• Next-generation 2015 Subaru WRX debuts at LA auto show; product concept for performance sports sedan is "Pure Power in Your Control."


• New high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally opposed DIT engine improves power delivery with an eye on efficiency


• New transmission choices, stiffened body and chassis offer a precise, perfected driving experience.

(MISSISSAUGA) - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI), today announced that the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Designed around the product concept "Pure Power in Your Control," the next-generation WRX harnesses the intense power and superior environmental friendliness of its brand new 2.0-litre horizontally opposed direct-injection turbocharged (DIT) engine. With a thoroughly stiffened body and chassis, the new WRX offers drivers a precise and perfected driving experience. Along with its new six-speed manual transmission, the 2015 WRX newly adopts a Sport Lineartronic transmission that offers smooth shifting as well as an eight-speed manual shift mode with sharp shifting response, allowing drivers to enjoy an even more spirited driving experience.

Equipped with the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system build around the SUBARU BOXER engine, the WRX remains the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance. Since the first model hit the streets in 1992, the WRX has a reputation and worldwide support from sports car enthusiasts as a distinctive sports sedan combining impressive sport performance with the practicality of a four-door vehicle.

Pure Power in Your Control

During the development of the WRX, the product concept "Pure Power in Your Control" was established to reach an even higher order of absolute speed and driving excitement in the sport sedan segment. This goal has been pursued through previous generations of the WRX, finally culminating in the development of the all-new 2015 model. This product concept was embodied to maximize the potential of the turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine and the pursuit of ultimate control in steering response. To this end, the body has been made lighter and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.

Stiffer Chassis and Body

Chassis and body performance has been thoroughly enhanced to give drivers better control over the SUBARU BOXER engine and Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD. Working to stiffen both body and suspension while optimizing suspension geometry has quickened both vehicle response to driver steering input as well as raised the performance limits for cornering. In addition, multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring have been added for a more precise and enjoyable driving experience. Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning have resulted in very flat cornering in performance driving situations as well as a comfortable ride. New electric power steering is employed with more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel economy and a more direct steering feel.

New Engine

The 2015 Subaru WRX is equipped with a new high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally opposed DIT engine for improved power delivery with an eye on efficiency. The WRX's new DIT engine boasts improved performance over the outgoing model, producing a maximum 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb. ft. of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm while maintaining a high level of environmental performance.

New Transmission

The 2015 Subaru WRX also represents the first time a manual transmission has been paired with the DIT SUBARU BOXER engine. A new, optional Sport Lineartronic transmission provides greatly improved shift response for a sportier ride than the high-torque Lineartronic CVT found in the 2014 Subaru Forester XT. A new six-speed manual transmission optimizes the gear and gear stick ratio from the outgoing five-speed model to keep engine speeds lower, enabling better fuel economy and quieter driving at high speeds. The newly introduced Sport Lineartronic transmission draws out the full potential of the 2.0-litre DIT SUBARU BOXER engine in terms of power, torque and environmental friendliness, allowing for a rewarding driving experience. In Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), selecting Sport Sharp (S#) switches to eight-speed shifting. SI-DRIVE's Sport Sharp mode within Sport Lineartronic emulates traditional shift points to let drivers feel the WRX's impressive power and performance.

Versatile, yet Stylish

The Subaru WRX from earlier generations remains unrivalled in terms of character; this next-generation model has further honed its distinctive character by improving visibility and useable space. The wheelbase has been enlarged by 25 millimetres in order to improve rear legroom and give the 2015 version more elbow and shoulder room without increasing total body width. The bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200 millimetres towards the front, while the mounting of side mirrors on the front door panels have added a new quarter window and keep the dashboard and window sills lower, all for better visibility and sleek styling. The front and rear door openings have also been enlarged, making ingress and egress much easier. New 60/40-split folding rear seats, along with a larger opening, have expanded trunk space for greater versatility.

Exterior Changes

Befitting of Subaru's flagship performance model, the 2015 Subaru WRX presents itself as an AWD performance car with aggressive yet refined styling. The exterior updates begin with Subaru's unified design motif, a hexagonal front grille. The front end now offers a dynamic, solid shape with a nose cone design and new hawk-eye headlights paired with the aggressive wide and low styling the WRX is known for. The C-pillar now smoothly transitions into the trunk surface for a flowing silhouette. Front fender ducts and special sharp side sill spoilers show off the sporty nature of the WRX. The rear design further enhances the WRX's appeal. A diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual mufflers emphasize the low centre of gravity. Specially designed rear combination lamps were given a thin shape to highlight vehicle width. A small rear spoiler also enhances aerodynamic performance. A shark fin antenna adds further refinement. New 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in gunmetal grey are lighter and more rigid. New LED lighting is employed for the headlights, tail and brake lights to improve fuel efficiency by conserving power.

Sportier Interior Finishes

The Subaru WRX is purposefully designed to resemble a cockpit: from the moment the door is opened, the driver is transported miles from the daily grind. New for 2015, WRX models introduce a D-shaped steering wheel with an easy-to-hold grip shape that offers a smaller diameter for improved operability and tactile feedback. As a nod towards its racing spirit, a WRX-engraved silver ring encircles the shift lever on manual models. Body-hugging seats, decorative carbon trim panels and metal trim accents give the interior a high-quality feel while paying homage to the WRX racing image. To further enhance its performance persona, the multi-function display is now equipped with a boost pressure display screen. The interior is solid black from roof to floor, save for red meter lighting and contrasting stitching, while quality soft-touch materials abound. A new harman/kardon audio system and Aha radio is available on select models.

All-Around Safety

Following Subaru's safety philosophy of all-around safety, all areas of safety performance have been enhanced. With Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD at its base, active safety was further enriched on the 2015 WRX by making the body lighter as well as improving rigidity and chassis performance along with the VDC system. All of this gives the WRX the best hazard avoidance in its class, ensuring the driving experience is exciting but safe in every scenario. In terms of passive safety, the all-new WRX employs greater use of high-tensile steel. While helping to reduce weight, these changes also enable a stronger body with world-class safety performance in collision tests from the front, rear and sides. Collision-absorbing material has also been added in the side engine compartment for increased pedestrian protection.

Major Specifications

Body size (Overall length / width / height): 4,595 x 1,795 x 1,475 mm*3

Wheelbase: 2,650 mm

Engine: 2.0-litre horizontally opposed DIT engine

Displacement: 1,998 cc

Transmission options: six-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic*4

Maximum output: 268 hp / 5,600 rpm

Maximum torque: 258 lb.-ft. / 2,000-5,200 rpm

Tire size: 235/45 R17

Seating capacity: 5

*3 Roof surface is 1,465 mm

*4 Lineartronic: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) with fully automatic electronic control

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

CONTACTS :

Joe Felstein

(905) 568-4959

jfelstein@subaru.ca

Julie Lychak

(905) 568-4959

Amyot Bachand

Relations avec les médias, Région du Québec

(514) 691-9276

abachand@subaru.ca