrian protection.
PACKAGING
The unrivalled WRX character from successive generations is honed yet again by further improving its practicality as a performance four-door sedan.
The wheelbase is enlarged by 25 mm, expanding rear leg room. This gives new WRX more elbow and shoulder-room, without changing total body width.
The bottom end of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm toward the front, and the wing mirrors mounted on the door panels. A new quarter window is added and the dashboard and door window sills are lower. These changes make for better visibility and sleek styling.
Front and rear door opening dimensions are enlarged, making entry and exit much easier.
Boot space is expanded and made easier to use by adopting fold-down rear seats, with a large opening and 60:40 split.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
In keeping with Subaru's flagship performance model, WRX's exterior presents a performance All-Wheel Drive car with aggressive yet refined styling.
The nose cone is designed to produce a dynamic solid shape, starting with Subaru's classic hexagonal grille. The new hawkeye-shaped headlights are paired with the aggressive wide and low style for which WRX is known.
At the side, the bottom end of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm toward the front, compared to the superseded model, and the C-pillar now smoothly transits into the boot surface, for a flowing silhouette. Front guard ducts and sharp side sill spoilers show off WRX's sporty nature.
The rear design further enhances WRX's appeal as a performance model. The diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual exhausts emphasize the low centre of gravity and driving performance. Specially designed rear combination lamps are given a thin shape to highlight vehicle width. A small rear spoiler also enhances aerodynamic performance.
A shark fin antenna is used to match the body and add more styling refinement.
New alloy wheels (17x8) in dark gun metal are designed to be more rigid and lighter.
LED lighting is used in the headlights (low beam and clearance lamps)*, tail and brake lights, and high-mounted brake light, to improve fuel efficiency by saving power.
WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl are two new exterior colors.
* Manufacturer-installed option.
INTERIOR DESIGN
WRX interior is all about high performance. The driver's seat is designed to be like a cockpit - the moment the driver opens the door, they get transported far from their daily life.
For the first time, WRX gets a D-shaped steering wheel for a sportier impression. The grip shape is easy to hold, with a small diameter for improved operability and tactile feedback, making for a more appealing driving experience.
As a symbol of the racing spirit, a silver ring engraved with the letters "WRX" rests around the shift lever on manual models.
Befitting a high performance vehicle, the seats are designed with superior holding ability.
Decorative carbon trim panels and metal trim accents are arranged around the interior, centered on the controlling elements. This gives the interior a quality feel and recalls the WRX motorsport image.
The gauges employ a dual dial layout with horizontal needles, 3.5-inch full colour liquid crystal display and aluminum rings, for improved functionality and a quality feel. Attention to detail gives a refined, performance car feel, as does the red-based lighting, made even more noticeable by its contrast with the white needles.
As another motorsport symbol, the multi-function display is equipped with a boost pressure display screen.
The interior is solid black from roof to floor, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving. Quality soft-touch materials are used in frequently handled places.
Red is used throughout on stitching and gauges in homage to the WRX motorsport image.
The WRX uses Harman/Kardon audio systems custom tuned to acoustically fit the vehicle.
MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS (USA-ONLY)
Body size (Overall length / width / height): 4595 x 1795 x 1475 mm **
Wheelbase: 2650 mm
Engine: 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Direct Injection turbo Boxer engine
Displacement: 1998 cc
Transmission options: six-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic CVT, with fully automatic electronic control
Maximum output: 199 Kilowatts/ 5600 rpm
Maximum torque: 349 Newtonmetres/ 2000-5200 rpm
Tyre size: 235/45 R17
Seating capacity: Five
(Roof surface is 1465 mm)
