Recently celebrating 20 years on the marketplace, the Subaru Impreza has provided a sporty yet economical way to introduce car buyers to the once-quirky Japanese auto company. An auto manufacturer that pushed all-wheel drive before the modern popularity on new cars, Subaru sought a world stage to show off the performance and capabilities of their technology. Subaru chose the FIA World Rally Championship as an exhibition of its drive system but truly hit a stride two decades ago when they started racing the Impreza. Realizing competition would require a better Subaru Impreza, the WRX was immediately produced as an all-wheel drive, turbocharged vehicle for on-track as well as on the road. While the WRX STI has stolen some of the thunder of the regular vehicle, the Subaru WRX still stands for compact performance. At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, an all-new 2015 Subaru WRX is extending power and handling to higher levels.
Characterized with the sophisticated, new Subaru Impreza appearance, the 2015 WRX a uniquely gruffer exterior. Accentuated by a wide-stance, the 2015 Subaru WRX’s one-inch longer wheelbase compared to the 2013 model provides the vehicle with an additional stature. The aggressive new sport compact punches through the air with a front spoiler and a special front grille. The hexagonal grille shape divides the striking headlamp housing that encases LED low-beam headlights. Within the lower fascia, fog lamps were framed with simulated carbon fiber pattern. The traditional WRX hood scoop looks even meaner than its previous iteration. The 2015 Subaru WRX comes standard with 17-inch wheels spinning within Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT tires.
Coupled with the performance attitude of the outside, the interior space of the 2015 Subaru WRX channels the performance-oriented character. Sport seats, high-grip fabrics and flat-bottom steering wheel complete the interior of the 2015 Subaru WRX. A dual gauge instrument cluster and a 4.3-inch central dashboard display provide a considerable flow of information to the driver. Rear camera monitor, turbocharger boost gauge and Bluetooth serves the pilot of the Subaru WRX. For the driver and passengers, a 440-watt premium sound system supplied by harman/kardon with Aha integration is optional. As well as being wonderfully appointed, the interior of the sport compact sedan is also a roomier environment for the 2015 model year.
On the latest generation WRX, Subaru has enlisted a brand-new turbocharged boxer-style engine derived from one already used on the new Forester. A 2-liter displacement, direct-injected powerplant, the 2015 Subaru WRX has been upgraded with a different camshaft and valve springs for greater exuberance. The turbocharged 2.0 engine generates 268 horsepower and 258 pounds feet of torque for the 2015 Subaru WRX’s all-wheel drive system.
Like all WRX models that can before the 2015 model, all-wheel drive sends the sedan soaring. In fact, two types of all-wheel drive are available on the 2015 Subaru WRX. With a six-speed manual transmission, the WRX features a Continuous All-wheel drive system consisting of a viscous coupling locking center differential to allow 50:50 torque distribution. Paired with a new Sport Lineartronic CVT, the 2015 WRX is equipped with a planetary gear-type center differential. Described as a Variable Torque Distribution form of all-wheel drive, the CVT outfitted Subaru WRX also features an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch. Torque distribution favours the rear portion in order to provide ideal handling agility with an automatic gearbox. With Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp shift modes available for the driver to select, the Sport Lineartronic CVT also provides a manual shifting with up to eight simulated steps. A new torque-vectoring system is included with both forms of all-wheel drive to assist in cornering and handling. Bigger brakes and a performance-tuned suspension are also found on the 2015 Subaru WRX.
Combining compact car form with premium sedan performance, the 268-horsepower 2015 Subaru WRX has taken the high road for what could be another 20 years.
