Subaru Impreza WRX

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Subaru Impreza WRX

Manufacturer:	Subaru
Production:	1992–present
Predecessor:	Subaru Legacy RS
Class:	Compact
Related:	Saab 9-2X Subaru Forester
Similar:	Ford Escort Cosworth Lancia Delta Integrale Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

For the high-performance version of the Impreza WRX, see the Subaru Impreza WRX STI

The Subaru Impreza WRX, also colloqially known as a WRX (Rex) is a turbocharged version of the Subaru Impreza, an all-wheel drive automobile. It is available as a sedan or wagon. The WRX has become a popular choice for automobile enthusiasts wherever it is sold for its performance, handling and relatively affordable price.

Originally introduced in 1992 in Japan, then shortly afterwards in Australia and Europe, the WRX had a turbocharged flat-4 2.0. Compared to the base Impreza, the WRX has wider low-profile tires, larger brakes, and firmer, higher quality suspension components.

1 GC chassis (1992-2000)
- 1.1 Japan-spec
2 GD chassis (2001-present)
3 GC chassis comparison to the GD chassis
4 Motorsports
5 Media
- 5.1 Movies
- 5.2 Television
6 Availability
7 Awards
8 Trivia
9 Footnotes
10 External Links

[edit] GC chassis (1992-2000)

There were 6 noted versions of the WRX. The different versions were marketed with consecutive numbers. Another way to tell the version of a WRX was to look at the chassis code. All WRX have the beginning chassis code of GC8 then followed by a letter from A to G.

[edit] Japan-spec

[edit] GC8A (1992/1993)

The WRX debuts in November 1992 with 240ps(177kW) @ 6000rpm with 31kg*m(304N*m) @ 5000 rpm. It comes with 15 inch wheels. Both front and rear brake rotors are ventilated disks. The vehicle has a curb weight of 1220kg. The center differential is a viscous coupling type. The rear LSD is a viscous type. The WRX Type RA (marketing has made usage of the RA acronym in various ways; Record Attempt^[1] is the current usage. "R = Racing, A = Group A, the FIA racing class the WRC Impreza competes in" has also been confirmed by Subaru of Japan; the correspondance can be seen on the discussion board for this article) is a stripped down version of the WRX for people to purchase for motorsports. It does not have many "creature comforts" such as air-conditioning or a radio. The car also lacks anti-lock brakes. The WRX Type RA has the same mechanical specifications as the WRX except it had a weight reduction to 1170kg. The WRX Type RA steering wheel is a 3 spoke leather-wrapped wheel from Nardi.

[edit] GC8B (1994)

October 1993 introduces the 1994MY WRX changes so it only produces 220 ps (152 kW) at 6000 rpm with 28.5 kg·m (279 N·m) at 3500 rpm. The wheels stay the same size. The rear rotor is changed to a solid disk. The vehicle gains 30 kg to a total curb weight of 1250 kg.

[edit] GC8C (1995)

In November 1994, the WRX had a power increase to 260 ps (191 kW) at 6500 rpm with 31.5 kg·m (309N·m) at 5000 rpm. The wheel diameters were increased to 16 inches and brake rotors were both changed to ventilated disks. With these modifications, the curb weight decreased to 1230 kg. The WRX Type RA has the same mechanical upgrades and power rating, but only has a curb weight of 1180 kg.

[edit] GC8D (1996)

The 1996MY WRX debuts on January 1996. The WRX design received minimal mechanical changes, but a WRX V-Limited Edition was introduced to celebrate the success of the Impreza WRC car in the FIA WRC. It is mechanically the same to the WRX but has a curb weight of 1240 kg. The V-limited cars are painted in World Rally Blue.

[edit] GC8E (1997/1998)

In September 1996, the WRX was updated with new styling. The 1997MY WRX now has a power rating of 280 ps(206kW) at 6500 rpm with 33.5 kg·m (329 N·m) at 4000 rpm. The car now weighs 1250kg. The WRX Type RA weighs 1190 kg.

[edit] GC8F (1999)

The 1999MY WRX is introduced on September 1998. The power rating remains the same as the previous year's model, but the torque is increased to 34.5 kg·m (338 N·m) at 4000 rpm due to improvements on the engine design (the engine was dubbed as Boxer Phase II engine). The car now has a curb weight of 1270kg. The WRX Type RA receives the same power upgrades and has a weight increase of 20 kg to 1210 kg.

[edit] GC8G (2000)

The last version of the WRX is introduced on September 1999. There is no change in the mechanical specifications. Added features are newly-designed alloy wheels, color-coded mirrors and door handles, remote central locking, intermittent wipers with a timer and map lights. Red Mica had replaced Bright Red.

