Seems like mounting pressure from the expanding Mitsubishi Lancer lineup has managed to squeeze a tweaked-up WRX out of Subaru's Impreza range.
Perhaps Mitsubishi intended their 237 horsepower Lancer Ralliart to cut the WRX's grass by offering more power and gadgets. Subaru's ensuing defense play maintains power dominance in the 'PlayStation' car market, and gives shoppers a new sub-STI model called the "WRX 265" to consider. It doesn't offer a twin-clutch gearbox or Super All Wheel Control, but it does have nearly 30 more horsepower to compensate.
Priced just shy of $35,000, WRX 265 amounts to a nice compromise between the performance of the standard WRX and the STI's track-tuned wallop. If you've been looking for something above the standard car but don't want a full-out rally machine, this could be your proverbial perfect bowl of porridge.
Hopped-up WRX or de-tuned STI?
Upgrades to the 2.5 liter boxer engine include a larger turbocharger and some exhaust work to free up 41 extra ponies. Acceleration felt closer to the STI than the WRX in terms of pavement consumption- interesting given that the 265's output sits smack-dab in the middle.
The boxer engine's trademark whirring, lumpy, chirpy sound effects are projected from the engine room when called upon, and the powerplant operates with a pleasant smoothness when drivers push. Turbo-lag is minimal, and the neck-straining power burst is well worth the short wait after cracking the throttle. This engine doesn't miss a beat.
The 265 is only available with a five-speed manual gearbox in either five-door or sedan models. Standard, of course, is Subaru's slick 'Symmetrical' all wheel drive system.
Dear Winter- Stuff It. Signed, WRX 265
The tester wore a set of 18-inch gunmetal-colored rims wrapped in winter tires. With power routed to all wheels all the time, there's no pre-slippage required to get all fours clawing in, even right off the line. The resulting dynamic in deep snow and slush is one of stability and confidence. It's hugely entertaining to blast straight through conditions where lesser machinery tends to wind up stuck.
With winter rubber, WRX 265 will accelerate over even a fair amount of slush or a dusting of snow as quickly as a similarly powered two-wheel drive car on bare pavement.
You'll find yourself through slippery intersections before that Mustang or Charger even gets rolling.
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| In all, it appears that the WRX 265's dynamic facilities are adequately set up for what's under the hood. |
Perhaps Mitsubishi intended their 237 horsepower Lancer Ralliart to cut the WRX's grass by offering more power and gadgets. Subaru's ensuing defense play maintains power dominance in the 'PlayStation' car market, and gives shoppers a new sub-STI model called the "WRX 265" to consider. It doesn't offer a twin-clutch gearbox or Super All Wheel Control, but it does have nearly 30 more horsepower to compensate.
Priced just shy of $35,000, WRX 265 amounts to a nice compromise between the performance of the standard WRX and the STI's track-tuned wallop. If you've been looking for something above the standard car but don't want a full-out rally machine, this could be your proverbial perfect bowl of porridge.
Hopped-up WRX or de-tuned STI?
Upgrades to the 2.5 liter boxer engine include a larger turbocharger and some exhaust work to free up 41 extra ponies. Acceleration felt closer to the STI than the WRX in terms of pavement consumption- interesting given that the 265's output sits smack-dab in the middle.
The boxer engine's trademark whirring, lumpy, chirpy sound effects are projected from the engine room when called upon, and the powerplant operates with a pleasant smoothness when drivers push. Turbo-lag is minimal, and the neck-straining power burst is well worth the short wait after cracking the throttle. This engine doesn't miss a beat.
The 265 is only available with a five-speed manual gearbox in either five-door or sedan models. Standard, of course, is Subaru's slick 'Symmetrical' all wheel drive system.
Dear Winter- Stuff It. Signed, WRX 265
The tester wore a set of 18-inch gunmetal-colored rims wrapped in winter tires. With power routed to all wheels all the time, there's no pre-slippage required to get all fours clawing in, even right off the line. The resulting dynamic in deep snow and slush is one of stability and confidence. It's hugely entertaining to blast straight through conditions where lesser machinery tends to wind up stuck.
With winter rubber, WRX 265 will accelerate over even a fair amount of slush or a dusting of snow as quickly as a similarly powered two-wheel drive car on bare pavement.
You'll find yourself through slippery intersections before that Mustang or Charger even gets rolling.
 |
| It's a car that can turn nasty road conditions into a wintertime playground for owners. |