Impreza 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

[Monster]

This is kind of a face lift for the 2010 WRX. Now the hatchback and the sedan gets the STi wide body treatment.

http://img695.imageshack.us/i/wrx0005h.jpg/


Subaru have been making changes to its third generation Impreza WRX in stages. The most noticeable is the adoption of the STI’s widebody design.

Both the hatch and sedan get the new pumped-up sheetmetal, giving the sedan a much needed injection of testosterone.

With a more aggressive stance the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX gets a 1.5 inch wider track front and rear, wider 17×8-inch wheels and the rear subframe bushings from the STI all help to keep it stuck to the road better than the outgoing model.

The designers didn’t stop with the sheetmetal changes, the front end gets a restyled front lip spoiler with a larger blacked out grill and intakes.

The WRX has gained 15.42 kg of weight, the turbocharged 2.5 litre flat four produces 197.61 kW of power which hardly notices the extra weight and backs up the go fast looks with the ability to go fast.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/61968/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx/

 

[Padi]

I didn't know that they made a sedan version of this, USA and Asia market? I think it's quite ugly or then I'm just too used to the hatch. Sedan looks out of proportion.

 

[Monster]

The Australian markets have both versions as well.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

New York Preview: Subaru WRX goes widebody for 2011

SUBARU INTRODUCES 2011 IMPREZA® WRX® MODELS WITH NEW WIDE-BODY DESIGNS AND ENHANCED HANDLING PERFORMANCE

New WRX 4-Door and 5-Door Models Adopt Wide-Body Design
Wider Track and Tires Enhance Grip

NEW YORK, March 23, 2010 – Subaru of America today introduced the new 2011 Impreza WRX models, which for the first time use a wide-body design like that of the brand's iconic WRX STI® performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 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 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 models arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. 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
The WRX five-door model will now share the WRX STI wide body design for 2011, underscoring the high-performance character of this model. Significantly, curb weight for the 2011 WRX models increases by just 34 pounds over the "original body" 2010 models, preserving their powerful acceleration performance.

The new-for-2011 WRX 4-door design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the car an aggressive road presence. Like the wide-body design already used for the 5-door WRX STI, the new 4-door WRX features widened front and rear track dimensions and wider, more projecting front fenders and rear quarter panels. The design maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability.

In front, the 2011 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 WRX 4-door model, newly designed 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 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 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 XM/SIRIUS satellite radio (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.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel-efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit Subaru Cars, Wagons, SUVs, Crossovers | Subaru of America

- New York Preview: Subaru WRX goes widebody for 2011 — Autoblog

 

[NarutoRamen]

My friend and I were talking on Saturday about this. He wants a new STi and wants to wait because we didn't know what Subie was planning. But now seeing this WRX, he is definitely gonna wait for the STi. We got a feeling that the STi will be even more badass.

 

[Cale]

I'm not very hopeful the STi will be upgraded. But I think the 6 spd and trick dif are reasons enough to get the STi. The 5 spd in the WRX isn't nearly as strong.

 

[NarutoRamen]

I'm not very hopeful the STi will be upgraded. But I think the 6 spd and trick dif are reasons enough to get the STi. The 5 spd in the WRX isn't nearly as strong.

Well, we can hope. I hope they at least give it some sort of a power boost. Everyone else gets really cool special editions and we get crap.

 

[PanterroR]

The wing returns! Subaru teases 2011 Impreza WRX STI ahead of NY Auto Show

The day after mashing around an ice course in Park City, Utah, we sat down with one of Subaru's product planners to discuss what the automaker has in store in the near-term. Our questions ranged from Subaru's thoughts about adopting torque-vectoring all-wheel drive ("We're looking into it.") to what, if any progress was being made on the Toyobaru front ("No comment").

But when asked about a four-door version of the STI, our question was met with a slightly cocked head, a small smirk and a faint glimmer in the exec's eye. Could a sedan be in the cards?

Maybe. But judging by this solitary teaser of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, it appears that the rally-bred hatch is getting an all-new wing inspired by Subaru's dearly-departed WRC contender. We'll know for sure on Thursday when the wraps officially come off at the New York Auto Show.


