More on the 09 WRX

First Look: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

By Andrew Strieber

By the time it reached U.S. shores in 2002, the Subaru Impreza WRX already had a global reputation as a champion rally car and, more important, a seriously fun drive. That tradition continued as the hot hatch (and sedan) virtually created the American sport-compact market, helping inspire Mitsubishi to bring over its Lancer Evolution, VW to create a sharpened GTI, and Mazda to introduce the MazdaSpeed3. Following years of success Subaru introduced an all-new WRX for 2008, which featured among other things a new platform, more compliant suspension, nicer interior, and 10-percent-better fuel economy. All grown up and easier to live with, opinions on the next-gen WRX were split, as some liked the changes while others felt it had gone soft, abandoning its heritage. However, there was one thing everyone could agree on -- the 2008 Impreza WRX was in serious need of more power.

Despite the new model's myriad changes, surprisingly Subaru decided to leave the previous WRX's 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive system virtually unchanged. Though still wicked fast and eager to rev, with just 224 hp on tap the Rex was seriously outgunned by some of its competition. At least it was until now -- for 2009, the automaker has taken its rally rocket to finishing school, giving it a sharper suspension, more aggressive styling, summer tires for better grip, and most important, a serious dose of extra horsepower.

Subaru says its goal when developing the 2009 Impreza WRX was called "Kyo-Ka," which loosely means "strengthening" in Japanese. So to strengthen the car's performance, engineers started off by fitting it with a bigger turbocharger, a larger-diameter exhaust, and low-density catalyst for reduced backpressure. Combined, these extras manage to boost the 2.5L turbo four's output to an impressive 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 41 hp and 18 lb-ft over the 2008 model, respectively. This puts the standard WRX on par with a MazdaSpeed3 and closer to EVO territory (though with a 30-hp deficit that fight is still reserved for the STI), but more important, it blows the doors off the new Lancer Ralliart, which only manages 237 hp.

WRXs have always been willing partners for canyon carving, but Subaru's '08 redesign received a fair amount of criticism for making the car softer and less performance-oriented. To rectify this, Subaru gave the 2009 Impreza WRX a significant suspension retuning, increasing spring rates from 26.5 N/mm to 38 N/mm up front and to 34 N/mm from 24 N/mm in the rear. The car's double-wishbone rear suspension and rigid chassis remain the same, but the front upper-strut mounts are now borrowed from the track-ready STI, the diameter of the stabilizer bars is greater in the front and rear, and a new damper valve on the steering gearbox helps turn-in feel smooth and sharp. Another problem called out by enthusiasts was the '08 Impreza WRX's choice of rubber -- originally fitted with relatively narrow 17-inch all season wheels, this year the Rex comes standard with wider (225mm), lower-profile summer tires, though the overall size remains the same. Additionally, the automaker's Vehicle Dynamics Control stability and traction control systems are now standard across the Impreza line.

Like all Subarus, the 2009 Impreza lineup retains its signature symmetrical drivetrain layout and all-wheel drive, and standard models employ an active torque-split system with an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch, distributing power to all four wheels based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. As before the WRX employs a slightly different, simpler setup, using a viscous coupling locking center differential to split torque 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. When the car loses traction, power is diverted to the ones with more grip.

Keeping with its new, hard-core theme, Subaru also gave the Impreza WRX sedan and five-door a host of sharp styling upgrades inside and out. 2009 cars feature a new, STI-esque grille, a standard Aero package, front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side ground effects, while WRX sedans receive a low-profile trunk spoiler, and five-door models get the STI's rear spoiler and diffuser. The area between the tail lights is body colored on the hatch and chrome on the sedan, while other distinctions between the two carry over from 2008, such as clear tail-lamp lenses versus red and a single, large tailpipe or dual exhaust. Inside the WRX gets a new dose of sportiness, too -- the seats boast carbon black-checkered upholstery accented with red stitching, which also graces the leather steering wheel. In addition, the aluminum pedal covers are joined by a similarly finished driver's footrest, the instrument panel has electroluminescent gauges similar to the STI, and the optional Premium Package now includes a power moonroof.

The 2008 Impreza WRX represented a major leap forward over its predecessor, featuring more comfortable appointments, new tech, and advanced safety features. With the 2009 version going more extreme, Subaru also wanted to make sure that those who liked the car's softer qualities didn't get left out. With that in mind the automaker is releasing an entirely new model called the Impreza 2.5GT, which features the same 2.5L turbo four from last year's WRX under the hood. Lacking the new WRX's revised spring rates and available only with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 2009 Impreza 2.5GT is only good for 224 hp and 226 lb-ft -- but that's still just 13 horses shy of a Lancer Ralliart.

When the kinder, gentler Impreza WRX was introduced last year, it looked like the current sport-compact king might cede its crown to faster, edgier competitors from Mazda and Mitsubishi. But with more power, a stiffer suspension, and a host of improvements to give it a harder look and feel, the 2009 Impreza WRX is thankfully starting to return to its street-legal rally car roots. Add to that a new, separate model catering to drivers who prefer a little more comfort mixed with their speed, and it's safe to say that Subaru is back in the game.