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Subaru Australia today previewed its new generation Impreza WRX sedan at
Sydney International Motor Show, offering a huge 26 Kilowatts more power and 23
Newtonmetres more torque, better fuel efficiency and upgraded suspension.
Model Year 2009 Impreza WRX sedan and hatch will be available by early
December with a larger turbocharger and increased boost, plus the options of
leather trim with sunroof, and satellite navigation.
In addition to the power and torque enhancements, all Impreza WRX versions
will share the new suspension package, producing even sharper, aggressive
handling. It will feature increased spring and damping rates, and thickened
stabilizer bars.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX will also feature a new mesh
grille and badge, distinctive red brake calipers and wider tyres.
Inside, red stitch seating will add to the sporty appearance.
MY09 Impreza WRX will produce 195 Kilowatts of power at 6000 rpm and 343
Newtonmetres of torque at 4000 rpm, while fuel consumption is improved in the
combined cycle from 10.7 l/100km to 10.4 l/100km.
Carbondioxide emissions are down from 252 g/km to 247 g/km.
Recommended Retail Pricing is maintained at MY08 levels – both hatch and the
newly introduced sedan will start from $39,990 rrp.
Impreza WRX MY09 highlights:
- 15.4 per cent more power
- 7.2 per cent more torque
- Better fuel efficiency (combined cycle)
- Carbondioxide emissions reduced
- Upgraded suspension
- Larger turbocharger and increased boost
- Leather trim with sunroof, and satellite navigation options
- Enhanced suspension package - sharper, aggressive handling
- New mesh grille with WRX badge
- Distinctive red brake calipers
- Wider tyres
- Red stitch seating adds to sporty appearance
- Pricing maintained at MY08 levels – simple choice between hatch or sedan, as
prices identical
Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “This latest model
year Impreza WRX is a step change.
“We’re not only introducing big power and torque increases, we’ve
dramatically sharpened handling too.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with the engineers on Australian roads and in
local conditions, developing a suspension package that appeals to the driving
enthusiast.
“The result is an Impreza WRX that is true to our core Subaru DNA, of
delivering pure driving confidence.”
He added: “Drivability of Impreza WRX is sharper and, combined with the power
and torque benefits, this is a compelling, aggressive package.
“For the first time we’re also offering a leather trim with sunroof option as
part of the regular Impreza WRX line-up, addressing clear customer demand seen
in our retail network.
“The extra power, torque, upgraded suspension and other refinements on
entry-level Impreza WRX will come at no extra cost.
“Equivalent sedan and hatch pricing will also be identical, making it a
straight choice for customers between body styles.” Engine
Intercooler capacity is up to 14.0 kW, from 12.1 kW in the MY08 model, while
the bigger turbocharger sees maximum boost increased from 78 kPa to 103 kPa.
A revised exhaust system provides a 30 per cent reduction in gas flow
restriction, to match the new turbocharger performance and increase engine
power.
Suspension
Significant testing was conducted in Australia and Japan to tune suspension
settings for local conditions.
MY09 Impreza WRX is biased towards sports handling, while retaining good ride
comfort, grip and stability when driven enthusiastically.
The coil springs, stabilizers and top mounts are stiffened and roll rigidity
increased to improve maximum lateral G and turning ability.
Fine tuning of the damping forces in the shock absorbers provides linear
response with minimal delay when steering. Transmission
Improved shift feel is achieved in the transmission through use of a ball
type key for the first and second gear synchro hubs and a change to the key
groove on third and fourth synchro sleeve.
Hardened materials are used for the main shaft and first driven gear, while
operation of the clutch slave cylinder now incorporates an orifice valve to
protect the drivetrain during rapid clutch engagement.
Steering
A damper valve is added to the steering gearbox to reduce kickback,
particularly when cornering on rough roads. Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres were chosen to complement the suspension springs, damping
and bushing, to ensure optimum grip and ride comfort.
The tyres also optimize the balance of dry and wet weather grip, steering
response, NVH levels and ride comfort. Rolling resistance and stopping distance
are also reduced.
Tyres are increased in width to 225/45 from 205/50, benefitting grip and
handling performance to match the more aggressive sports suspension setting.
MY09 Impreza WRX is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 01 225/45R17 tyres and 17 x 7
JJ alloy wheels. Safety
In line with Subaru’s safety commitment, Impreza WRX sedan maintains the
five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car
Assessment Program (ANCAP). All Imprezas also share the highest four-star
rating for pedestrian safety.
With the imminent introduction of Model Year 2009 Liberty and Outback, every
Subaru will have standard electronic stability control.
The Subaru retail network is now taking orders for MY09 Impreza WRX.
Impreza WRX MY09 Recommended Retail Pricing
Impreza WRX sedan and hatch $39,990
Impreza WRX sedan and hatch with
leather trim and sunroof $42,490
Impreza WRX sedan and hatch with Sat Nav
$42,980 Impreza WRX sedan and hatch with Sat Nav, leather and sunroof
$45,480.
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