THE NEW IMPREZA IS MORE THAN THE WRX
Subaru made quite a splash at the Detroit Auto Show when it introduced its very powerful WRX performance car to the public. Then, it was the Chicago Auto Show and this time, Subaru unveiled the rest of its 2002 Impreza line-up including the 2.5 RS sedan, the 2.5 TS Sport Wagon and the most beautiful Outback Sport.
Naturally, the most impressive vehicle remains the WRX sedan or wagon. This all-wheel drive Subaru is powered by a small 2.0-liter aluminium alloy flat four that pumps out a solid 227 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with a torque curve building up to 217 lb./ft. at 4,000 rpm. The rally inspired Japanese hot-rod can be ordered with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. With the first transmission, the WRX comes with a Continuous All-Wheel Drive system that divides engine power 50 percent to the rear wheels and 50 percent to the front. With the electronic automatic transmission, the WRX gets a new Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive system that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch that can anticipate and help prevent wheel slippage before it occurs. It splits the power 45 percent front, 55 percent rear. Naturally, the car has four-wheel disks for braking power. Yes, the WRX was developed from Subaru's rallying experience around the world but the production car is not necessarily a full fledge rally car. But it can feel like it. The interior was also designed with race feeling in mind including perforated steel pedals and Momo steering wheel.
Subaru made quite a splash at the Detroit Auto Show when it introduced its very powerful WRX performance car to the public. Then, it was the Chicago Auto Show and this time, Subaru unveiled the rest of its 2002 Impreza line-up including the 2.5 RS sedan, the 2.5 TS Sport Wagon and the most beautiful Outback Sport.
Naturally, the most impressive vehicle remains the WRX sedan or wagon. This all-wheel drive Subaru is powered by a small 2.0-liter aluminium alloy flat four that pumps out a solid 227 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with a torque curve building up to 217 lb./ft. at 4,000 rpm. The rally inspired Japanese hot-rod can be ordered with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. With the first transmission, the WRX comes with a Continuous All-Wheel Drive system that divides engine power 50 percent to the rear wheels and 50 percent to the front. With the electronic automatic transmission, the WRX gets a new Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive system that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch that can anticipate and help prevent wheel slippage before it occurs. It splits the power 45 percent front, 55 percent rear. Naturally, the car has four-wheel disks for braking power. Yes, the WRX was developed from Subaru's rallying experience around the world but the production car is not necessarily a full fledge rally car. But it can feel like it. The interior was also designed with race feeling in mind including perforated steel pedals and Momo steering wheel.