2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Gets Wider
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- Competes with: Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen GTI, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
- Looks like: The WRX gets STI-ified
- Drivetrain: 265-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder; five-speed manual; all-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Summer 2010
If you were impressed with the 2009 Subaru WRX’s improved power and performance — we were — but thought it looked a bit too sedate, Subaru has remedied the problem for 2011. The new sedan and hatchback basically gets the exact same wide-body-style treatment as the top performance trim STI. That makes the track 1.5 inches wider, and even the standard 17-inch wheels and tires are an extra inch wider, which should make the car grip the road even better than the 2010 model.
Everything else remains relatively the same, with the 265-horsepower, turbo four-cylinder making 244 pounds-feet of torque still under the scooped hood and the same all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. Unfortunately, the five-speed manual transmission also remains, while most competitors have six-speeds.
The beefier dimensions add 33 pounds to the overall weight, but that shouldn’t impact much of this car’s performance.
The company also says the interior gets some changes, but they sound mostly cosmetic such as black-checkered upholstery. Bluetooth, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and satellite radio are all standard. Navigation is available as an option. We’ll have more photos and information next week at the New York auto show.
