2009 Subaru Impreza WRX 265HP Priced from $24,995

Today, Subaru announced U.S. pricing on its revised 2009 Impreza line up (see details and photos here) that includes the more powerful WRX that gets a 41 HP bump, now delivering 265 HP and the newly introduced 224 HP 2.5 GT model. The Impreza WRX sedan has a starting price of $24,995 (from $24,350 for the outgoing 224 HP MY’08 WRX) while the hatchback is priced at $25,495 (from $24,850).

Both variants of the WRX are available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, and apart from the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer engine, they also get larger 225/45 R17 lower profile summer performance tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, an Aero Package, STI rear spoiler (only 5-door), WRX upholstery w/red stitching and WRX logo on front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red stitching, and STI type grille w/WRX badge. -Continued

The new Impreza 2.5GT 4 door that’s powered by the MY’08 WRX’s 224 HP boxer engine and teamed exclusively to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission and Active AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has a starting price of $26,995 and is powered by 224-hp intercooled turbo Boxer engine. The all-new 2.5GT model also features Impreza Premium Package equipment, including new power glass moonroof, plus All-Weather Package. The comparatively equipped 5-door version of the Impreza 2.5GT is priced at $27,495.

The Impreza 2.5i 4 door, equipped with manual transmission, will have a starting price of $17,495. While the 2.5i 5 door, also equipped with manual transmission, will have a starting price of $17,995. Pricing for the Outback Sport models remains unchanged starting at $19,995 as does pricing for the Impreza WRX STI model starting at $34,995. According to Subaru, destination and delivery for all 2009 Impreza models is $665 ($815 for dealers in Alaska).

Subaru Drops a Carbon Roof on the Impreza WRX STI tS

Destined only for the Japanese market, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI tS is the latest addition to the performance sedan's range. The highlight of the car is the new lightweight carbon fiber rooftop, but to sweeten the deal, Subaru's STI division also added some more goodies such as a lighter aluminum hood, a front lip spoiler, mutlispoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a rather discrete boot lid spoiler and a sportier tuned suspension. The body-hugging Recaro sport seats, upgraded trim and custom sill plates round off the tS package.

The Impreza WRX STI tS is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 308-horsepower and is available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission in A-Line spec. The company plans to keep production limited to 400 units with prices in Japan starting from 4,020,000 Yen or about US$48,100 / €36,700.

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Subaru to Bring "Fastest STI Ever" and Other Performance Cars to SEMA

For a company that builds the wildly popular in the tuning scene WRX and STI models, Subaru appears to be taking it easy at this year's edition of the SEMA Show.

According to the official announcement, Subaru's offerings on the Las Vegas Convention Center floor will be highlighted by the "fastest STI ever"; a pre-production test model that lapped the Ring in 7:55:00 in the hands of four-time World Rally Champion, Tommi Mäkinen this past summer (see video here).

The other cars on display will be Travis Pastrana's World Record Setting WRX STI, and three custom-tuned WRX STI's, while the company will also showcase the latest available Subaru Genuine Parts and Subaru Performance Tuning Accessories [no photos have been released yet].

"SEMA is the pinnacle of the aftermarket tuning world and the perfect place to show our new line of SPT parts," said Charlie Fishman, national accessory manager, Subaru of America, Inc. "With the launch of the new 2011 Impreza WRX and WRX STI, Subaru is having a record year for Subaru Genuine Parts and SPT accessory sales. The launch of the 4-door WRX STI has rekindled interest for the 2011 SEMA Show."

Subaru said that SRT USA drivers Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra will be on hand to sign autographs at the firm's booth between 1 and 2 PM on November 2 and November 3rd, while Tommi Makinen will also attend the show this year.

Vehicles to be displayed include:

• Tommi Makinen's Nurburgring Fastest Lap WRX STI
  
• SRT USA Driver Travis Pastrana's World Record Setting WRX STI
  
• Get More G's Subaru Performance Tuning WRX STI 2010
  
• Kicker Audio WRX STI
  
• K&N Performance WRX STI
  
• Subiefest Best of Show Winner – Jamarri Whiteside – 2006 WRX STI

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Subaru UK Presents 2011 WRX STI, Drops Impreza Name from Halo Model, Introduces Sedan Version

Subaru's UK arm has decided to make the WRX STI its own standalone model for 2011, dropping the "Impreza" reference from the road-going rally car's name. As in other markets, the UK's STI will again be available in sedan and five-door hatch variants and pack a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine making 300 horsepower and 407 Nm / 300 lb ft of torque.

For 2011, the UK's STI will get Subaru's "spec. C" suspension setup featuring a lower ride and wider tires wrapped around lighter wheels. Other than that, the car hits 100 km/h [62 mph] from standstill in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 158 mph [254 km/h] in sedan form, and meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

In Britain, the 2011 WRX STI will begin adding options at £32,995 for either the 4- or 5-door version. We're not sure yet if the "Impreza" name will be dropped from Subaru's halo car in other markets, but it could be a possibility as Fuji Heavy Industries' all-wheel drive automaker tries to revise its lineup.

An STI as a pronounced representative of the Subaru brand would be a bold move for a brand that has gone from unique and interesting to boring and non-competitive [WRX / STI models aside, of course] over the past few years.

By Phil Alex

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