2011 WRX Gets STI Widebody
Damn you Subaru. In 2009 you upped the horsepower in the WRX and we though we were satisfied. Now, you bump the WRX into a full-on STI wide-body treatment in both sedan and wagon trims? We’re spent. Really. This is simply too much awesome to take down so quickly. Note the Legacy-inspired family nose job. And yes, we hear the long-awaited STI sedan is just around the corner, too.
We’ll have more in a future episode of Driving Sports TV. What do you think of the WRX going wide? Post in the comments below...
Updated 8/2010: New Photos!
Update 2 8/2010: Want to see it in action? We have the exclusive video right here!
NEW YORK, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models, which now use a wide-body design like the brand's iconic WRX STI® performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 WRX an aggressive road presence and also allow wider track dimensions.
An approximately 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip in the 2011 WRX. The standard wheels are now 17 x 8-in. vs. 17 x 7-in. in the 2010 model, and tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17.
"The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc.
The 2011 Impreza WRX 4- and 5-door models arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. SUBARU-BOXER® engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. This highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The WRX has been the focus of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2009 model received the 265-hp engine and a significant chassis tuning upgrade. For 2010, the new Limited trim lines expanded the WRX model's appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts.
The 2011 Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50. Should slippage occur, this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
New Designs for 2011
Both the WRX 5-door model and 4-door model will now feature a wide-body design for 2011 similar to that of the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of both models . The new design is based on a "wide and low" concept and gives both cars an aggressive street presence. The design also maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability in the vehicles.
Significantly, curb weight for the 2011 WRX models increases by just 33 pounds over the "original body" 2010 models, preserving their powerful acceleration performance.
In front, the 2011 WRX models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 2011 WRX 4-door model, the wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, accentuating a look of stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
In the WRX models, exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery accented by red stitching sets the tone for the sporty interior. The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5-door, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience in both models and the 4-door also features a rear seat fold-down center armrest.
All WRX models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and has XM/SIRIUS satellite radio capability (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Proven Subaru Safety
The Impreza models are built around the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones. This design has been proven in Subaru models for over a decade to provide outstanding crash protection. Side-curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models, as is a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
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 more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel-efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
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This is what we have been waiting for, it is just about the perfect mix of raw and refined..... glad I didn't jump on the STI SE when that came out. Now only if they were to bring out the Sonic Yellow color for another limited production run.......
The '06 STi is still the best looking yet.
@JC Still one of my favorites, too. Though, love the utility of a hatch.
After 2007 they look like crap. Don't care if they came with 500hp would not drive one.
I agree with MacAttack. Love the engine - hate the looks of the later ones. I guess I will be doing another engine swap in my GC 8.
Yeah, they can't seem to get the looks right anymore :(
Still love my 2005.
If they make a sti se sedan that would top my subie to buy list. The wrx is nice. Moving in a good direction. 33lbs though!!!
what about 2011 sti?
I am very pleased to see Subaru offering fender flares on their "sleeper" WRX.
However, I would much rather see a transition into a direct injection engine for better fuel economy and to stay competitive with the other car companies on the market. I mean, this is Subaru, right? When's the "Love the Earth Event" gonna take place...?
Being a 2009 WRX owner myself, the one thing I wish my car had over fender flares and dual exhaust, is a 6-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed is noteably clunky and deserves the makeover more than the exterior styling.
I suspect a lot of people are awaiting the STI sedan complete with a dual clutch DSG transmission.
Whatever they do, Subaru is keeping the car enthusiast community on the edge of their seats.
It so funny how the pre 2008 WRX/STi owners think their cars look any better. I own a 2009 WRX and I understand it's not the best looking car around but its' performance is incredible. Such a better car to drive daily than the pre 2008 Rex's. Saying the GD chassis looks better than the GE/GH chassis is like saying the Ford Pinto looks better than the AMC Pacer...Geez!
Very nice, but I'm still waiting on the Forester STI for my wife! It's been 5 years since they told me it was coming out "next year for the MY 06 refresh" & still nothing... :( I got excited in 08 when they came out with the "sports" model, but then they did the 2010 refresh in MAR of 09 & dropped it from the line-up... :( once again. Looks like I'll have to get a 2010 XT & make it in to my own STi like a few others have done, although that 2011 STi SE is looking pretty sweet right about now... :)
My 04 STi has nearly 105,000 & still going strong, no no chance of getting rid of her anytime soon, especially after South Bay Subaru (San Diego) replaced all my belts (including my timing belt) free of charge! I have also had my rear struts & 3rd-6th gears replaced under warranty so there is no doubt that Subaru stands behind there vehicles.
