Subaru unveiled at the Los Angeles autoshow the new WRX. The radically redesigned Subie is more powerful , more economical with regard to fuel consumption, more beautiful and cleverly designed than the model it replaces.
It is equipped with a new two-liter , four-cylinder , turbocharged flat engine with direct injection that delivers 268 hp at 5600 rpm and 350Nm of torque constant between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm, based on the all of Forester 2.0 XT but has different camshafts , harder valve springs and various other improvements/changes . Compared with the outgoing model it is stronger by just 3 horsepower and 19Nm of torque , but the way in which produces the torque is much more linear and the fact that it keeps the torque firm for this rpm range means a lot for both driveability and performance. The WRX does the 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds , but it is not mentioned in the official press release ,although it is confirmed . Another positive resulting from the comparison between the two models has to do with the weight, the new WRX is heavier , but only by 27 kilos.
Returning to the powertrain, noting that this engine is mated to a 6 – speed manual gearbox. The new model will be offered with CVT (Sport Lineatronic) box , 6 or 8 preset relations (depending on the mode- there will paddles on the steering wheel ) . The 6- speed manual transmission, has a so-called Continuous AWD system , a permanent all-wheel drive system with a 50:50 torque split to the front and rear axle. The CVT on the other will use the Variable Torque Distribution system of the Subaru with the torque split in proportions of 45:55 .
Subaru said several times in the press release that the cabin will be “premium”. To achieve this premium feel , the leather steering wheel has gained a flat bottom level and controls for operating the radio and Bluetooth. The materials around the console , the dashboard and the door are soft to the touch and there are ample storage spaces . In the center of the console there is a LCD 3,5 inch screen with various information ( from levels of oil and wiper fluid to the selected relationship) while below it there is another one, this time 4.3 inch which provides other information ( back camera , boost pressure , air conditioning , etc. ) . Finally the wheelbase is 2.5 centimeters longer which means more space in the interior, especially for the rear passengers. The car stands on 17 inch alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT tires measuring 235/45.
