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Eric Hsu posted on March 23, 2010 18:53 
The new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX will be wider and look more like it's cousin, the STi. The new widebody look will become standard on both the WRX sedan and hatch making for a more aggressive look. The official unveiling will be at next month’s New York Auto Show. I'm guessing that Subaru is doing this so that they can manufacture the widebody panels at a lower price than current. The more parts produced the lower they cost.
The front and rear tracks have been widened by 38mm with firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17 inch wheels and tires will improve grip on the 2011 WRXs. The standard 17 wheels will be fitted with wider 235mm meats, but a tire supplier has not been named yet. The car's overall extra width results in a weight increase of around 33lbs. (15kg) over the previous 2010 model.
The drivetrain is unchanged from the 2010 specification from the car’s EJ255B 2.5-litre turbocharged engine. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system remains as standard and the viscous coupling locking center differential also stays.
Inside, all WRX models are equipped with aluminum-alloy pedal covers, sports bucket seats, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and iPod/USB connectivity.
Look out for the better looking 2011 WRX at a Subaru dealership near you in the near future. Just don't get jacked and buy a 2010 model anytime soon because you will have gotten straight robbed if you don't get the widebody 2011. The Ford Focus-like look of the hatchback STi has grown on me a bit admittedly (modified ones especially). I'm kind of neutral about how the 2011 WRX looks. What do you guys think?
SOURCE: CAR AND SUV NZ
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 7:37 PM
Alright! If those are truly all red tailights back there, I should hope to retrofit my Altezza-Style OEM lights on my 2010 STi SE. Looks like the Spec-C wheels may be an option for the WRX as in the pic too. I've always liked the change to a hatch. Old Group B rally cars, the current Focus, and the Citroens are all good looking rally hatches, but my all time favorite was the 22B GC8 body style. I wonder when Subaru and Mitsu (and maybe even Toyota) will enter the WRC again.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 10:53 PM
I think I like the WRX again!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 6:30 AM
I like everything about the current STi and this just makes the WRX that much more appealing. With the added power the bse model has gotten over the past few years and now the looks the gap is narrowing for sure.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 6:36 AM
I love it! Are they trying to undercut the STI? haha next thing, they will announce that it comes with the STI 6 speed...
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 6:40 AM
I am suprised Subie would release this "Rex", after reading some of the stats and stuff over at autoblog it seems like this thing is going to kill sales of the STI unless the STI is also about to be upgraded. I know the STI SE is one sweet ride but still $$$$$$$$$ talks. At the end of the day this is a huge step forward for the Rex but I think I would still want the Mitsu Ralliart with DCT over it just seems more liveable on a day to day basis. I have driven the current WRX and the Ralliart and DCT rules!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 7:34 AM
Money does talk, but I think the consensus been made that the impreza currently looks too camry-like, too bland. My guess is that a re-imagining of the base model will help boost sales of said base model while having more parts commonality with the premium of the STI. Sort of like the people who want a mustang, but don't know what a V-8 is, so they get the base model because it's cheaper and they don't want the insurance premiums. selling 2 or 3 base models has got to do better than selling 1 sporty model. BTW, I agree that the battlewagon shape of the current gen WRX is starting to grow on me, but it wasn't the instant attraction I felt of the bugeye back when I was getting close to getting my driver's license.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 9:29 AM
I think I like the wagon version better than the sedans. The old WRXs the sedan was my choice, but the trunk area on the new sedans is just weird looking. It's really short and looks like it's almost trying to morph into a hatch but it's not quite there. However the widebody does make it look a bit better, but I'm still partial to the new wagons.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 10:03 AM
^^ Agree about the funky trunk on Impreza/WRX sedans. If you squint, you can see how it evolved from the older Impreza/WRX, but in reality, it looks too much like a Kia from behind. Looks proper from all other angles though. I hope they included a trunk/tail light redesign with this new widebody upgrade. I don't really see this eating into STI sales that much, since the last gen WRX/STi both had similar (identical?) body panels also. I wonder if the WRX hatch will go widebody as well (the last WRX wagon wasn't)? And I certainly hope they do something to the STI too!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 10:09 AM
^However, the power gap was about 60 hp between the 06/07 model WRX and STi's. Now the gap has been narrowed and due to the taller gearing of the 5MT, the standard WRX is quicker than the STi in 0-60 and very close in the 1/4 mile. The hatch also gets the widebody treatment too. I find it funny that three years ago Subaru wanted to market the WRX to a wider audience and the STi was for the hardcore. Now, they've made the WRX progressively more hardcore. I like it and I hope the same mistake isn't made on the next gen WRX. I'd still pick up the STi for the six speed, upgraded wheel bearings, larger brakes and three limited slips. I'd buy an 08 or 09 though, not a new STi.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 11:38 AM
Eh, it's still not enough to pry me away from my 2.5RS coupe. I may get lynched for this, but so far as I can tell, the ONLY good looking portion of the current Impreza WRX/STi styling is the hood scoop and MAYBE the headlights. And that's a very, very flimsy maybe. I definitely still maintain that the best looking Impreza so far is the blobeye (aka 04/05), though I absolutely hate the lack of coupe option. Easily one of the biggest mistakes Subaru's made since they stopped making fully closed deck blocks (imagine how strong the EJ2*7 series motors would be with proper block strengthening to keep the cylinder walls from flexing from the factory). Still, I will admit that the newer Impreza's are still quite good, and are a very good choice for people looking for a new car. Now if they'd just follow what a goodly portion of the tuning world is doing, and put the EZ30R into it (with a Legacy GT 6 speed standard, and automatic option), then we'd have a winner, so to speak.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 12:18 PM
