You probably already know we’re massive fans of the Subaru WRX over here at Automoblog. How could you not be? It truly is the Regular Joe’s supercar – massive turbocharged power from a boxer engine being driven to all four wheels through a ridiculously smart suspension, differential, and drivetrain, all of which can be electronically fine-tuned by the driver to race-car-like levels. Sexy looks inside and out, a killer exhaust note, and a fine heritage to boot, it’s hard to go wrong with this car.
People ask me all the time what my favorite car is, and my response is always “for a normal guy’s affordable car – the WRX STI, hands down.” It’s one of the most fun cars I’ve ever driven.
So it’s no surprise I was excited when Subie announced the next generation 2015 version of the WRX. While its looks leave something to be desired over the concept, the real thing was unveiled last year at the NY Auto Show. But it’s far from ugly, and it really is what’s inside that counts.
Also make sure to check out the cool new promo video for the WRX STI and a massive photo gallery at the end.
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What’s new for 2015?
Suspension & Handling
The Subaru WRX has always been known for their incredible super-sticky handing, so it was important for the new version to up the ante even more. Subaru have lightened the WRX’s body and stiffened the chassis and suspension to make sure the car lays flat when flying (or sliding) around corners, while they’ve added VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and Active Torque Vectoring (whatever the hell that is) and a new power steering system that hopefully keeps the car-on-rails steering feel I love so much about the car.
Exterior
The body is completely new, as you can see, so I won’t get into all that. Of note, the rear bumper now includes a diffuser and dual exhaust, which looks pretty damn good. The wheels have been pushed out a bit but not enough to increase overall body width, and the A and C-pillars have a slightly sharper angle to make the styling more sleek, and things have been kept as low as possible to decrease center of gravity.
All external lighting is now LED, and they’ve added new 17-inch gunmetal wheels. The new wheels look good but of course, who could resist the STI’s classic blue/gold color combo?
Interior
Subaru went with the cockpit feel for the WRX and rightfully so – a driver’s car should be driver-focused.
The new steering wheel is a smaller diameter, a new D-shape, and has grips to make sure it doesn’t slip out of your hands right before you clip the apex.
Loads of look-at-me-I’m-sporty bits have been added including carbon trim panels and metal trim accents, a WRX-engraved silver ring circles the shift lever on manuals (and you’ll be getting a manual, right?), and new sport seats. There’s now a standard boost pressure display on the instrument panel, and you can get the interior in any color as long as it’s black. The only other colors inside are the red meter lighting and contrasting stitching.
Engine & Transmission
The 2015 Subaru WRX gets an all-new engine. Although it’s still a 2.0-liter turbcharged boxer-4 (2.5-liter on the STI), it now pushes out 268 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque – and on the WRX STI those numbers jump up to 305 and 290.
You can opt for a Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission but let’s be honest – the real fun is in the new 6-speed do-it-yourselfer. Who wants a CVT in a WRX anyway? I really liked the tight response on the outgoing 5-speed trans, but I guess it’s about time to add another gear. Of course they carry over the awesome SI-DRIVE which lets you select driving modes, and if you do make a mistake and get the CVT, Sport Sharp mode emulated an 8-speed sport transmission.
So does it stack up?
On paper the new 2015 Subaru WRX looks quite beastly. I’m a little hesitant about the new transmission, but the car looks proper sexy and the soul is still present.
I’ll be doing my best to get my hands on one in the near future and rest assured, you’ll be the first to hear about it.
In the mean time check out the huge photo gallery of the WRX below:
2015 Subaru WRX STI Photo gallery
2015 Subaru WRX Photo gallery
