2009 Subaru Impreza WRX gets upgraded to 265 hp
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Impreza.
A forum member at NASIOC has posted a corporate communiqué supposedly sent to North American Subaru dealers announcing the forthcoming arrival of the 2009 Impreza WRX. Two models are outlined in the release, the first, a new model dubbed the Impreza GT, will only be available with an automatic transmission and the 224 hp engine from the WRX. But that's not the real news...
The 2009 WRX's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer will get a boost in output to 265 hp (41 hp more than the 2008 model) and will only be available with a manual gearbox. The '09 WRX will also feature an upgraded suspension (no details), an STI-style front grille, standard aero kit and a new grey wheel package, along with red stitching on the steering wheel and seats.
The memo also mentions the inclusion of a moonroof on models equipped with the premium package, along with some undisclosed changes on vehicles equipped with the ivory interior.
While owners of the 2008 WRX might feel slighted, it's nice to know that Subaru is stepping up its game on the eve of the release of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Top tip Matt!
Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza
[Source: NASIOC]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
John R 8:58AM (7/18/2008)
I guess they got the message that the new WRX was kinda meh...
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Tinu 11:49AM (7/18/2008)
New Impreza does anything but Impressa.
Xcountryflyer 1:14PM (7/18/2008)
I guess to compensate for its incredibly pedestrian and blah looks, they have added horsepower. Too bad for the first year buyers. I'd be very annoyed.
PJ 4:03PM (7/18/2008)
Odd response to the WRX's lukewarm reception.
It doesn't need more power, it needs steering feel and a suspension not made of overcooked pasta.
PJ 1:05PM (7/19/2008)
Whoops, missed the "upgraded suspension" part...
Red Star 8:59AM (7/18/2008)
Not even that engine can make up for that ugly design.
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Torrent 12:06PM (7/18/2008)
I think I like it, but I never realized the taillights looked so much like the 2009 Acura RL's.
Neejay 9:02AM (7/18/2008)
Should have redesigned it as well.
I'm still not feeling the regular WRX models. STI model of this generation is the only one I can stomach.
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azzo45 9:02AM (7/18/2008)
41 more HP? 2005-6 motor had just a few less HP than this... it takes to '09 to return what the old cars (including the Saab 92X) already had???
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BigMcLargeHuge 9:41AM (7/18/2008)
What WRX or Saabaru sold in the states has ever had more than 230hp?
Sean Flanagan 9:42AM (7/18/2008)
The WRX engine has never had more than 230hp. It started with 227hp, then revised the engine to 2.5l and 230hp. The 9-2x was just a slightly reskinned WRX wagon, and it too had no more than 230hp. Then they revised the way manufacturers could report power, so like almost every car, the power figure dropped a little to the 224hp they claim now.
MUSASHI66 10:05AM (7/18/2008)
They had the more powerful engine only in the Legacy GT/Outback XT models. Rex always had that 227 or so HP engine.
azzo45 11:45AM (7/18/2008)
Sorry... it was morning before breakfast when I posted!
I had a Saab 92X Aero... it was 230HP & 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Thanks to GM rebates & dumb Saab dealers the 92X was actually CHEAPER than the Subaru. Better styling for that time period IMO.
I recall the new WRX was a heavier car... so the same 227- 230HP motor might feel slower. Guess it did if the '09 gets a HP increase.
rav3 1:11PM (7/18/2008)
"I recall the new WRX was a heavier car... so the same 227- 230HP motor might feel slower."
But the new WRX is a slightly lighter car than the older ones.
2008 WRX sedan = 3,142 lb
2006 WRX sedan = 3,192 lbs
Guess you need more coffee...
RDL 12:51PM (7/18/2008)
Sayeth Sean Flanagan @ Jul 18th 2008 9:42AM:
"The WRX engine has never had more than 230hp. It started with 227hp, then revised the engine to 2.5l and 230hp."
COBB measured 202 AWHP on a Mustang dyno for the 2006-2007 US spec WRX (2.5L H4). Given a ~20% loss for the AWD drivetrain, that converts to about 252 BHP, so I think azzo45 is not too far off.
Source:
http://www.cobbtuning.com/images_products/3161.jpg
azzo45 3:37PM (7/18/2008)
All I know is my 06 was faster than the current one & 80 more pounds isn't helping my cause.
Sometimes manufacturers downgrade their HP rating to avoid wrath of insurance companies
azzo45 9:08PM (7/18/2008)
Make that 50ish pounds lighter for the 08 model, yet they felt they needed to boost the HP by 40?
Lighter car, same 2.5L turbo motor, & 40 extra HP in times when people are asking for better fuel economy. The performance demographic would drift towards the WRX sti right? Just thinking out loud to figure out Subaru's HP upgrade.
My guess is feedback told them the 08 engine felt slow to many test drivers. Something different about this "carry over" engine package... ???
NOreasonY 9:06AM (7/18/2008)
Hey, if people will drive a dodge neon srt4 becuase its fast (at the time, or maybe still) .... then hell im sure ppl will pick this up...
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RJP 9:07AM (7/18/2008)
Boy am I glad I didn't buy a WRX a few weeks ago. I was pretty close to getting one since I was faced with $1800 of work on my 2001 RS.
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tankd0g 9:42AM (7/18/2008)
Keep the RS.