2009 WRX priced under 25,000 -

Chismillionaire misses his punchy turbo boxer 4 he had before little Chismillionaire came along.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Subaru's new 2009 WRX will start below $25,000, Inside Line has learned. The current 2008 WRX starts at $24,995 including a $645 delivery charge.

For 2009, the WRX's 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine's power rating will be increased to 265 horsepower. A five-speed manual is the only transmission option. Stiffer spring rates, larger antiroll bars, retuned dampers and upper strut mounts from the WRX STI, along with an STI grille and front and rear spoilers, add to the changes.

Subaru also told IL the 2009 Subaru Impreza GT, a new model that keeps the current WRX's 224-hp engine, will be priced near the 2009 WRX. The Impreza GT carries a comparable MSRP due to more standard equipment, including a four-speed automatic transmission and sunroof.

Subaru is expected to announce complete pricing for the 2009 Impreza lineup next week.

What this means to you: Relief for Subaru fans who anticipated a bigger price hike for the more powerful WRX.