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Subaru
Introduces Redesigned Impreza Model Line for 2002
New Models Emphasize Performance and Premium Content
Underscoring the driving performance direction for the 2002 Impreza
models, Subaru will offer the turbocharged WRX sedan and Sport Wagon in
the United States for the first time.
The 2002 Impreza line also includes the sporty 2.5 RS sedan and the
2.5 TS Sport Wagon. A
redesigned Impreza-based Outback Sport wagon also arrives as a 2002 model.
All Impreza models feature standard All-Wheel Drive.
Subaru has elevated the 2002 Impreza model line into the premium sport
compact category by significantly increasing performance, refinement and
equipment levels compared to the outgoing Impreza line.
A Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure similar to that of
the larger Legacy and Outback models enhances occupant safety in the 2002
Impreza models.
Performance is the common thread among all 2002 Impreza models. As the basis for the Subaru Impreza World Rally Championship
cars, the 2002 Impreza WRX models will challenge such European all-wheel
drive cars as the Audi A4 Quattro and BMW 325xi.
An exclusive turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder
engine powers the WRX. This
horizontally opposed, double overhead-cam powerplant produces 227
horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm,
endowing the WRX models with brilliant performance.
The 2002 2.5 RS sedan, 2.5 TS Sport Wagon and Outback Sport feature the
responsive 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine from the
larger Legacy and Forester models. Producing
165 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of peak torque, the 2.5 provides a
significant performance boost over the 142-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine
used in the discontinued Impreza L models.
Like every Subaru model sold in North America since 1997, all 2002 Impreza
models will feature the full-time Subaru All-Wheel Driving System for
optimal grip on all types of road surfaces, dry or wet.
All models are available with either a standard five-speed manual
transmission or an optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission
(4EAT).
Bold New Design
Inspiration for the 2002 Impreza sedan’s wide-tread blister-fender
design came from the Impreza World Rally Championship car.
In front, the 2002 Impreza presents a bold face with oval
headlights and the Subaru trapezoidal grill.
The sedan’s crisp rear design features angled taillights and a
lowered trunk line to create the visual impression of a wing section.
Aside from the front end, the 2.5 TS and WRX Sport Wagon body design is
unique from that of the sedan, characterized by pronounced fender flares
instead of fender blisters. Overlapping
the rear quarter side glass over the D-pillars gives the Sport Wagon the
upscale appearance of wraparound rear glass.
The Impreza WRX models add an exclusive aluminum hood with an integral
scoop to feed cool air to the turbo intercooler.
Foglights are standard on the WRX models, as well.
More Room, More Comfort
Subaru reconfigured the 2002 Impreza interior for more room and comfort
without enlarging the nimble exterior package.
A new standard ratchet-type height adjuster gives the driver’s
seat a 50-mm (2.0-inch) range of vertical movement (25 mm up / 25 mm
down). The standard
tilt-adjustable steering column now provides a 50-mm (2.0-inch) range of
movement, compared to 30mm (1.2 inches) in the first-generation Impreza.
The interior design and equipment of the all-new 2002 Impreza models
clearly move the series above the entry-level segment.
Smoother contours and significantly upgraded trim quality help
present the kind of character and quality expected in premium sport
compact models. The
instrument gauge panel resembles that of a high-performance motorcycle,
with the WRX models adding a silver metallic frame.
The WRX and 2.5 RS each feature their own exclusive upholstery, and all
models use silver metallic bezels for the audio system and dash vents.
Aluminum pedals with rubber grips add a sporty touch to the WRX
models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission.
The Impreza wagon models offer versatility for carrying passengers and
cargo. The standard
60/40-split rear seatback folds flat against the cushion to extend the
cargo area. To carry longer objects, the front passenger seat head
restraint can be removed and the seatback folded forward against the
cushion.
