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2021 Subaru WRX

SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2021 WRX AND WRX STI PERFORMANCE CARS

•WRX starting price remains $27,495 for 2021 model year

•Keyless Access with Push-Button Start now standard on WRX Premium

•Rally-bred WRX STI starts at $37,245

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2021 WRX and WRX STI, the brand's iconic all-wheel drive performance vehicles. The WRX starts at an MSRP of $27,495 while the WRX STI, which features an exclusive 310-horsepower engine and advanced Driver Controlled Center Differential all-wheel drive, starts at $37,245. Both models begin arriving into Subaru retailers in March 2021.

For 2021, the WRX adds Keyless Access with Push-Button Start on the Premium model (the system was already standard on the WRX Limited). With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the WRX remains a performance and value standout among sport compacts. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance

automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual shift modes.

The base WRX is well equipped with standard summer performance tires; remote keyless entry; automatic climate control; Incline Start Assist; 5.9-in. multi-function LCD; Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control; aluminum alloy pedal covers (including driver's foot rest); dual USB ports; rear vision camera; and power door locks, side mirrors, and windows. For greater versatility, the WRX features roof rack mounting brackets.

The standard SUBARU STARLINK™ 6.5-inch Multimedia system features a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; AM/FM stereo; single-disc CD player, and SiriusXM® All Access Radio and Travel Link® (subscriptions required).

Priced from $30,045, the WRX Premium is designed to enrich the performance-driving experience, adding 18-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray finish; All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer; fog lights; power moonroof; Welcome Lighting, and headlight auto on/off linked with windshield wiper operation. The Premium also features the SUBARU STARLINK™ 7-inch Multimedia Plus system which adds a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen and voice activated controls for phone.

Both the 2021 WRX Premium and Limited with the optional Sport Lineartronic CVT feature SI-DRIVE and Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's driving characteristics by choosing from among three modes – Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp – using a switch on the steering wheel.

The award-winning Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Pre-Collision Brake Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert (vehicle in front), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Prevention.

The WRX Limited trim builds on the Premium trim's content, adding a 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, Steering Responsive LED headlights (low and high beam) and LED fog lights. Pricing on the WRX Limited starts at $32,095.

The WRX Limited offers an option package for $2,100 that adds the STARLINK 7-inch Multimedia Navigation system that includes the Harman Kardon® speaker system and also adds Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. When ordered in conjunction with the Sport Lineartronic CVT, the option package also adds Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist and is priced at $2,400.

2021 Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru WRX STI remains the brand's ultimate performance model, powered by an exclusive 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine producing 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The WRX STI brings rally-bred performance technology to the road with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.

At $37,245, the 2021 WRX STI pricing begins at just $250 more than last year's model.

For 2021, the WRX STI again offers base and Limited trims. The base WRX STI model comes very well equipped with the All-Weather Package; Welcome Lighting; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; SUBARU STARLINK™ 7-inch Multimedia Plus system; Steering Responsive LED headlights (low and high beam) with height adjustment controls; dual-zone automatic climate control, and dual USB ports. Like the WRX, the WRX STI also features roof rack mounting brackets.

The chassis performance hardware for WRX STI also includes 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels in black with machine finish; 245/35 R19 89W summer performance tires; and Brembo performance brakes using 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers.

Black Ultrasuede® upholstery is featured throughout the WRX STI's cabin, accented by red and black leather bolsters with red stitching for front and rear seats. The pedal covers are aluminum alloy, and the carpeted floor mats are embroidered with the STI logo. The flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel integrates control switches for audio, cruise control and Bluetooth. Recaro® performance design front seats with 8-way power driver's seat can be added as an option for $2,250.

The STI Limited is priced at $41,945 and adds an extensive suite of standard equipment including the Recaro front seats with 8-way power driver's seat; 7-inch STARLINK Multimedia Navigation system with Harman Kardon amplifier and speakers; Blind-Spot Detection with Lane-Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; leather trimmed upholstery, and power moonroof. A low-profile lip spoiler for the trunk, replacing the high-profile wing, is also available at no cost on the STI Limited.

by Subaru

by Subaru

Introduced by Subaru in November of 1992, the Impreza is a compact car that was offered in either front wheel or all wheel drive and featured sporty curves. The Impreza came in both four-door sedan/saloon versions or five-door station wagon/estate. More compact than the Legacy, the Impreza had a more enhanced high-performance driving and feeling of quality than its predecessor.

The Impreza became Subaru's entry into the small-car maket segment in U.S., European, Japanese and numorous other world markets. ‘Subura' a Japanese word meaning ‘unite' has a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction that is represented in their more than 10 million vehicles sold worldwide.

Equipped with a flat engine (or an internal combustion engine, also called a boxermotor) the Impreza came with distinguishable Subaru characteristics. With an engine choice of 1.5: or 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines that were neither turbocharged nor supercharged.

Available in a 4-wheel drive turbo charged version that delivered 211Bhp and had the distinction of the turbo charger mounted on the right side of the engine. The intercooler is located above the engine, therefore the reason for the big central air vent on the bonnet of the Impreza. On the racing version of the Impreza, the intercooler is located in the front bumper.

The Impreza came with an engine that was mounted longitudinally, making the gearbox and transmission much easier to fit and service.

For drivers searching for a car that provides thrills without major frills, the Japanese manufacturers have gained the status of being the only ones still able to produce a car for such a low price. Subaru Impreza turbo is gaining impressive commercial success due to price to performance ratio, its racing successes and reliable features.

The Impreza turbo's commercial success has led to production of more impressive versions that aren't available outside of Japan. The Impreza GT turbo evolved into becoming a multiple World Rally Champion with three world championship titles.

Common in Japan and Europe, special editions of the Impreza were available, usually coinciding with significant victories at World Rally Championships.

For the 1997 model year, the Impreza received an updated exterior facelift that was followed by a complete interior redesign in 1998.

A first-generation Impreza, turbocharged was never received in the North American market.

by Jessican Donaldson

Subaru introduced its Impreza Compact Car in 1993 and has since become a pinnacle of performance. The name 'Impreza' was derived from an Italian word 'impresa', meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, the name 'Impreza' means to 'party', an 'event' or 'show'. In either language, the name is suitable.

When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.

Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.

The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.

Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.

The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.

While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.

In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.

The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.

In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.

The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.

by Dan Vaughan