[edit] GD chassis (2001-present)

In 2001, the Impreza line received a complete update. The chassis received a 120% increase in torsional stiffness. The version nomenclature was dropped from the name. To distinguish between the years, Japanese and other auto-enthusiasts often refer to the chassis as GDA (the WRX had an 'A' where as the STi had an 'B') revision A to F where F is the current (2006) version. The wagon chassis is given a GGA code.

The WRX has received two styling updates. The exterior "bug eyed" styling was widely regarded as somewhat unattractive, so Subaru introduced a mild facelift of the front end in the 2002 Paris Auto Show. A third update was introduced in mid-2005, including the performance models, with the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille first debuted on the Subaru R1 keicar, along with new headlights, taillights, and bumpers. Subaru states that they chose this style to go back to their heritage, paying homage to their grandfathered company, the Nakajima Aircraft Company

[edit] Japan-spec

[edit] Rev. A (2001)

August 2000 brings the 2001MY WRX NB sedan. It has an EJ205 with AVCS coupled with a IHI VF30 turbocharger. The engine produces 250ps (184 kW) at 6000 rpm with 34 kg·m (333 N·m) at 3600 rpm. The wheels are 16 inch in diameter and the front brake rotors are ventilated while the rear are solid disks. It has a torsen rear LSD and a 4.44 final drive ratio. The transmission has close-ratio gears unique to Subaru of Japan at that point in time. The car has a curb weight of 1340kg.

[edit] Rev. B (2002)

The 2002MY WRX NB sedan debuts on September 2001. The mechanical specifications are similar to the previous year's model but the curb weight has been increased to 1350 kg.

[edit] Rev. C (2003)

The WRX NB sedan is released on November 2002. The power and torque ratings are the same as the previous year. The wheel diameters are increased to 17" in size. The rear brake rotor is changed to a ventilated disk, leaving the car to use only ventilated disks for braking. The car now weighs 1360 kg.

[edit] Rev. E (2005)

The WRX WR-limited is introduced. The car receives an STI spoiler and an STI front chin. There is a WR-stickered titanium shift knob. The wheels are changed for STI, gold-colored Rays-sourced wheels.

[edit] Rev. F (2006-2007)

The WRX has an option to receive the same spoiler as the WRX STI and receives gold 17" x 7" wheels.

[edit] United States-spec

[edit] Rev. B (2002)

North America receives its first Impreza WRX models. They are equipped with a EJ205 engine rated at 227 hp at 6000 rpm with 217 ft·lb at 4000 rpm. Unlike the Japanese EJ205, the US-spec engine uses a Mitsubishi TD04-13T turbocharger unit. In stock form, it reaches a peak 13.5 psi of boost. The seats are the same as the basic J-spec Impreza. The wheels are cast 16” x 6.5” version of the J-spec WRX NB wheels while the brakes are 2-piston/1-piston front and rear with the front rotors being ventilated disks. The gear ratios are the standard export models, but the final drive is a 3.9:1 ratio. The rear LSD is a viscous coupling type. The steering rack has a ratio of 16.5:1. The 4EAT automatic WRXs have a 45:55 torque split with Vehicle Dynamics Control. The car weighs 3085 lbs.

[edit] Rev. C (2003)

There are few changes from Rev. B. The gears are changed to RA-width gears (1mm increase in size) to increase durability of the transmission. There is also a valve that prevents “drop-clutch” starts in an effort to reduce the number of shattered gear boxes from abusive AWD launching. The ignition ring is now illuminated with green lighting. The rear stabilizer bar has been reduced from 20mm to 17mm.

[edit] Rev. D (2004)

The WRX received the same Peter Stevens-designed facelift that rest of the Imprezas received. The WRX uses the same contoured seats as the 2004 US-spec WRX STI. The WRX is equipped with multi-phase valve struts to improve ride quality while retaining good handling.

[edit] Rev. E (2005)

The WRX receives an updated interior, wheels that were previously seen on the base US-spec Legacy and a single-port exhaust.

[edit] Rev. F (2006/2007)

In 2006, the WRX receives a refresh of design. There are three trims available, TR (Tuner Ready), base and Limited. All WRXs get aluminum control arms and lateral links. The steering rack is updated for improved steering feel and the steering rack ratio has been changed to 15.0:1. The WRX receives 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brakes painted red and embossed with the Subaru logo. The rear rotor is now a ventilated disk as opposed to a single non-ventilated one. The EJ205 engine is replaced by an EJ255 engine, a 2.5-liter engine shared with the US-spec WRX STI but with different engine head (still retains AVCS). The turbocharger remains the same unit as on the 2002-2005MY US-spec WRXs, but now only peaks at 11.6 psi of boost. The first gear in the transmission receives dual-ring synchros to improve downshifts from 2nd to 1st. The final drive is reduced to a 3.7:1 ratio to improve gas mileage. The car rides on 17” x 7” wheels. The power is reported as 230 hp at 6000 rpm with 235 ft·lb at 3600 rpm. These numbers are likely underrated as shown by multiple independent dynomometer tests^[2]. The car’s curb weight is 3192 lbs.

