On February 19th, 2014 a small gathering of friends and staff were treated to a live preview of the 2015 Subaru WRX sedan. The rally-blue WRX Limited, piloted by Subaru of New England sales trainer Richard Rizzo, arrived in a steady drizzle, fine weather for a Subaru, but not so great for outdoor viewing. Subaru Stamford owner and general manager George D'Angelo moved the event into our maintenance facility and things got underway.
George D'Angelo greets Richard Rizzo at Subaru Stamford
At a glance, it is plain to see where the new WRX departs from its previous Impreza heritage, with a wider stance and a more aggressive look. Noticeable changes include the lower-profile hood scoop to aid with visibility, the new swept-back A-pillars and a more understated rear spoiler (the STI will retain a large rear wing).
The 2015 WRX Limited
The 2015 WRX Limited
Of course, pull something like the new WRX into our service facility and it's a matter of seconds before the hood pops open and the crew are peering at the car's new engine. Featuring a new twin-scroll turbo and Subaru direct injection-not the same system as the BRZ, that utilizes direct and port injection-the engine is two-liter wonder which produces 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. The torque curve is huge, producing 258 lb.-feet from 2,000-5,200 rpm. The WRX redlines at 6,700 rpm (6,500 with the available sport lineartronic transmission).
Subaru Stamford technicians dive into the engine compartment
Subaru Stamford technicians dive into the engine compartment
New under-the-hood convenience features include an easy-access oil filter and hood pistons have replaced the prop bar to hold the hood open. Local drives who experience I-95 at both its best and worst may appreciate the new CVT sport-lineartronic transmission that is available. The new "automatic" will have both 6-speed and 8-speed manual modes for enhanced driver engagement.
The WRX we met was equipped with the new 6-speed manual transmission. It has a shorter throw than the previous generation WRX to add to driver enjoyment. An optional short throw shifter and a performance package is expected as well.
Driver's-eye view of the WRX standard shift
The WRX we met was equipped with the new 6-speed manual transmission. It has a shorter throw than the previous generation WRX to add to driver enjoyment. An optional short throw shifter and a performance package is expected as well.
Driver's-eye view of the WRX standard shift
Inside, the WRX has more legroom for rear seat passengers, new front seats with anti-whiplash head rests and 7 airbags with the addition of a driver's knee airbag to prevent leg injury in the even of a collision. The WRX is designed to become a Top Safety Pick+ with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is the only crash any of us look forward to witnessing.
The new dashboard features enhanced gauges, fingertip information and a turbo boost gauge is now standard, as is a rear camera. The Limited model we viewed had the optional navigation system with both manual and voice commands.
The steering wheel has a new look, shape and feel. The D-shaped wheel also is only 2.8 turns lock-to-lock with a tight 35.4-foot turning radius.
Inside the 2015 WRX
The new dashboard features enhanced gauges, fingertip information and a turbo boost gauge is now standard, as is a rear camera. The Limited model we viewed had the optional navigation system with both manual and voice commands.
The steering wheel has a new look, shape and feel. The D-shaped wheel also is only 2.8 turns lock-to-lock with a tight 35.4-foot turning radius.
Inside the 2015 WRX
On the outside, a closer look at the WRX in lets you see the flared fenders, hawkeye headlamps and rear air diffuser.
The WRX will come in Standard, Premium and Limited models. Pricing has already been announced and may be seen in the February 14, 2014 article in this newsletter.
To see the rest of the event photos, visit our
page.
The WRX will come in Standard, Premium and Limited models. Pricing has already been announced and may be seen in the February 14, 2014 article in this newsletter.
To see the rest of the event photos, visit our
page.
