News is beginning to filter out on the specifics of the "updated" '09 Impreza WRX and new (sort of) Impreza 2.5GT.
WRX
This new WRX is the car that should have arrived last summer as the 2008 model, and not this summer as the 2009 model. No matter how SOA or FHI tries to put a positive spin on it, the 2008 was a flat-out disappointment to many. Go to any Subaru fan site, or read just about any media-written road test on the '08 WRX, and the opinions are pretty consistent; nice car, but where did the legendary WRX fun go?
Well folks, it looks like the '09 WRX has found it's lost mojo--and that's great! The fun is back, and it also has added some much needed STI visual cues (grille, rear wing and painted garnish strip on hatch) that link the WRX to its' more muscular brother. Here are the important specifics:
• New, more powerful version of the turbocharged intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engine: now 265 hp @ 6000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. torque @ 4000 rpm vs. 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm for 2008 model. It should be noted that the WRX's new-found power occurs higher up in the rev band.
• 5-speed manual transmission only (new Impreza 2.5GT model features standard automatic.)
• New suspension tuning with higher-rate springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars and dedicated damping force tuning for sharper handling response.
• 17x7-inch gray painted alloy wheels with wider 225/45R17 summer performance tires.
• Exterior Aero Package now standard; both models get STI®-type grille with WRX badge; new style exhaust tailpipe tips for WRX 4-Door sedan.
• Rear trunk spoiler (4-door); STI rear gate spoiler (5-door).
• Optional Premium Package gains power moonroof.
• Aluminum alloy pedal covers including driver's footrest.
• WRX-exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery with red stitching and embroidered WRX logo; WRX leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.
Impreza 2.5GT info and pixs after the jump
2.5GT
I see this as a missed opportunity. It's good news in that SOA has finally recognized that the previous WRX automatic needed a serious marketing push, as sales were almost non-existent. What's disappointing is that it's essentially the old WRX, but with a new name. They could (should!) have taken this opportunity to upgrade this model with a couple of badly needed features.
MIA is the 5-speed automatic found on turbo-powered Legacy and Outbacks--and that any automatic-equipped car with "sporting" pretensions should have. I mean, c'mon... a 4-speed automatic--even with a manual shift mode, is so last century.
Also missing are wider tires. I was hoping for at least a bump in size to 215/45x17 or 215/50x17, but no, they remain 205/50x17. Oh well...
Good news is that the Premium Package with a moonroof is standard. No word yet as to whether navigation is available.
UPDATE: I've just learned that the 2.5 GT will offer navigation as an option. That's good news.
Here's Inside Line's take: Subaru WRX Gets More Power, Retuned Suspension for 2009
orangutan says:
10:37 PM, 07/30/08
I wonder what the price increase will run for the WRX.
sabastian says:
05:10 AM, 07/31/08
A 5-speed?? Come on Subaru. Every other car in this segment has six gears, and some even have some kind of dual-clutch trickery. Let's get with the program.
dougtheeng says:
05:56 AM, 07/31/08
ugggggggggggly.
Bob Holland says:
05:57 AM, 07/31/08
Early indications (over at NASIOC) suggest that there are going to be a LOT! of very unhappy '08 WRX owners out there.
They feel—like first iPhone buyers—that they got screwed. They're right. They did.
opfreak says:
06:02 AM, 07/31/08
^yes 2008 owners, MIGHT have gotten the shaft.
if the price stays the same. Something tells me the price will go up.
As for the 5spd... does toyota have a 6spd manual in their line up?
kurtamaxxxguy says:
06:56 AM, 07/31/08
Looks like "the WRX rush" is back, though given the peaky new motor, a 6 speed manual might have been better choice?
As for the continual griping about the 4-speed, there has to be a good reason why Subaru continues using it. Meanwhile, a number of other reviews found that box works just fine with the 224 hp motor.
Bob Holland says:
07:12 AM, 07/31/08
I've driven a new '09 Forester turbo with the automatic, which is the engine/tranny combo found in the new Impreza 2.5GT. It's okay, but not great. I kept wishing for another gear.
My take is this:
The Legacy and Outback will be all new for 2010, and presumably will be moving up-market. It's also almost a certainty that a CVT (replacing the 4EAT—not sure about the 5EAT) will show up on those models.
I suspect, when that happens, it will allow the Impreza to move (slightly) up-market as well, at least with premium trim models. I could see the 2010 Impreza 2.5GT getting the 5EAT then, as it won't be stepping on the Legacy GT's toes then.
Regardless, the 4EAT's days are numbered. It won't be too long before it disappears from the Subie lineup. I just wish it were now, rather than later.
moparbad says:
09:52 AM, 07/31/08
Any news on the features for the regular Impreza for 2009? Will moonroof be available?
I really like the looks on the 5 door WRX.
subytrojan says:
10:01 AM, 07/31/08
sabastian, the current Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR only has a 5MT. The Lancer Ralliart may get it later, too.
I also feel bad for MY2008 WRX owners. However, a few light mods should be able to get their vehicles up to the same or similar spec as a stock MY2009 WRX.
Bob Holland says:
10:36 AM, 07/31/08
moparbad
The 2.5i with the optional Premium Package also gets a moonroof.
Other info on the new '09 Imprezas can be found here:
http://www.media.subaru.com./
Click on the Impreza link on the left for info and pics.
sabastian says:
12:17 PM, 07/31/08
"sabastian, the current Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR only has a 5MT."
...and in that car it's even worse given the $33k base price.
desmolicious says:
02:06 PM, 07/31/08
Yup, 08 owners will not be happy campers. Kinda like the peeps who bought the all new 06 BMW 330is only to then find out that 07 brought the all new 335i.
Like me.....