Subaru has released today the first images and details of the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door and the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door which will be unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Both the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door and the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door now have the wide body design of the iconic STI with a 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track and wider 17-inch wheels and tires.
The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door and the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door are powered by the same turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX develops 265 hp and 244 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Apart from the new body, other major changes brought by the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door and the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door include firmer rear subframe bushings and a significant chassis tuning upgrade.
The new face of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX however, adds 33 pounds to the car's weight, but the company says it doesn't affect its performance.
The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX price for both the 5-door and the new 4-door models will be announced at a later date.
Subaru Press Release:
Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models, which now use a wide-body design like the brand's iconic WRX STI® performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX an aggressive road presence and also allow wider track dimensions.
An approximately 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip in the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX. The standard wheels are now 17 x 8-in. vs. 17 x 7-in. in the 2010 model, and tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17.
"The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc.
The 2011 Impreza WRX 4- and 5-door models arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. SUBARU-BOXER® engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. This highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The WRX has been the focus of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2009 model received the 265-hp engine and a significant chassis tuning upgrade. For 2010, the new Limited trim lines expanded the WRX model's appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts.
The 2011 Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD
version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50. Should slippage occur, this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
New Designs for 2011
Both the WRX 5-door model and 4-door model will now feature a wide-body design for 2011 similar to that of the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of both models . The new design is based on a "wide and low" concept and gives both cars an aggressive street presence. The design also maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability in the vehicles.
Significantly, curb weight for the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models increases by just 33 pounds over the "original body" 2010 models, preserving their powerful acceleration performance.
In front, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door model, the wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, accentuating a look of stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
In the 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX models, exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery accented by red stitching sets the tone for the sporty interior. The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5-door, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience in both models and the 4-door also features a rear seat fold-down center armrest.
All 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and has XM/SIRIUS satellite radio capability (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Proven Subaru Safety
The Impreza models are built around the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones. This design has been proven in Subaru models for over a decade to provide outstanding crash protection. Side-curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models, as is a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced that it will exhibit the 2011 Impreza WRX (U.S. specifications) models at the New York International Auto Show (Press day: March 31 and April 1; Open to the public from April 2 through 11). Both 5-door and 4-door models come with the wide-body design for the first time. The exterior design, including newly designed front area, projects a sporty and powerful road presence. The new model also enhances sportiness, thanks to its wider track. The 2011 Impreza WRX will be introduced in the U.S. market this summer. The press conference is scheduled at the Subaru booth on April 1, 2010 at 9.40h.
A revised Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza WRX, featuring widebody sedan and hatch, will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show next month.
The Model Year 2011 Impreza WRX will feature wider, flared wheel arches, new front and rear bumpers and grille. Front and rear track are increased too.
Both sedan and hatch variants will be launched in Australia late this year, at which time pricing and specification will be announced.
Normally aspirated Impreza versions will retain the current sedan and hatch body design.
The 2011 Impreza WRX will be officially unveiled on April 1 at the New York International Auto Show.
Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “This new look gives the iconic Impreza WRX even greater presence in a package which has already won accolades for its turbocharged Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ability.
“This design further distinguishes our turbo Impreza variants, including the Impreza WRX STI, from the normally aspirated versions, which we’re sure will please the many loyal WRX fans out there.”
