While Subaru doesn’t want you, the reader or consumer to know what gives with the new 2015 WRX yet, the Japanese carmaker made sure its journalist pals over at Car&Driver magazine received all the information well before so they can have it in time for their next issue. It all so happens that when you share something, that something can leak…
We don’t know for how long the PDF file from the magazine will stay online (see and/or download it to your computer via this link), so we’ll give you all the details, just in case it disappears. For one, the photos of the WRX that we showed you earlier this week are indeed the real thing with the saloon being an Impreza in everything but the name and the performance upgrades.
As many anticipated, Subaru has swapped the older model’s 2.5-liter turbocharged flat four that produced 265hp at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm with the new Forester’s 2.0-liter flat-four tuned to deliver 268hp at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,800.
Also, out goes the five-speed manual and in comes a six-speed stick shift, with which the WRX goes from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 5.4 seconds. An available CVT will increase that time to 5.9 seconds.
We’re also told that manual transmission models get a center differential with a fixed 50:50 (rear:front) torque split, while the CVT model comes with Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive system featuring Variable Torque Distribution, in which the center differential offers a 45:55 (front:rear) torque split, the ratio of which can vary.
The new WRX is said to be available only as a four-door sedan, as Subaru has eliminated the hatchback – at least for the U.S.
Other notable details include a new electrically assisted power steering, bigger brakes, 235/45 R17 tires, a stiffer suspension setup than on the older WRX, plus a 9 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the regular Impreza and 41 percent over the outgoing WRX
In another leak, Jalopnik obtained a dealer sheet in which we learn that the new WRX STI will continue with a 2.5-liter boxer engine and will include a Launch Edition exclusively available in the nameplate’s traditional WR Blue shade.
The WRX will debut at next week’s 2013 LA Auto Show.
Thanks to Perscitus for the heads up!
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