Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today introduced Canadian media to the 2015 Subaru WRX, a new version of the brand's iconic high-performance model, at Le Salon International de l'auto in Montreal.
With its bold new wide-body sedan design and expanded performance envelope, the 2015 WRX marks a major evolutionary step from rally-bred performance car towards sports sedan excellence. Powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged (DIT) SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX debuts its first six-speed manual transmission. This model also newly adopts an optional sport-tuned automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic, that offers smooth shifting as well as an eight-speed manual shift mode with sharp shifting response. Pricing for the true performance sedan will be available mid-February and next-generation models will be available in Subaru showrooms this March.
All-Wheel Drive Sport Performance
Equipped with the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system built around the SUBARU BOXER engine, the WRX remains the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance. For 2015, the Subaru WRX employs a new Active Torque Vectoring system that supplements the standard AWD system. This new technology helps make handling more precise, allowing for improved cornering speeds. As lateral g-forces begin to take hold in a corner, the system can route power to select wheels, responding to steering input more immediately and engagingly. In addition, multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) has been added for a more precise and enjoyable driving experience.
Stiffer Chassis and Body
Chassis and body performance has been thoroughly enhanced to give drivers better control over the SUBARU BOXER engine and Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD. To this end, the body has been made lighter and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements. Working to stiffen both body and suspension while optimizing suspension geometry has quickened both vehicle response to driver steering input as well as raised the performance limits for cornering. Extensive suspension tuning have resulted in very flat cornering in performance driving situations as well as a comfortable ride. New electric power steering is employed with more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel economy and a more direct steering feel.
New Engine
The 2015 Subaru WRX is equipped with a new high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally opposed DIT engine for improved power delivery with an eye on efficiency. The WRX's new DIT engine boasts improved performance over the outgoing model, producing a maximum 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb. ft. of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm while maintaining a high level of environmental performance.
New Transmission
The 2015 Subaru WRX also represents the first time a manual transmission has been paired with the DIT SUBARU BOXER engine. A new, optional Sport Lineartronic transmission is also available. A new six-speed manual transmission optimizes the gear ratios and shifter throw from the outgoing five-speed model to keep engine speeds lower, enabling better fuel economy and quieter driving at high speeds. The newly introduced Sport Lineartronic transmission draws out the full potential of the 2.0-litre DIT SUBARU BOXER engine in terms of power, torque and environmental friendliness, allowing for a rewarding driving experience. In Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), selecting Sport Sharp (S#) switches to eight-speed shifting. SI-DRIVE's Sport Sharp mode within Sport Lineartronic emulates traditional shift points to let drivers feel the WRX's impressive power and performance.
Versatile, yet Stylish
The Subaru WRX from earlier generations remains unrivalled in terms of character; this next-generation model has further honed its distinctive character by improving visibility and useable space. The wheelbase has been enlarged by 25 millimetres in order to improve rear legroom and give the 2015 version more elbow and shoulder room without increasing total body width. The bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200 millimetres towards the front, while the mounting of side mirrors on the front door panels have added a new quarter window and keep the dashboard and window sills lower, all for better visibility and sleek styling. The front and rear door openings have also been enlarged, making ingress and egress much easier. New 60/40-split folding rear seats, along with a larger opening, have expanded trunk space for greater versatility.
Exterior Changes
Befitting of a true sports sedan, the 2015 Subaru WRX presents itself as an AWD performance car with aggressive yet refined styling. The front end now offers a dynamic, solid shape with a nose cone design, hexagonal front grille and new hawk-eye headlights paired with the aggressive wide and low styling the WRX is known for. Front fender ducts and special sharp side sill spoilers show off the sporty nature of the WRX. The rear design further enhances the WRX's appeal. A diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual mufflers emphasize the low centre of gravity. A shark fin antenna adds further refinement. New 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in gunmetal grey are lighter and more rigid.
Three Trim Levels Offer a New Level of Refinement
Subaru will offer the next-generation 2015 Subaru WRX in three trim levels: the entry level WRX, WRX Sport Package and WRX Sport-tech Package. For the 2015 model year, WRX models introduce a new D-shaped steering wheel with an easy-to-hold grip shape that offers a smaller diameter for improved operability and tactile feedback. For added convenience, the steering wheel integrates audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches into its new leather-wrapped steering wheel. New performance-designed seats with high-grip upholstery featuring contrasting stitching also integrate height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints. The interior is solid black from roof to floor, save for its electroluminescent instrument panel gauges with LCD colour display and red meter lighting, while quality soft-touch materials abound. To further enhance its performance persona, the 4.3-inch colour multi-function display is now equipped with a boost pressure display screen as well as steering wheel-mounted controls to toggle between the clock, vehicle dynamics monitor, outside temperature and maintenance reminder.
The WRX Sport Package adds fog lights and a sunroof. New for 2015, the WRX Sport Package gains LED low-beam headlights, multi-reflector halogen high beams, a low-profile lip spoiler for the trunk, as well as an eight-way power driver's seat inside. New welcome lighting illuminates the headlights, interior lights, licence plate and tail lights when the vehicle is unlocked using the keyless remote.
The top trim level, the WRX Sport-tech Package, offers brand new creature comforts in addition to its leather seating. For added convenience, a new proximity key with push-button start is included on all Sport-tech Package models. Inside, the Sport-tech Package gains a Harman Kardon premium nine-speaker system and 440-watt amplifier as well as an improved voice-activated in-dash GPS navigation system with 6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DivX, WMV, MP4, SMS text messaging capability, Aha radio, XM NAVTraffic (subscription required), 3.5mm auxiliary jack, USB, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and Bluetooth streaming audio. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is also included with a free three-month trial subscription.
All-Around Safety
Following Subaru's safety philosophy of all-around safety, all areas of safety performance have been enhanced. With Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD at its base, active safety was further enriched on the 2015 WRX by making the body lighter as well as improving rigidity and chassis performance along with the VDC system. All of this gives the WRX the best hazard avoidance in its class, ensuring the driving experience is exciting but safe in every scenario. In terms of passive safety, the all-new WRX employs greater use of high-tensile steel. While helping to reduce weight, these changes also enable a stronger body with world-class safety performance in collision tests from the front, rear and sides. Collision-absorbing material has also been added in the side engine compartment for increased pedestrian protection. Like all Subaru models, the 2015 WRX uses the brand's proven ring-shaped reinforcement frame, which has been shown to excel in the new small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the cabin, a driver's knee airbag has been added to the roster of safety features that includes front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.
