The all-new Subaru WRX (US specifications) has made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The product concept for the all-new Subaru WRX is "Pure Power in Your Control". Reigning in the intense power and superior environmental friendliness of the 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine with a body and chassis thoroughly stiffened, the new WRX has drivers rejoicing at the free reign they have over this high-powered machine. Also,along with the standard six-speed manual transmission, Sport Lineartronic has newly been adopted to the transmission. In addition to smooth shifting mode, the Sport Lineartronic comes with an eight-speed manual shift mode with sharp shifting response, allowing more drivers to enjoy a spirited drive.
Equipped with a Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) system built around Subaru's Boxer engine, the WRX is the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance. Ever since the first model hit the streets back in 1992, the WRX has gained worldwide support from sports car enthusiasts as a distinctive sports sedan combining impressive sport performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.
Pure Power in Your Control
The product concept "Pure Power in Your Control" was established during development of the new Subaru WRX. This concept aims to reach an even higher order of "absolute speed" and "driving excitement" for sports sedans, the goal pursued in successive generations of WRX models.This product concept was embodied to maximize the potential of the turbo Boxer engine and the pursuit of ultimate control performance, allowing drivers to steer the vehicle exactly as they imagine. To this end, the body has been made lighter and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.
Chassis and Body
Chassis and body performance have been thoroughly enhanced so that drivers can better control the absolute speed of combining Symmetrical AWD with a turbo Boxer engine.
Working to stiffen both body and suspension while optimizing suspension geometry has both quickened vehicle response to driver steering input and raised the limit performance for cornering. In addition, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring have been added for even more predictable, more enjoyable driving.
Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning have resulted in a flat, comfortable ride.
The electric power steering is employed with more rigid steering gearbox mounts for a improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.
The Engine
The Subaru WRX is equipped with a new high performance 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo "DIT" engine for high power with environmental friendliness.
The DIT engine has vastly improved performance over the existing 2.5-liter model. It produces a maximum 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm while maintaining high environmental performance.
The Transmission
This is the first time a manual transmission has been paired with the DIT Boxer engine.Also, the new optional Sport Lineartronic provides greatly improved shift response for a sportier ride than the existing Lineartronic applied for higher torque. This offers more drivers excellent environmental friendliness to go along with real sports driving excitement.
6-Speed Manual Transmission
The gear ratio and gear stick ratio have been optimized from the five-speed manual transmission to achieve better driveability and smoother shifting to match the sporty features of the WRX.
By widening the gear ratios from the existing five-speed manual transmission to keep engine speeds lower, it has better fuel economy and is quieter driving at high speeds.
Sport Lineartronic
The Sport Lineartronic draws out the full potential of the 2.0-liter DIT Boxer engine in terms of power, torque and environmental friendliness, allowing for relaxed, environmentally responsible driving.
Safety
Following Subaru's safety philosophy of "ALL-AROUND SAFETY", performance in all safety fields have been enhanced.
Active Safety
With Symmetrical AWD as a base, the body was lightened, rigidity improved and chassis performance enhanced along with VDC. All this gives the Subaru WRX the best hazard avoidance performance in its class, making driving excitement a safe endeavor in any scenario.
Passive Safety
The new WRX employs more high tensile steel plating with strengthened joints with various structures. While helping to reduce weight, these changes also make for a stronger body with world-class safety performance in collisions from the front, rear or sides.
In addition to assertively using collision-absorbing structure for the hood and bulkhead,collision-absorbing material has been added in the engine compartment side for increased pedestrian protection.