The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX has had its internals and exterior tinkered with resulting in a performance upgrade from its predecessor. A 265hp (198kW) turbocharged intercooled boxer engine provides the grunt, while a retuned suspension system and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires improve the handling and ride. Despite the higher specification and model re-shuffle, pricing stays very close to the 2008 models, rising about $500 on average.
The engine is fitted with a larger turbocharger than the 2008 model, leading to increased boost. Coupled with a low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust backpressure, the WRX engine now produces 41hp (31kW) more than its predecessor and increases torque by 20lb-ft (27Nm), up to 244lb-ft (330Nm).
The suspension has been improved by increasing spring rates and adding thicker stabilizer bars, and the summer tires are a departure from the all-season tires that used to adorn the WRX. The 2009 Impreza WRX also gets a 5-speed manual transmission, AWD, and an 'Incline Start Assistant' that stops the car rolling back when taking off.
The Impreza WRX moves closer to the high-performance STI, picking up the same grille, integrated front spoiler, body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels. The WRX interior for 2009 gains new WRX-exclusive carbon black upholstery, accented by red stitching. A standard tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented by red stitching, and standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers now include the driver's footrest.
The optional ‘Premium Package’ gains a power moonroof for 2009; other contents carry over, including the 10-speaker audio upgrade with auxiliary input jack, projector-beam fog lights, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. A navigation system with video jack inputs is also available.
A new GT model has been added to the lineup as well. The car features a 224hp (167kW) version of the 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine and comes standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Both the 2009 GT and WRX also feature larger front brakes than the outgoing model.
Pricing starts at $17,495 for the entry-level Impreza 2.5i four-door which adds stability control as a standard feature for 2009. The 2.5i five-door starts at $17,995 with a manual transmission. Moving up to the WRX, the new manual-only base model starts at $24,995 for the four-door and $25,595 for the five-door. The new GT models start at $$26,995 for the four-door, inclusive of the Premium equipment package, with the five-door starting at $27,495. Pricing for the popular Outback Sport models remains unchanged starting at $19,995 as does pricing for the Impreza WRX STI model starting at $34,995. A destination charge of $665 applies in all of the lower 48 states.
Subaru is also planning to introduce a lighter and more powerful version of the WRX STI called the Spec C. The car was recently spotted testing at the Nurburgring in prototype form and is expected to be launched towards the end of the year initially in Japan.
Reader Comments
Fri Jul 18 2008 8:44 AM
Renton says
Smart move. The competition is literally pulling away. The new Ralliart is now a legitimate Baby Evo and the Mazdaspeed 3 is the gem of the bunch and stil lonly has FWD.
The Ralliart has no wagon version, yet. This car could be the practical performance value leader.
Fri Jul 18 2008 11:41 AM
Andrey says
well subaru just might have an advantage over its competitors with these new versions, it's always nice to have some diversity on the market
Fri Jul 18 2008 4:22 PM
ebm14 says
Mitsu will release a wagon based version of the Evo/Lancer in the coming months.
And Mazda should release an AWD Mazdaspeed 3.
Sat Jul 19 2008 9:24 PM
rickybobby says
theres really no need for an awd mazdaspeed3 cause it would just weigh it down
the mazdaspeed3 is arguably the best handling fwd car ever....eitehr that or the new cobalt ss
Thu Jul 31 2008 6:52 AM
Sorin says
Anyway it’s a good thing. From 2009 for the same money as now you will get more power, agility and aerodynamic standard kit. Don’t you think it’s ok? For those who wants a Subaru Impreza WRX, of course.
Thu Jul 31 2008 10:43 AM
bambam says
subaru wrx vs Mitsubishi Evo X:
They are both seeming to go away from each other, one is a hatch and is more setup for both condition(offroad and road) while the Evo X is tweak towards the road or street car with and upper market looks, even with transmission choices, getting into some of the european luxury sport cars section. I'm more of the luxury looks and not the muscle car or street car looks. So I pick the Evo X but this WRX is nice for a race boy hoon.
Thu Jul 31 2008 10:09 PM
NoNameDenton says
Renton, the reason the Mazdaspeed3 does not have awd because it would weigh too much, as awd adds considerable weight to a car. Anyway smart move for Subaru, next smart move would be to bring that boxer diesel they showed to America.
Fri Aug 29 2008 4:51 PM
bran says
Denton - the US is going to get the diesel legacy in a year and a half or less. I'm sure if Subaru was smart they would throw it in the WRX and it would get more than the 48 mpg average.
Fri Aug 29 2008 4:59 PM
NoNameDenton says
Yeah, I already heard from Subaru when the diesel is coming, I just wish it was coming sooner,
Sun Aug 31 2008 11:32 PM
Johnny says
Denton, I'm sure it'd come sooner if there wasn't a big brother named CARB.
Sun Aug 31 2008 11:45 PM
NoNameDenton says
Sad but true Johnny, makes me happy I do not live in California.
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.