Source: The wing returns! Subaru teases 2011 Impreza WRX STI ahead of NY Auto Show - Autoblog

 

[martinbo]

All I can say for now is hmmm... HMMMM... ?!? Intriguing. I'll be watching this closely.

 

[Monster]

All I can say for now is hmmm... HMMMM... ?!? Intriguing. I'll be watching this closely.

Could well be an April Fools joke?

 

[Wunderkind]

I'm told the current generation of the Impreza is the least successful. That's probably because it looks very ordinary and even ugly (the sedan). It was a mistake not making the WRX and STI in sedan-form.

 

[Makini]

Well it's about time! The current WRX looks so weedy... but the 2011 looks the absolute business and so does the engine. 270 hp from the WRX? What will the STi put out?! Good job Subaru! Maybe I'll trade in my 13 year old thug...

 

[HighestOfHigh]

 

[martinbo]

Thanks HoH. You're doing GCF proud with your stellar contributor work...

So, at last the WRX gets some visual street cred to match its 195 kW / 343 Nm outputs. What's a shame is that the tupperware interior didn't get even a smattering of improvement on the plastic fittings front. Oh well, in typical Subaru fashion - small steps, very small steps. Bloody nice wheels tho'...

Ok, so where's that big wing STI now?

 

[bmer]

IMO the Impreza looks much more balanced as a sedan than as a hatchback. It's probably because of the WRC that I'm used to seeing sedan Imprezas, and the hatchback WRX STi doesn't look right...

It might not be the best interior in its class but to the car's defense I have to say almost any interior will look awful when you take the picture with flash on.

 

[VroomVroom]

Wow Subaru, you really ruined the sedan didn't you, I much preffer the hatchback!

The new bumper isn't in my favour aswell, plus won't be in the tuners favour aswell...(Can't get a MASSIVE intercooler in)

 

[HighestOfHigh]

New York 2010: 2011 Subaru WRX STI sedan has wing, needs gold wheels

For the first time in three years, Subaru is offering up a four-door sedan version of their performance icon, the WRX STI. This is the first time that Subaru has ever offered an STI in two body styles. That's right, you can also buy the five-door STI. And while we love hot little performance wagons, you have to admit the wing is pretty sweet. Or at least admit that the four-door Impreza body is so... awkward looking (we know, we know) that the looks are actually improved by a 14-inch wing.

New for the STI(s) this year is an improved suspension consisting of stiffer bushings, stiffer springs, and thicker anti-roll bars at both ends of the car. The 2011 STI also sports less unsprung weight than the 2010 model due to lighter 18-inch wheels that are a combined 17.6 pounds less heavy. While power is unchanged (305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque), high-speed stability of the four door is greatly improved, as is at the limit handling, by – you guessed it – that mega wing.

Since the sedan is marginally lighter than the five-door, 0-60 mph times might improve. However, since there's less weight over the rear wheels (and since the STI's diff is slightly rear-biased) they might be a bit slower. Also, the sedan STI features two mufflers (still has four pipes) as opposed to the wagon's one giant muffler (and four pipes). Subaru claims that while this has no bearing on horsepower or torque, it makes the car sound, "Meaner and louder."

We mentioned to Subaru that we dig the new wing, but really think the wheels should be gold like the classic STI/BBS marriage of years past. Even the optional 18 x 8.5-inch BBS wheels are silver. Our Subaru PR pal smiled at us and said, "Glad we gave you something to bitch about." Also, a quick PSA for those of you thinking about buying a new STI and deleting the wing: Subaru highly recommends you also change the trunk springs, because minus the weight of the wing, the trunk will smash in the rear window.

Update: The 2011 STI is also available in Limited trim, meaning leather seats plus a sunroof.

- New York 2010: 2011 Subaru WRX STI sedan has wing, needs gold wheels — Autoblog

 

[NarutoRamen]

Now I'll have to see which one my friend gets. The sedan or the hatch. Most likely the hatch, it's still a better design IMO.

 

[siko]

The STI sedan looks good until you get to the wing. I'd actually consider getting one if the wing was optional.

 

[VroomVroom]

Bit better!

A Subaru just looks completly naked without a wing.