In 2007, as a cost-cutting effort, the WRX has its aluminum suspension reverted to steel-cast pieces. The WRX base and Limited trim levels receive an auxiliary audio port next to the cigarette lighter. The rest of the car is mechanically the same.

Note: The Saab 9-2X Aero is a re-skinned WRX Wagon of the same model year. It is manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

[edit] Asia-spec

Depending on the country, one may be able to buy either Oceania-spec, Europe-spec or US-spec WRXs. There are no models unique to the Asian market outside Japan.

[edit] Oceania-spec

[edit] Rev. A (2001)

The WRX has an EJ205 rated at 225ps @ 6000 rpms. It carries 17” x 7” wheels and has 4-piston/2-piston front and rear brakes with ventilated disk rotors all around.

[edit] Rev. B (2002)

Due to complaints of the slower acceleration of the GD-chassis WRX compared to the GC-chassis WRX, the gear ratios are changed to the same specifications as the Japanese-spec WRX to improve acceleration.

[edit] Rev. D (2004)

The WRX received the same Peter Stevens-designed facelift that rest of the Imprezas received.

[edit] Europe-spec

[edit] Rev. A (2001)

The WRX has an EJ205 rated at 218ps (160kW) @ 6000 rpms. It carries 17” x 7” wheels and has 4-piston/2-piston front and rear brakes.

[edit] Rev. B (2002)

[edit] Rev. D (2004)

The WRX received the same Peter Stevens-designed facelift that rest of the Imprezas received. The engine powerplant was improved to 225ps (165kW).

[edit] Rev. F (2006/2007)

2006: Europe receives WRXs with the EJ255. The power output is 230ps(169kW) @ 5600rpm with 32.6kg*m(320N*m) @ 3600rpm. The car weighs 1410kg. The final drive ratio on this car is 4.111:1.

[edit] GC chassis comparison to the GD chassis

Pros

Subaru claims that the GD chassis is 148 percent and 82 percent stiffer in torsional and beam rigidity, respectively, than the GC chassis. This stiffness is primarily due to the addition of a steel "ring" which encircles the cabin at the B-pillar. Due to the increase in stiffness, the car has much better stability in corners and is easier to control at the limit. The GC chassis is so weak compared to today's cars that engineers called the body a "Watermelon frame", referring to how a watermelon shatters on impact.

In terms of safety, the GD chassis scored much higher than the GC chassis and earned a "Good" rating (highest mark) from the IIHS's offset crash test. 4 stars front driver, 5 star front passenger and 4 star side safety ratings from the NHTSA. In a magazine article from the Dec. 2005 Firehouse magazine (a periodical written and made for firefighters), Ron Moore writes how it is well-known that the Impreza chassis has great protection in its B-pillars. This side structure has 8 layers of high-strength, high-tension steel including a round steel bar running through the middle. The author notes how drivers simply walk away from horrific side-impact accidents.

Cons

The GD chassis gains nearly 200 kg in weight over the GC chassis. Most of this weight comes in the form of chassis stiffening as the car was made to meet every country's crash standards. The weight also hampers the cars maneuverability, transistions and turn-in capabilities. ^{[citation needed]} The GC Imprezas were notable for being very lightweight despite having AWD. The WRX Type R STI Version VI using the GC chassis, at 1260 kg, was lighter than the competiting Mazda RX-7 type RZ (1270 kg) and Honda NSX type S Zero (1270 kg). In this fashion, the GC chassis has a better advantage.

The author of the forementioned article also notes that the Jaws of Life need to cut the Subaru's B-pillars at certain points in order to cut through the car frame^[3]. This information was not widespread before, so there have been many incidences where firefighters could not cut the B-pillars due to their structural integrity. This may become a concern if the driver or passengers need to be cut out of the vehicle quickly.

[edit] Motorsports

[edit] Rally

[edit] FIA

Currently only the higher powered version of the WRX, the WRX STI is homologated for Group N rallying. However, the S9 and newer models of the Impreza WRC car have a GDA chassis code. This fact signifies that the Impreza WRC cars are built off the WRX chassis rather than the STi chassis.

[edit] Rally America

In the PGT class the WRX has done very well.

2004: The WRX takes first place in PGT class.

2005: The WRX takes first place in PGT class.

2006 (current): The WRX stands in the top 3 positions of PGT class.

[edit] Autocrossing

[edit] SCCA Solo Events

2002 to 2005MY US-spec WRXs are allowed to compete in D Stock (DS), Street Touring Extreme (STX), E Street Prepared (ESP) and Street Modified (SM) classes.

