• New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis for Subaru global performance icon
• New torque-vectoring system reduces understeer
• New 268-hp 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine
• New standard 6-speed manual transmission
• New Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual modes

• World premiere of new high performance saloon at Los Angeles Motor Show
• US-specification models equipped with new 2.0-litre turbo Boxer engine
• Choice of six-speed manual and Sport Lineartronic transmissions
• All-new design, greater practicality and higher quality interior for iconic model

The all-new Subaru WRX, the latest in a line of sports saloons from the Japanese brand, today made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show. Equipped with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and hallmark Boxer engine, the new WRX combines sports-car performance with four-door saloon practicality.

The new WRX adopts some of the design elements of the Concept seen earlier in the year,  with aggressive yet refined styling. The front of the new model features Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille, while the shape of the new ‘hawkeye’ headlights helps emphasise the car’s low, wide stance. The base of the A-pillar has been moved forwards 200mm giving the car a sleeker silhouette, while the C-pillar flows more smoothly into the rear of the car which is characterised by a diffuser and twin exhausts integrated into the rear bumper while a lip spoiler is designed to enhance aerodynamic performance.

At its heart, the US specification WRX features a new, high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine, which offers much improved performance over the outgoing 2.5-litre model. The new engine produces 268bhp at 5,600rpm and 258 lb ft torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm (compared to 265bhp at 6,000rpm and 244 lb ft torque at 4,400rpm for the 2.5-litre engine). It also offers improved environmental performance.

The new WRX is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a newly developed Sport Lineartronic CVT with an eight-speed shifting mode is available as an option. The shift response of the Lineartronic transmission has been improved for its application in the new WRX.

Subaru engineers have optimised the WRX’s suspension geometry for high performance handling. A stiffer body and carefully-tuned suspension have quickened the vehicle’s response to driver inputs and raised the WRX’s cornering limits. Combined with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring, Subaru has manged to achieve even more predictable, yet engaging handling. The electric power steering features more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.

Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout the body of the car has also made the new model lighter and more rigid than the previous-generation, while new safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

Realising improvements to the WRX’s everyday usability, Subaru engineers have stretched the wheelbase of the new model by 25mm (to 2,650mm), expanding rear legroom and improving elbow- and shoulder-room for all passengers. Door openings for front and rear passengers have been enlarged for easier ingress/egress and boot space has been expanded.

US specification models also benefit from new 17-inch alloy wheel designs which are both more rigid and lighter. LED lighting is employed for front and rear lights.

Crucially, the driver-focused interior of the new WRX features higher quality materials and improved design over the outgoing model, with carbon and metal trim accents throughout the cabin and greater use of soft-touch materials. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel and supportive sports seats leave driver and passengers in no doubt about the WRX’s intentions and sports oriented styling carries into many of the details with subtle silver ‘WRX’ logos, red stitching and red lighting. A new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the vehicle status at all times, while a revised multi-function display includes a boost pressure gauge.

The new Subaru WRX will go on sale in North America and Japan later in 2014. It is currently unconfirmed whether a new WRX model will come to the UK.

SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON ALL NEW 2015 WRX AND WRX STI SEDANS

• New platform offers stiffer, more agile chassis of Subaru performance icons
• Upgraded suspension tuning and new Active Torque Vectoring
• Roomier cabin with upgraded comfort and materials and wide array of user technologies
• Rear camera standard
• WRX STI holds base price of $34,495

Cherry Hill, N.J. –  Subaru of America, Inc. has announced pricing on the carmaker’s performance icons, the 2015 WRX and WRX STI. Both vehicles arrive into dealerships this Spring exclusively as wide-body design sedans.

Starting at $26,295, the 2015 WRX delivers more performance value than ever before. Powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection turbo BOXER engine, the WRX debuts the models first six-speed manual transmission and a new, optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartonic; featuring two manual modes.

The 2015 Subaru WRX marks a major evolutionary step for the rally-bred performance car that has become a global automotive legend. For 2015, the WRX employs a new Active Torque Vectoring system, an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system that allows for improved agility. The new and stiffer chassis, larger front brakes, performance-tuned suspension and a driver-focused interior remain integral to the WRX performance character. The new powertrain also yields higher fuel efficiency than the previous WRX (manual transmission model).

