The all-new 2015 Subaru WRX made its world premiere at
the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, held at the Los Angeles Convention
Center.
Designed around the product concept "Pure Power in Your Control," the
next-generation WRX harnesses the intense power and superior
environmental friendliness of its brand new 2.0-litre horizontally
opposed direct-injection turbocharged (DIT) engine. With a thoroughly
stiffened body and chassis, the new WRX offers drivers a precise and
perfected driving experience. Along with its new six-speed manual
transmission, the 2015 WRX newly adopts a Sport Lineartronic
transmission that offers smooth shifting as well as an eight-speed
manual shift mode with sharp shifting response, allowing drivers to
enjoy an even more spirited driving experience.
Equipped with the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system
build around the SUBARU BOXER engine, the WRX remains the symbol of
Subaru AWD sport performance. Since the first model hit the streets in
1992, the WRX has a reputation and worldwide support from sports car
enthusiasts as a distinctive sports sedan combining impressive sport
performance with the practicality of a four-door vehicle.
Pure Power in Your Control
During the development of the WRX, the product concept "Pure Power in
Your Control" was established to reach an even higher order of absolute
speed and driving excitement in the sport sedan segment. This goal has
been pursued through previous generations of the WRX, finally
culminating in the development of the all-new 2015 model. This product
concept was embodied to maximize the potential of the turbocharged
SUBARU BOXER engine and the pursuit of ultimate control in steering
response. To this end, the body has been made lighter and more rigid,
integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.
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. 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. In addition, multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
(VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring have been added for a more precise
and enjoyable driving experience. Many hours of in-depth 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 provides greatly improved shift response for
a sportier ride than the high-torque Lineartronic CVT found in the 2014
Subaru Forester XT. A new six-speed manual transmission optimizes the
gear and gear stick ratio 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 Subaru's flagship performance model, the 2015 Subaru WRX
presents itself as an AWD performance car with aggressive yet refined
styling. The exterior updates begin with Subaru's unified design motif,
a hexagonal front grille. The front end now offers a dynamic, solid
shape with a nose cone design and new hawk-eye headlights paired with
the aggressive wide and low styling the WRX is known for. The C-pillar
now smoothly transitions into the trunk surface for a flowing
silhouette. 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. Specially designed rear
combination lamps were given a thin shape to highlight vehicle width. A
small rear spoiler also enhances aerodynamic performance. A shark fin
antenna adds further refinement. New 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in
gunmetal grey are lighter and more rigid. New LED lighting is employed
for the headlights, tail and brake lights to improve fuel efficiency by
conserving power.
Sportier Interior Finishes
The Subaru WRX is purposefully designed to resemble a cockpit: from the
moment the door is opened, the driver is transported miles from the
daily grind. New for 2015, WRX models introduce a D-shaped steering
wheel with an easy-to-hold grip shape that offers a smaller diameter
for improved operability and tactile feedback. As a nod towards its
racing spirit, a WRX-engraved silver ring encircles the shift lever on
manual models. Body-hugging seats, decorative carbon trim panels and
metal trim accents give the interior a high-quality feel while paying
homage to the WRX racing image. To further enhance its performance
persona, the multi-function display is now equipped with a boost
pressure display screen. The interior is solid black from roof to
floor, save for red meter lighting and contrasting stitching, while
quality soft-touch materials abound. A new harman/kardon audio system
and Aha radio is available on select models.
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.
Major Specifications
Body size (Overall length / width / height): 4,595 x 1,795 x 1,475 mm
Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
Engine: 2.0-litre horizontally opposed DIT engine
Displacement: 1,998 cc
Transmission options: six-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic
Maximum output: 268 hp / 5,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 258 lb.-ft. / 2,000-5,200 rpm
Tire size: 235/45 R17
Seating capacity: 5
