2009 Subraru Impreza WRX first look

The WRX is a legend around the world. Thanks mostly to the overwhelming success of the classic Playstation game Gran Turismo, the car has been glamorized for quite a few years now. Sad that it took a video game to make Americans appreciate what Europeans had already been appreciating for years. Despite it's initial popularity, the sprightly rally car has lost some considerable ground to it's main competitor in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Some say that the WRX lost it's way because as the Evolution "evolved" while the Subie stood tall and didn't see fit to gain horsepower or technology as the years went by. So how does Subaru fight it's way back to the forefront? By softening the car up and selling it as a five door.

With the introduction of the most recent model last year, the moans and groans from die hard WRX fans were everywhere. Ikuo Mori, President and CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., stood adamantly by his new ride. He explained that it wasn't really their intention to make the car soft, but more accessible for all to drive. Problem is, the charm of the WRX and it's rival Evolution is that they are hard edged and exciting to drive. Once the fun factor is taken out, what are these cars really good for?

Subaru is attempting to listen to it's fan base, however. After one year of production, the 2009 WRX has been unveiled and attempts to make ammends with those it has alienated. The '09 has a sharper tuned suspension, more aggressive styling, summer tires, and most importantly a good dose of extra power.

Engineers started off by fitting a larger turbo to the boxer style engine. They then fitted a more free flowing exhaust and low density catalyst for reduced back pressure. Their efforts brought the 2.5 liter up to an impressive 265 hp and 244 lb ft of torque, an improvement of 41 hp and 18 lb-ft over the 2008 model.

When it comes to the twisties, a increasing spring rates from 26.5 N/mm to 38 N/mm up front and to 34 N/mm from 24 N/mm in the rear sharpens things up a lot. The front upper-strut mounts are now borrowed from the track-ready STI, the diameter of the stabilizer bars is greater in the front and rear, and a new damper valve on the steering gearbox helps turn-in feel smooth and sharp. The old 17" all weather tires have been replaced with 225mm sticky summmer tires to further enhance dry weather handling.

Styling has been enhanced with a new, STI-esque grille, a standard Aero package, front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side ground effects, while WRX sedans receive a low-profile trunk spoiler, and five-door models get the STI's rear spoiler and diffuser.

Despite all the grumbling about the WRX going soft, there were quite a few folks who enjoyed the new car. To satisfy those folks, Subaru is introducing a new model. The Impreza 2.5GT, which features the same 2.5L turbo four from last year's WRX under the hood. Lacking the new WRX's revised spring rates and available only with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 2009 Impreza 2.5GT is only good for 224 hp and 226 lb-ft.