Subaru-developed direct-injection engine, 6-speed manual transmission, standard rear camera and larger brakes are standard on the 2015 WRX. A roomier interior, upgraded cabin comfort and materials and a wide array of new user technologies give the new WRX a more refined feel. A premium audio system with harman/kardon®amplifier and speakers is offered for the first time in a WRX.

The 2015 WRX is available in standard, Premium and Limited Trim lines. In all models, a new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth® and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

Additional standard features for the WRX include automatic climate control and a new standard audio system featuring AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, USB port, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.

The WRX Premium maintains previous model year pricing, $28,495 and steps up everyday comfort and convenience with the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), power tilt/slide glass moonroof, fog lights. A low-profile trunk spoiler augments the car’s aero body package.

The top-of-line Limited builds on the Premium, bringing a new level of luxury to the WRX with leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat and Welcome Lighting. Exclusive to the WRX Limited, LED low-beam headlights provide a unique look and enhanced visibility. The high beams are multi-reflector halogen units, and the system includes automatic off/on. Pricing on Limited trim levels begins at $29,995.

The WRX Premium and Limited offer as options the Sport Lineartronic transmission and a Touch-screen Navigation System with 6.1-inch LCD screen, voice controls and harman/kardon premium audio featuring 440-watt amplifier and 9 speakers (with subwoofer.) With this option package, the WRX Limited also features Keyless Access.

2015 SUBARU WRX STI 
The 2015 WRX STI maintains the previous model year pricing of $34,495. With an upgraded and roomier cabin, the new WRX STI has Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching to set the tone for a driver-focused interior. An array of user technologies include, for the first time in a WRX STI, availability of a harman/kardon® premium audio system and rear camera display standard.

Available in Standard, Limited and Launch Edition trim lines and powered by the legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design, built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. The WRX STI provides a rally-bred drivetrain and all-wheel drive handling that is unique to this model. Handling is enhanced with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio).

New for the 2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins an arsenal of the model’s proven handling technologies that includes Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.

Other new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large trunk spoiler that has been a WRX STI signature feature. A rear diffuser, LED taillights and LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) leave a distinctive signature.

The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission, which includes a short-throw shifter in the Launch Edition model. In the 2015 WRX STI, the driver grips a new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel that integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel gets a new 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions such as windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.

Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio information (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

Standard features for the 2015 WRX STI include dual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

The WRX STI Limited model adds the luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, the harman/kardon premium audio system and a power moonroof for $38,495.

STI LAUNCH EDITION
Subaru will produce 1,000 of the WRX STI Launch Edition models for 2015. Outfitted in traditional WR Blue Pearl and come equipped with gold-painted 18-inch BBS® alloy wheels, an iconic color combination long associated with Subaru competition cars.

Built on the standard and lightest WRX STI model, the STI Launch Edition is exclusively equipped with a special interior featuring blue highlights and gets a standard STI Short-Throw Shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission. The Keyless Access & Start system, offered as an option on WRX STI Premium and Limited models, is included as standard with the STI Launch Edition and priced at $37,395.

2015 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI EARN IIHS 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK

Cherry Hill, N.J. –  Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI the IIHS 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK award for good performance in each of the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, including the small overlap front test. This is the first time IIHS has rated the WRX and WRX STI, which were both completely redesigned for 2015.

With the addition to the 2015 WRX, Subaru now has six models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – three with TOP SAFETY PICK and three with TOP SAFETY PICK+ including its Legacy sedan and Outback models with optional EyeSight?. Subaru has more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Picks than any other brand.

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru WRX is one of the brand’s performance models and comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 268 horsepower engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and is priced at $26,295. The higher-performance WRX STI model is priced at $34,495 and features a turbocharged, 2.5-liter boxer four cylinder engine that produces 305 hp.

In addition to the standard model, the WRX STI is offered in Launch Edition. Limited to just 1,000 units over the first three months of production, and offered exclusively in WR Blue with gold BBS® alloy wheels and blue trim throughout the interior. All WRX STI models feature Alcantara seating surfaces and standard LED exterior lighting, and the Limited trim adds leather, a power driver’s seat, a moonroof and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system. Navigation and higher-end audio are optional on other models.

“Safety is one of our brand tenets and so we are extremely proud to have earned a TSP rating for our performance models” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “we are committed to providing engaging driving together with safety and this award is testament to that commitment.”

About IIHS
The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a moderate overlap frontal and small overlap crash test. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government’s full-width frontal test, but many haven’t addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants.

The small overlap test is a demanding crash that replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car’s front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many people.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle’s weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.