2006 to 2007MY US-spec WRXs are allowed to compete in D Stock (DS), Street Touring Ultra (STU), E Street Prepared (ESP) and Street Modified (SM) classes.

The 2002 to 2005MY WRXs has been dominating the STX class. Since the inception of the Street Touring Extreme class, the WRX has taken first place at all national Solo competitions.

2002: Tom Hoppe takes a 2002 WRX sedan to a first place finish at the ProSolo Topeka Finale in DS.

2003: At ProSolo Topeka Finale, Keith Casey takes a 2002 WRX wagon to a first place finish in Street Touring Extreme (STX) class. Tom Hoppe takes a 2002 WRX sedan to second place finish in STX at the same event. At the Topeka Solo National Championship, Keith Casey drove his 2002 WRX wagon to first place finish.

2004: At ProSolo Topeka Finale, the 5 top positions in STX are taken by WRXs. Josh Sortor (2002 WRX sedan), Tom Hoppe (2002 WRX Sedan) and Mike King (2004 WRX sedan) took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively. At the TireRack SCCA Solo National Championships, Tom Hoppe (2002 WRX Sedan) and Mike King (2004 WRX sedan) took 1st and 3rd place respectively in STX.

2005: At ProSolo Topeka Finale, Josh Sortor and Mike King take 1st and 3rd place in STX. Josh Sortor takes 1st place in TireRack Solo National Championships in STX.

2006: The top 5 positions in STX at ProSolo Topeka Finale are taken by WRXs. Billy Brooks (2003), Jeff Barco (2005) and Greg McCance (2002) took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively. TireRack Solo National Championships have the top 3 positions in STX taken by Steve O’Blenes (1st), Jeff Barco (2nd) and Chris Fenter (3rd).

[edit] Road racing

[edit] FIA

Currently only the higher powered version of the WRX, the WRX STI, is homologated for racing.

[edit] Open Track Challenge

2002: Gary Sheehan drives a 2002 WRX to win all 7 races in the Unlimited 3 (U3) class and thus win overall in U3. The car places 5th overall.

[edit] NASA U.S. Touring Car Championship

2001: Gary Sheehan debuts in a WRX to ultimately gain 2nd place.

2002: Gary Sheehan again drives the TeamSMR WRX to 2nd place.

2003: Gary Sheehan drives his WRX to 2nd place. In it's final form under Gary Sheehan, the WRX is equipped with a competition swaybar kit from Hotchkis Tuning, Enkei RPF1 wheels, Cobb Tuning assembled engine, a white Delrin shift knob, C-west body kit, Cusco 35:65 torque split center differential, Kaaz front and rear LSDs, Vishnu Turboback exhaust, DMS50 coilovers, StopTech brakes and other miscellaneous upgrade parts.

2005: Brian Locke of GOTO Racing drives the WRX he purchases from Gary Sheehan to 2nd place. The WRX is refreshed and parts were changed out.

[edit] SCCA World Challenge

The WRX is classified in the Touring Car (TC) category.

2005: Irish Mike’s Racing (IMR) begins campaigning a WRX. The car manages a season high of 12th place.

2006: Irish Mike’s Racing campaigns the WRX for 2 races until it is demolished during a practice session. At this point Subaru of America pulls out its contigency funding. IMR pulls from the race due to lack of funding.

[edit] Media

[edit] Movies

In the opening scene of the movie Dawn of the Dead, a WRX commercial is seen on the TV.

[edit] Television

The Subaru Impreza WRX was shown on Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson was introducing the Ford Focus RS. The WRX lap time was used as a comparison.

[edit] Availability

The WRX was originally sold only in Japan. The same year, it was made officially available in Oceania and Europe. In 2001, North America receives the first WRX as a GD-chassis.

[edit] Awards

The US-spec WRX was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2002 and 2003. A 2003 US-spec WRX won Best Motoring's first American Touge showdown.

In 2006, the EJ25 turbocharged variant engines were awarded International Engine of the Year^[4]^[5]. This engine is also used in the Subaru Forester XT, Subaru Legacy as well as the re-badged Saab 9-2X.

[edit] Trivia

The Impreza WRX sedan has been used as the vehicle mode for a number of toys in the Transformers Alternators (US) and Binaltech (Japan) range of officially licensed 1:24 scale figures: Silverstreak and Ricochet in the Alternators line, and Streak (the Japanese name for Silverstreak) and Alert (known in the US as Red Alert) in the Binaltech line.
The Impreza WRC has also been used for Alternators/Binaltech figures. The first toy in both ranges was the WRC 2003-based Smokescreen, and a WRC 2004-based Smokescreen GT later appeared as a Binaltech-only figure.