One of the few reasons I'd look at the current STI over a regular WRX is the fender flares. I think the new WRX hatchbacks look better than the sedans given both aren't that good looking in the first place. Hey, I'm definitely not the first person to point out WRX's are purchased for the drivetrain. With a wife, a 2 year old and a baby on the way the usefulness of a hatchback cannot be denied. With the fender flares it will now be even harder to justify the extra 10K for an STI.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 12:37 PM
Scott, Block flexing simply isn't an issue with the semi-closed deck block unless you're making 500 whp+. Even then, you'd still need to crack the block open to swap in forged pistons as that's the point the stock cast ones are at their limit. That's plenty strong enough for 99.999999% of people out there. Plus, the semi-closed block means more consistent temps in the cylinder helping to keep detonation at bay and the engine has better heat transfer.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 1:02 PM
I think it's a great idea that Subaru closes the gap between the WRX and the STi. It gives the WRX owners a taste of serious performance making them want more (which is why I am employed) while making the STi even more exclusive since less people will purchase the STi. But if you ask me, go to your local Mitsubishi dealer and write a check for an EVO X instead. Robbie: The EJ block's cylinders walk at less than 500whp. In fact, the ENTIRE block twists relatively easy. Scott: A solid deck EJ still twists. Sure the liners don't crack as easy, but that block is twisting and moving all over the place. The EJ block is more of a case than it is a "block". That is the inherent problem.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 1:21 PM
The WRX/STI has always been hot and cold for me. Subaru redesigns the look so fast as well. So for a couple years I love the look, then they change it and it's ugly, then ugly again, then good looking, then ugly, etc.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 1:31 PM
Eric, I understand what you're saying. My point was that the block can survive 500 whp without a sleeve failure.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 2:09 PM
Eh, I like the widebody hatch versions of these cars, but really am not a fan of the new styling at all. The old GC's will always be my favorite, but the '04-'05s were a good year too.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 10:41 PM
with a couple hundred canards and a bigger wing you could mistake that thing with a DTM series car. I like it alot!
Thursday, March 25, 2010 4:43 PM
And I was referring mainly to the idea that the engine, properly built (such as modifying the coolant passages), could potentially make more power for longer, whilst also being more reliable than a comparably built semi-closed deck block, especially in the case of one that's been modified to accept larger ARP studs, among other things. Sure, it might not be able to keep up with the ridiculous power that can be made with a Mitsubishi 4G63, but Subaru engines aren't great balls-out drag engines anyway. As for the case flex, wouldn't a dry sump setup help with that a little bit, assuming the sump is built correctly?
Thursday, March 25, 2010 4:44 PM
I like it, probably more on the hatch. I don't see too many GR STIs but whenever I see one head on (passed one on the highway yesterday) they always have good presence (though look like a Lexus SUV from behind). I went and looked at a 2010 black SE with the Spec C wheels (yes they are out in colors other than white) last weekend and it looked really nice. Last weekend I actually told my brother, "I hear the WRX may get the wide fenders" and he said "why would anyone spend that much more for an STI then". In conclusion I think this will sell well. Now the aggressive looks match the increased acceleration of the 2009 revision for a coherent vibe. I also hear a new STI announcement is on the way soon as well. In 08 I bought an X over the STI somewhat due to the rampant GR failures (stop sale/recall) during that period and have not regretted it, but have thought about adding a GR STI for family duties.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 5:46 PM
i'm with mike. i think i like the WRX again!
Thursday, March 25, 2010 10:30 PM
I like this widebody WRX better than a Lancer Ralliart styling-wise. The narrow Lancer looks way too much like a base Lancer. But the base Lancer looks way better than a 2.5RS or whatever the base Impreza is called now. meissler: I agree with you on the DTM look. It also needs a high revving 4.0L V8! A proper dry sump pan can definitely help: http://www.cosworthusa.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=22&idproduct=703 But to TRULY act as a block stiffener, the pan needs to be dowelled to the block. That would be a custom machining operation. Even aside from a stiffener, the block still isn't very strong for high power at extended duty cycles. There are just too many thin cross-sections. It was designed for 300hp. WRC engines are based on the EJ20 STi block which have way more meat not only around the bores, but at the base of the bores. Still though like you said, the EJ block just isn't all that strong.
Monday, March 29, 2010 12:14 PM
Hmm... Dowelled to the block you say? I'll have to keep that in mind. Probably not though; sounds like a lot of money to spend on an engine that I'm not really all THAT fond of. Hell, the only real reason that I'm even thinking of building up the EJ251 that I've got (Yeah, I know, SOHC and all that jive. It's a Subaru, that can be changed almost too easily) is to have a little fun, and then promptly sell it to help pay for the EZ30R/6 speed swap that I want to eventually do to my 2.5RS. I believe the base model these days is known as a "2.5i" (are they trying to compete with BMW/Apple or some s@#$?), and let's be honest here, has there ever REALLY been a time in which an Impreza of just about any trim level looked better, or was even on par with the styling of a competing Lancer? I'm what you might call a "hardcore" Subaru fan, but not even I'm going to argue that Subaru's been on the ball for styling at all times. Not unlike how the 3000GT/GTO (Which they need to revive by the way. I feel every marque needs to start building 2 door sports cars again) pretty much always looked better than the SVX (and was WAY faster in VR-4 spec, btw), and the Galant pretty much always looked better than the Legacy, the Lancer has essentially always looked better than the Impreza. End of story. Everything needs a high revving 4.0L V8. I'm putting one in my AE86 at some point, and then destroking it to 3.0L with a flat plane crank to make it rev even higher! Fun times are to be had with that set up, that's for sure.
 
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