2015 Subaru WRX

The all-new 2015 Subaru WRX was revealed at the LA Auto Show last week, and I love the new body style. Subaru decided to only focus on the sedan body style for this generation, and by doing so they were able to focus on making some exciting changes to the WRX. In past years, the WRX was built with the legendary 2.5L turbocharged Boxer engine, but with Subaru’s recent success in using the 2.0L Boxer engine in the BRZ, they decided to go ahead and start using it in the WRX. Not only does the 2.0L get better gas mileage, but the engine actually pushes a few more horsepower than the bigger 2.5 liter Boxer engine. Subaru has finally decided to offer the Subaru WRX with a CVT (continuous variable transmission) automatic transmission, something Subaru has never offered in a WRX. I have a hard time believing the CVT transmission will last under that kind of power, a few years down the road Subaru will probably discontinue it. More importantly, you can now get the WRX with a 6-speed manual transmission; this is something that was previously only offered in the upgraded STI version of the WRX.

Subaru has also increased the wheelbase on the new WRX, which gives the rear passengers a much needed extra 2 inches of leg room. The interior is much nicer than later models, and Subaru has finally included some of the luxuries that have become commodities in new cars including: Navigation, Bluetooth, sunroof, Harmon Kardon speaker system, and a push button start. The interior is smooth and black leather, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel gives it that race car feeling. The Subaru WRX is finally has that luxury sports car feeling when you drive it.

                Subaru has upgraded the suspension and made the handling much stiffer with a chassis made from high-strength steel. Car enthusiasts say that the stiffer ride will improve handling on the track, but rally cross drivers prefer a suspension that is a little more forgiving to keep all four wheels planted in the rough terrain. Subaru has included a differential “torque-vectoring system,” which provides power to each wheel independently, while preventing wheel slipping and under steering. Over all I am very pleased with Subaru’s release of the new WRX. Subaru has been making some pretty ugly cars within the last ten years, and I was concerned that they would do the same with the new WRX. Subaru has pulled it off again, they have created another beautifully designed car that I would be proud to own.