RSS
While the Subaru WRX STI is still the big cheese in the Impreza lineup, the standard WRX has been inching its game forward since the 2009 model year, when it received a sizable horsepower boost to 265 ponies — just 40 shy of its brawnier sibling. Now, for 2011, the standard WRX also gets its big brother’s wider body panels to up the aggression factor another notch.
Along with the STI’s bulging fender flares, the 2011 WRX’s front and rear track will be widened by 1.5 inches each, while firmer subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires up the performance ante. The changes add just 34 pounds to the WRX’s curb weight for 2011. In addition to the wider panels, the 2011 WRX gets a revised front end with a new grilled, sharpened bumper corners, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles, and a protruding lip spoiler. According to Subaru, the exterior changes record a lower drag coefficient than the outgoing model.
“The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel-drive performance package,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America.
Engine output will remain unchanged for the 2011 WRX, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter H4 still churning out 265 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque. The WRX’s five-speed manual transmission also remains for 2011, as does its Continuous AWD version of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
The 2011 Subaru WRX will make its debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show later this month, so stay tuned for live photos and coverage.
Source: Subaru
MOST COMMENTED ON