2015 WRX: Official Reveal

The wrap has officially been taken off the 2015 WRX today at the LA Auto Show. The article from Car and Driver proved to be a real leak, and all the information in the previous post about the highly anticipated Subie was correct. To recap:

Engine: FA20DIT
Horsepower: 268 @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 258 @ 4800 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT w/paddle shifters
0-60 time: 5.4 seconds
Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels
Tires: 235/45 R17 Dunlop Sport SP Maxx RT tires.

As you can probably deduce from the DIT at the end, it is direct inject. This means an increase in gas mileage, more specifically 21 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined for the 6-speed manual, and 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined with the CVT. The numbers for the CVT are the same exact numbers for the outgoing 5-speed WRX. It also features a new twin scroll turbo, which is the reason for it's increased gas mileage while putting out a hair more power than the outgoing WRX. The FA20DIT is also smaller than previous Subaru 2.0's.

The CVT transmission model has three available settings: intelligent, sharp, and sport sharp. This is similar to the DCCD found in the outgoing STi, but is something entirely new for the WRX. Subaru states that the WRX, when in intelligent mode, is capable of achieving 30 MPG. 30! If that number is true, that is truly incredible for this level of performance.

Each transmission has their own version of the Subaru AWD system. The manual option gets a coupling locking differential that results in a 50:50 torque split (front and rear) under normal conditions. When the traction system detects that a wheel is slipping, it applies more power to the wheel with the most traction.The CVT comes with something unique, called the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. It employs the use of a planetary gear-type differential and an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch that distributes torque. Most of the time, the torque is split at a ratio of 45:55, with the rear getting more for better handling. The VTD is so sophisticated that it continually adjusts the torque in response to driving conditions, steering input, and even g-force. This may mean that the CVT option, much like the Lancer Evolution MR, handles better around a track than its manual transmission version.

The WRX wheelbase is also an inch longer, allowing for well-needed improvements to the interior. Two inches of legroom have been added, and a larger trunk as well to enhance its practicality. New tasteful options are also available for order, such as Harman/Kardon audio, hands-free keyless entry, push-to-start, heated seats, and navigation. There is also a 3.5" LCD screen that shows various information such as gear, boost, climate control, and audio.

Subaru's LA Auto Show announcement can be seen here.

Shots of the interior show the new seats as well as the less cluttered dash. The quality is seemingly improved, but there is no way to tell without sitting in one of them. Check out the pictures below:

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2015 Subaru WRX Unofficially Revealed.

It seems like the wraps have been taken off the upcoming WRX/STi just five days before the official release by Subaru at the LA Auto Show. Below, you'll see a spec sheet and an article that has leaked onto the internet. It gives a rundown of what the WRX and STi are going to have.

First off, it seems like Subaru has indeed gone ahead and removed the "Impreza" designation, and the new models are just called the Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STi.

Now...onto the good stuff. Here's the big news: the WRX has an FA20DIT. That's right. It basically has the BRZ motor with a turbo on it. The direct injection technology means that the gas mileage is vastly improved over the outgoing model, and we can probably expect to see MPG's around the BRZ's. The power output of the FA20DIT is 268 HP at 5600 rpm and 258 lb-ft at 4800 rpm. The disappointing part is that the acceleration to 60 is slower than the outgoing model. Subaru "predicts" that it reaches 60 from a standstill in 5.4 seconds; the outgoing model did it in 4.7.  Also, the FA20DIT uses less boost.

The STi will keep it's 2.5T, but whether or not it is the EJ257 is unclear. One can always hope that it has direct injection to see improved gas mileage.

Also, the WRX is available in a 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions. Most enthusiasts will likely go for the 6-speed manual, but the CVT has given Subaru the chance to appeal to a wider variety of people. The slower acceleration to 60 is due to the addition of the 6-speed, in which it takes three shifts to reach 60 whereas it takes two on the outgoing 5 speed. The 6-speed is supposedly sourced from the Forester XT, and uses cable linkage instead of the Forester's rods.

The STi will have a 6-speed, and there is no option for a CVT. If you want a USDM STi, learn to drive stick.

The handling of this WRX seems to be miles ahead of the outgoing one. The power steering ratio has improved from 14.8:1 to 13.3:1, with 230% stiffer steering mounts. The front brake discs are larger at 12.4" up from 11.6". The car is much stiffer with stiffer springs, dampers, cross-members, subframe bushings, and front control arms. Subaru claims that all these improvements results in a 1.10 g cornering ability.

The interior is also improved with an LED display that can show information such as torque split, boost level, mpg, and icy-road warnings. It is also rumored that all models will have a backup camera that will work through this display. It seems like all models are available with a D-steering wheel as well, a wonderful addition that will add to the euphoria of spirited driving.

All trims are four doors. This makes me sad, but I'm still excited to see it come out.

Check out the pictures below, and post what you guys think!

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The New WRX Teased!!!

The WRX and STi are part of Subaru's lineup of high performance vehicles. Subaru takes from its rally roots and presents a much tamer version of the dirt-destroying and snow-plowing monsters to the general public. For years, they have given drivers like you and me the power to look at snow...and laugh, the power to look at mud trails and feel a passionate confidence that you won't wrap yourself around a tree. The iconic AWD coupled with the weight distribution of the flat four engines has proven themselves time and again as a force to be reckoned with both on the street and offroad.

Now, the third generation of the STi is reaching the end of its glory. The last of the orders for 2014 WRX/STi's ended on September 30th in order to make room for production of the 2015 model. With the recent unveiling of the concept WRX and the introduction of the FA20 motor through the FRS/BRZ, there is widespread excitement, disarray, and speculation as to what the 2015 model holds for us. It has become one of the most widely anticipated performance cars of the upcoming years, along with the Mazdaspeed 3 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XI. 

And today, when I woke up, the anticipation increased. Ahead of the LA Auto Show, an official teaser of the WRX has been released by Subaru (pictured above).

Yes. You read it right.

Their description got me so excited that I got chills running down my spine. I think only an avid Subaru enthusiast would understand this feeling.

"Meet the all-new 2015 WRX. Everything from the chassis down to the lug nuts works together to give you jaw-dropping handling. It wasn't enough to simply turn your knuckles white; we wanted to keep them that way. This car not only moves you, but also accelerates us into the next generation of WRX. Nobody has ever built anything like it. Ourselves included."

In one word: yes.

Just yes. Subaru...yes. It seems like you've done it. I admit...when I saw the spy shots of the car in camo, I was really disappointed. But this...yes.

The teaser of the car, while being much tamer than the concept that was shown earlier this year, still looks aggressive and will definitely hold a menacing street presence. If what they say about the chassis and the whole "nobody has ever built anything like it" is true...then my anticipation for November 20th has just increased ten fold. Unless...it means that this car is a hybrid (which it will most likely not be). I am very impressed by the front design, although the way the hood sits reminds me of an Evo 10. The signature scoop looks wider and more aggressive than previous generations and this begs the question as to what engine the turbo is powering underneath of it. Sadly, there is no mention of the STi yet.

 Simply put, I can't wait. And neither can you. Post your comments about this teaser in the section below.

Subaru's Teaser

Subaru's LA Auto Show Site

Edit: Here's a seemingly accurate picture of what it could look like. Maybe I spoke too soon...

Edit: There is now speculation that these pictures are actual leaks of the production 2015 WRX. 

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