I do agree with QwaktastiK that the 5MT could really use an upgrade, it's what kept me waitng for the Sti's when the WRX's came 2 the US in the 02 MY. Without making smal changes every year, Subaru (or any car company for that matter) wouldn't temp you to buy that new model nearly as much. It's been a major selling pricipal ever since the model T was 1st introduced by Henry Ford. There main concern is what changes will make the most people buy thier vehicles?
they keep talking about the wrx whats going on with the sti??? i love the 04 to 07 sti alot.
i love my 06 sti
Makes my 08 WRX worthless.........Damn Subaru!
22B & GC's are the best looking. 09 sti & wrx have the best handling.
"In the 5-door, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags."
So let me get this straight: the sedan offers more storage space than the hatch?? Or is that 2 bags in the hatch with the seats upright but 3 bags in the sedan with the seats folded down?
My friend drives a nice hot blue WRX. All suped up with a sick custom intake!
The '11 looks like a boy racer. The '10 was more understated, which I like. I want a high performance car but I don't want to attract too much attention.
I'll take my Black 09 wrx 5-door over the new wrx any day...it's way to boy racer. The 09 is clean, understated and simple. The flares on the '11 seem out of proportion with the wheelset. Big gaps...yuck.
Dang! I jumped at the chance to buy a 2009wrx/spt. I love everything about the car but, the skinny appearence. Damn you Subaru for always improving!
I hear people talking about the fender flairs, but we all know, other than the 08 & 09, that WRXs have always had fender flairs. Additionally, the fender flairs are more than just show for extra body work, the front and rear track has been widened and the over all suspension modified. It gives the sedan a more muscular (less corolla - like) look and stance.
It’s nice to get the wider rims lower stance, and the correct suspension geometry to go with it STOCK. The 08 and 09, with their high roof line and narrow stance, seem to have Toyota corolla influences in their look. It’s ok for the Imprezza or even the GT, but let’s step it up a bit with the WRX and STI.
The recipe sounds good….235 tires on 17” rims, a revamped performance suspension that’s lowered just a bit, and some hips! (Fender flairs like the first REXs to hit our shores). Fender flairs aren’t going to drastically transform this car into a “refugee from the fast and the furious”. It’ll still look like an Imprezza, just with small hint of the extra muscle it has; kind of like the E46 M3 is more muscular that the (then) 330i coupe.
I hope they offer that Navy blue for the WRX as well as the STI.
All Subarus are driven by no talent hacks who think they are bad ass because mommy bought them a car that already has some horsepower.... go back to hollister and buy some jeans doosh bags.
Oh yeah? What do you drive tough guy?
Probably a civic or cobalt.
I just bought the 2011 wrx. I saw it on the lot, the next day I drove it, and handed over the keys to my 2008 F-150 limited and took it home. I love everything about the car, power, comfort (Im 6'4), soomthness of the gear box, and the handeling. I couldnt think of one thing to change on the car. I did however opt out of the look at me im seventeen sti spolier. At a first glance with absoulutley no spoiler it doesnt seem to be anything special but when you a took a better look, thats when all the new body features come into play and people begin to notice.
And to Mr Bo JAngles, my mommy didnt buy me this car and im not one for hollister (kinda like levis) im a true car enthusiast who knows how to drive and amp up my own horsepower. This new wrx is simply my daily driver, compared to my stroked prosche, or the 1970 chevelle that my driveway enjoys. With this wrx, its like driving the porsche all year round.
I decided to trade in my 2001 S-10 Xtreme that I bought new and got the 2011 WRX Sedan. I am so proud to be driving this awesome road machine. I don't have the skills or driveway/garage to work on a car and prefer to purchase factory performance vehicles. I live in a downtown area on a busy street corner. This will be my daily driver and I will love every minute. I am still breaking it in so I haven't opened her up that much but I love waiting for things like that. This has got to be the hottest car for the money both in looks and performance.
I agree. Thats why I got my 2010 wrx 5-door just before the '11 models came out.
he drives a honda hybrid lol no horse power no torque to speak of and looks like a hand me down from grandma im not saying anything bad about anyone or there cars i have 2 motorcycles and the wife has a civic but i miss my 03 wrx that saw a great car the 2011 is a great car too
I love my 2011 it feels stable on the Road and handles very well. I use to push my old car hard when I drive wrx it takes it so easy to drive I can tell I can push this car more then my old car can ever do . I think I can drive this thing in my sleep.
your 08 was deemed worthless in 09 (no offense)