The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Subaru Launches 2002 Impreza WRX Sedan and Sport Wagon; Turbocharged All-Wheel Drive Sport Models Challenge Europe's Best


Turbocharged All-Wheel Drive Sport Models Challenge Europe's Best


Watch the entire introduction from Detroit Click here
    DETROIT, Jan. 9 Subaru today introduced the all-new Subaru WRX sedan and 
Sport Wagon, powered by a 2.0-liter, 227-horsepower turbocharged engine.  The WRX 
models highlight the new-generation 2002 Impreza line that will reach Subaru 
dealerships in spring 2001.  The All-Wheel Drive 2002 Impreza WRX models will offer 
performance in league with such respected all-wheel drive European sport sedans as the 
Audi A4 Quattro and the BMW 325xi.

    Like every Subaru 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.  With 217 lb.-ft. of peak
torque at 4,000 rpm, the WRX can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds
(manual transmission).

    In the 2002 WRX, the standard five-speed manual transmission is teamed
with full-time viscous-coupling All-Wheel Drive.  The optional four-speed
electronic automatic transmission (4EAT) comes teamed with Variable Torque
Distribution All-Wheel Drive (VTD), the most advanced All-Wheel Drive system
Subaru offers in the U.S. market.

    In addition to the turbocharged WRX models, the new-generation Impreza
line for 2002 includes the 2.5 TS Sport Wagon, the sporty 2.5 RS sedan, and
the SUV-like Outback Sport crossover model.  A 165-horsepower 2.5-liter
horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine powers those models.  All 2002
Impreza models feature enhanced performance, safety and refinement along with
greatly expanded standard equipment levels.

    Rally Car-Inspired Design
    Inspiration for the 2002 Impreza sedan's wide-tread blister-fender design
came from the Impreza World Rally Championship racecar, which won the World
Rally Championship for three consecutive years.  The WRX Sport Wagon's body
design is characterized by pronounced fender flares instead of fender
blisters.

    Standard high-performance equipment in the Impreza WRX includes
sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with
twin-piston front calipers and 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16
Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires.  Dealer-installed accessory 17 x 7-inch alloy
wheels and 215/45 R17 tires are available.  A viscous limited-slip rear
differential ensures that the rear tire with the best traction receives the
most power.

    Smooth contours, upgraded trim quality and greatly expanded standard
equipment help define the new Impreza models as premium sport compacts.
Sporty WRX interior appointments include bolstered sport seats, a Momo
four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum alloy pedals with
rubber grips.  The 2002 Impreza WRX models come fully equipped, including air
conditioning, a six-speaker stereo, six-disc in-dash CD changer, keyless
entry, power windows and door locks and a fold-down rear center armrest with
trunk pass-through (sedan).

    Standard safety features in every 2002 Impreza model include three-point
seatbelts for all five seating positions (pre-tensioners and force limiters in
front), a four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) dual front
airbags, daytime running lights and a self-illuminating internal child safety
trunk release.  The WRX models add standard front seat side impact air bags.

    Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan.  Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company
markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a
network of nearly 600 franchised dealers across the United States.