2015 Subaru WRX
Fresh off its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2015 Subaru WRX made its way to the Palais des Congrès for the Montreal International Autoshow.
Subaru has a cult-like following of performance nuts and it stands to reason that each new model – and particularly the popular WRX and WRX STI models – will be under much scrutiny.
For 2015, the WRX has been entirely re-done and comes with an all-new chassis based on the Impreza, albeit much more strengthened. The wheelbase has been stretched, the suspension has been improved and the wheelbase has been elongated by 25 mm. The addition of electronically-assisted power steering should offer enhanced control.
Under the hood, a brand-new 2.0-litre engine that develops 268 horsepower (up 3 hp) replaced the older 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo. Torque figures go from 244 to 258 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission replaced the five-speed that didn’t impress in the older generation.
Subarus aren’t known for their luscious interiors but this one has been slightly revamped for a modest improvement. You’ll find carbon fibre accents, metal pedals and a D-shaped sport steering wheel.
The exterior has been tweaked for a slight refresh but the problem here is that the concept car was absolutely gorgeous but the production model looks nothing like it. Subaru had a chance to really make a bold statement with aggressive styling but chose to give the WRX a more conservative look to the dismay of many. It’s by no means a bad-looking car but expectations were high and they didn’t’ deliver.
Attendees hoping to see the new WRX STI will have to wait as it was only just revealed to the public earlier in the week in Detroit.
