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
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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.