2015 Subaru WRX STI goes on sale
The 2015 edition of Subaru’s high-performance sedan — the WRX STI goes on sale today at Subaru dealers throughout Japan. The flagship model of the series, every component of the vehicle, including body and chassis, has been refined to achieve the best in all-wheel-drive performance. Highlights on the 2015 version include Subaru’s motorsport-bred turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer (flat-four) engine and the multi-mode Driver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD) system that comes standard in the WRX STI.
Changes to the 2015 Subaru WRX STI include-
Interior changes: The wheelbase has been enlarged by 25mm, which translates to an increase in rear legroom. The bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended toward the front and towrds the side mirrors mounted on the front door panels, to add a new quarter window and keep the dashboard and door window sills lower.
On the inside, the WRX STI gets a small diameter D-shaped steering wheel and faux carbon-fibre panels with metal trim in its all-black interiors. The sporty theme carries over with red accents on the seats, shift lever, and the centre of the instrument panel.
Exterior Changes: The front end is built using a nose cone design for a dynamic solid shape, starting with Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille paired the new hawkeye LED headlamps. The bottom end of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm toward the front from the previous model and the C-pillar now smoothly transits into the trunk surface for a flowing silhouette, in addition to the front fender ducts and sharp side sill spoilers, new lighter and more rigid 18-inch alloys. The front and rear doors are larger, making ingress and egress much easier.
The rear sports a diffuser-integrated bumper and twin-mufflers with a large rear spoiler distinctive to the WRX series with new LED tail-lamps. Trunk space has improved too. The ‘STI’ badging and two unique colours — WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl make it stand out from the regular Impreza
Mechanical changes: The suspension has been further enhanced and so has the symmetrical AWD chassis rigidity to improve steering response, rear grip, and provide a flat ride. Subaru claims the WRX STI can cope with driving conditions anywhere in the world, including the punishing Nürburgring, while offering agile driver response and more precise and stable cornering.
In addition, multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring have been added for even more predictable, more enjoyable driving. The iconic 2.0-liter Boxer turbo engine has been retained though it now serves up an impressive 304bhp at 6400rpm and 422Nm of torque at 4400rpm. The flat-four engine is mated to a reinforced six-speed manual transmission with a multi-mode DCCD system, that allows the driver to freely select centre differential control characteristics.
Safety-wise, the lighter and more rigid body comes with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, allowing drivers to enjoy the ride with peace of mind under any conditions. Passive safety features include a more high tensile steel-plating with strengthened joints making for a stronger body with world-class safety in case of collisions from the front, rear or sides. In addition, collision-absorbing material has been added in the engine compartment for increased pedestrian protection.
