Subaru Unleashes New 265 HP 2009 Impreza WRX

'Kyo-Ka' WRX: More Power, Quicker, Sharper-Handling

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/NETH046 )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )
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,
the 2009 WRX, 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.
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 http://www.subaru.com.
Subaru, Impreza, WRX and STI are registered trademarks of Subaru of
America, LLC.
Contact: Dominick Infante
Subaru of America, Inc.
(856) 488-8615
dinfante@subaru.com

Jessica Tullman
Subaru of America, Inc.
(310) 352-4400
jtullman@subaru.com

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

Dominick Infante, +1-856-488-8615, dinfante@subaru.com, or Jessica Tullman,
+1-310-352-4400, jtullman@subaru.com, both of Subaru of America, Inc.