The comprehensive standard equipment for all 2002 Impreza models
includes:
60/40 split fold down rear seatback (wagons)
80-Watt AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player (in-dash six-disc CD
changer plus cassette player for WRX)
Air conditioning
Cruise control (except 2.5 TS)
Embroidered floor mats
(optional on 2.5 TS)
Fold-down rear center armrest with trunk pass-through (sedans)
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Power door locks
Power windows with driver’s auto-down
Tilt-adjustable steering column
Three Types of All-Wheel Drive
Subaru All-Wheel Drive acts as both a performance advantage and an
all-weather handling aid, especially when compared to front-wheel or
rear-wheel drive cars. All
2002 Impreza models come equipped with a standard five-speed manual
transmission teamed with Continuous All-Wheel Drive, which uses a center
differential and limited-slip viscous coupling built into the transmission
case. This full-time system
divides engine power 50 percent front/50 percent rear. Wheel slippage at the front causes more power to shift to the rear
wheels, and slippage at the rear transfers more power to the front,
ensuring that the wheels with the best traction receive the most power.
Impreza WRX models ordered with the four-speed electronic automatic
transmission (4EAT) feature Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel
Drive, the most advanced All-Wheel Drive system Subaru offers in the U.S.
market. The VTD All-Wheel
Drive system can actually anticipate and help prevent wheel slippage
before it occurs under certain conditions.
The new VTD system uses an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer
clutch that works with a planetary gear-type center differential to
control power distribution between the front and rear wheels. VTD All-Wheel Drive splits the power 45 percent front / 55
percent rear, with the slight rear-wheel bias enhancing the performance
driving feel. VTD All-Wheel
Drive constantly monitors throttle input to account for weight transfer
and responds to driving conditions to continually optimize power
distribution on all road surfaces.
Automatic transmission-equipped Impreza 2.5 TS Sport Wagons and 2.5 RS
sedans come equipped with Active All-Wheel Drive, which uses an
electronically managed variable transfer clutch housed in the transmission
tailshaft. Power transfer is
governed by slippage in the clutch plates.
The plates use a special friction material that can easily handle
the loads generated during power transfer. The electronic transmission
control module (TCM) controls the All-Wheel Drive multi-plate clutch.
Active All-Wheel Drive can transfer power to the wheels that need it even before
slippage occurs. The system
uses several input sensors to determine how weight transfer affects
available traction. Under acceleration, the system routes power to the
rear wheels to compensate for weight transfer to the rear.
Under deceleration, the system directs power to the front wheels to
respond to weight transfer to the front.
Performance Built In, Not Added On
The Impreza platform provides an ideal base for crisp handling to
please driving enthusiasts and the nimble maneuverability family car
buyers appreciate. The front
suspension features a Subaru-optimized MacPherson strut layout, and the
rear uses a redesigned dual-link strut arrangement.
The WRX and 2.5 RS sedans feature a wider front track than the
wagon models.
Since 1998, the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS has offered All-Wheel Drive
performance in a field of front-wheel drive competitors.
For 2002, this model shares some performance equipment with the
turbocharged WRX models, including sport-tuned suspension, 16 x 6.5-inch
alloy wheels, 205/55 R16 tires, and four-wheel disc brakes with
twin-piston front calipers. The 2.5 TS Sport Wagon uses 15 x 6-inch steel
wheels with 195/60 R15 tires. The
WRX steps up to larger 11.4-inch front brake discs (compared to 10.7-inch
for the 2.5 RS) and offers accessory 17-inch wheels.
Rings of Safety
An innovative Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure provides the
2002 Impreza models with outstanding protection in many types of
collisions, including frontal offset, side and rear.
A hydro-formed front subframe, along with tailored-blank welded B-pillars
and side sills provide an exceptionally strong structure that’s stiffer
in bending and twisting strength than the previous Impreza. The increased rigidity improves handling response and ride
quality while helping to reduce interior noise.
Standard safety features include three-point seatbelts for all five
seating positions, a four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brake system
(ABS) and dual front airbags. The WRX models add standard front seat
side-impact air bags mounted in the seats, a feature that ensures greater
effectiveness regardless of seat position.
The front three-point seatbelts feature electrically triggered pre-tensioners
and force limiters. These
systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb
impact energy in a frontal collision.
The sedan models feature integrated headrests for the rear seats,
while the Sport Wagon models use removable headrests to facilitate seat
folding. Additional standard safety equipment includes daytime running
lights and a Uniform Child Restraint Anchorage system.
Sedans also include a self-illuminating internal child safety trunk
release.
Source: Subaru of America,
Inc.
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