Detroit Auto Show: Subaru Impreza WRX Gets Bold Redesign for 2004

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003; Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the redesigned 2004MY Impreza WRX sedan and Sport Wagon models at the North American International Auto Show. Available in late March, the new WRX models feature bold new styling for a more aggressive appearance.

The 2004 Impreza WRX models adopt larger headlights, now combined in a 4-element arrangement for a bolder, more dynamic look. To maximize airflow, Subaru World Rally Team designers added sharp edge character lines beginning at the headlamps and grille area and extended them onto the redesigned hood. All 2004 Impreza models adopt revised air inlets on the front fascia, and WRX models add projector beam halogen fog lamps to the list of standard equipment. The taillights and rear bumper are also redesigned. As before, Impreza WRX is available as both a sedan and a Sport Wagon.

In addition to its bolder styling, Impreza WRX gains new sport-design front bucket seats with integrated head restraints that would not look out of place in a competition car. A redesigned instrument panel relocates the tachometer in the center and includes a new cruise control "engaged" indicator. Silver trim rings add a touch of style to the new gauges.

New seat fabric enhances the comfort and appearance of the driver- optimized cockpit, which includes a standard leather-wrapped MOMO(R) brand steering wheel and a new color-matched audio faceplate. Also new for 2004, Impreza WRX is available with an optional moonroof and an all-weather package consisting of dual mode heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors. New Java Black Pearl and San Remo Red exterior paint complete the color palette for 2004.

New Look, Same Great Performance

The exterior may have changed, but it's what Subaru didn't change that will move enthusiasts to celebrate -- the intercooled/turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that powers WRX models. 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.

Two Types of All-Wheel Drive Technology

The standard Subaru Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system powers all four wheels all the time, giving Impreza WRX optimal grip on all types of road surfaces, dry or wet. 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.

When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, Subaru Impreza WRX uses Continuous All-Wheel Drive. A viscous-coupling center differential built into the transmission case divides engine power 50 percent front / 50 percent rear. Wheel slippage at the front causes more power to shift to the rear, and slippage at the rear transfers power to the front, ensuring that the wheels with the best traction receive the most power. All WRX models are equipped with a viscous limited-slip rear differential, which helps ensure that the rear wheel with the best traction receives the most power.

Impreza WRX excels in safety. The new-generation Impreza achieved the highest possible rating ("good") for crashworthiness when subjected to a 40- mph frontal offset crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), also earning the Institute's "best pick" designation (2002MY sedan). The sport-design front seats integrate head/chest side impact airbags into the backrests, and all Impreza models are equipped with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.

High-Performance Throughout

In addition to the 227-horsepower intercooled/turbocharged engine and Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, Impreza WRX models come equipped with a full roster of standard high-performance equipment. Sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension provides sharp handling response and a compliant ride. The front suspension features a Subaru-optimized strut layout, and the rear uses a dual- link strut arrangement. Impreza WRX struts now utilize multi-phase valves to improve jounce/rebound characteristics. WRX Sedan features a front track that's 20-mm wider than that of the Sport Wagon.

Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with twin-piston front calipers and 11.4-inch front brake rotors provide ample stopping power, and a standard 4-channel, 4- sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) provides added vehicle control when braking hard.

Both Impreza WRX models come equipped with standard 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires. Subaru dealers can offer available 17 x 7-inch BBS(R) forged aluminum alloy wheels or 17-inch Subaru 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with recommended 215/45 R17 tires.

Fully Equipped

2004 Impreza WRX models come fully equipped, with standard comfort and convenience features including:

-- 60/40 split fold down rear seatback (Sport Wagon) -- Air conditioning -- AM/FM 80-Watt stereo with logic-control cassette, in-dash six-disc CD changer and six speakers -- Body-color power mirrors -- Cruise control -- Fold-down rear seat center armrest with trunk pass-through (sedan) -- Front seat head/chest side impact airbags -- Front seat height adjustment -- Remote keyless entry system -- Power door locks -- Power windows with driver's auto-down -- Tilt-adjustable steering column