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Comments
Just because it has the word "rumor' attached to it, I don't automatically reject it.
Bob
Jim
-mike
I suspect the 2.5L turbo's output is only limited by what the drivetrain behind it can endure.
300HP isn't a great deal from it. Perhaps it's tuned for good low-end response.
Although I can't figure the 9,000 rpm tachometer in the 2.5L STi. Why? I doubt it revs higher than 7500.
-Colin
Jim
It should have decent low-end torque. Lower RPM, lower HP versions should have *very* respectable torque. should make the 3.0 H6 moot, IMHO.
-Colin
Jim
-Brian
Jim
I wonder how the 2.5 block will hold up to boost. As far as I know, this engine has only appeared in NA form in Japan.
Ken
Jim
You can see it in the brochure:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=297627&referrerid=767
-Dennis
-mike
Bob
Ken I think it'll be just fine. The 2.5L @ 300HP should be lower rpm than the 2.0L @ 280HP, so it should be less strain.
-Colin
Subaru Impreza WRX Gets Bold Redesign for 2004
The Original "Rally Car Tamed for the Street" Gets New Look and Functional Enhancements
DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003 — The Subaru Impreza WRX, which established the performance benchmark in the sport-compact segment when introduced two years ago, will turn even more heads for 2004 with its bold new front end redesign. With the introduction of the extreme-performance WRX STi for 2004, the standard WRX remains the high-volume performance model in the Impreza line.
The WRX and WRX STi debut the front and rear redesign of the 2004 Impreza line, which also includes the 2.5 TS Sport Wagon, the 2.5 RS Sedan and the Outback Sport wagon - a look that mixes equals parts form and function. The expressive new design is the direct result of close consultation with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) engineers and the Subaru World Rally Team to help reduce air resistance, optimize lift force balance and improve engine cooling.
Rallying to Improve the Breed
From the front, one will immediately notice the addition of larger headlights, now combined in a 4-element arrangement to create a bolder, more aggressive appearance. To maximize airflow, Subaru World Rally Team designers added sharp edge character lines beginning at the headlamps and grille area and extended them onto the redesigned hood. All 2004 Impreza models adopt revised air inlets on the front fascia, and WRX models add projector beam halogen fog lamps to the list of standard equipment. The taillights and rear bumper are also redesigned. As before, Impreza WRX is available as both a sedan and a Sport Wagon.
In addition to its bolder styling, Impreza WRX gains new sport-design front bucket seats with integrated head restraints that would not look out of place in a competition car. A redesigned instrument panel relocates the tachometer in the center and includes a new cruise control "engaged" indicator. Silver trim rings add a touch of style to the new gauges.
New seat fabric enhances the comfort and appearance of the driver-optimized cockpit, which includes a standard leather-wrapped MOMO® brand steering wheel and a new color-matched audio faceplate. Also new for 2004, Impreza WRX is available with an optional moonroof and an all-weather package consisting of dual mode heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors. New Java Black Pearl and San Remo Red exterior paint complete the color palette for 2004.
New Look, Same Great Performance
The exterior may have changed, but it's what Subaru didn't change that will move enthusiasts to celebrate-the intercooled/turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that powers WRX models. This horizontally opposed, double overhead-cam powerplant produces 227 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
Two Types of All-Wheel Drive Technology
The standard Subaru Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system powers all four wheels all the time, giving Impreza WRX optimal grip on all types of road surfaces, dry or wet. All-Wheel Drive acts as both a performance advantage and an all-weather handling aid, especially when compared to front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars.
When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, Subaru Impreza WRX uses Continuous All-Wheel Drive. A viscous-coupling center differential built into the transmission case divides engine power 50 percent front / 50 percent rear. Wheel slippage at the front causes more power to shift to the rear, and slippage at the rear transfers power to the front, ensuring that the wheels with the best traction receive the most power. The 5-speed manual transmission features a hydraulic clutch for smooth operation and low maintenance. A flexible flywheel helps ensure smooth shift action.
When equipped with the optional 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, Impreza WRX uses an advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive system. The VTD automatic transmission uses an electronically controlled, continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch that works with a planetary gear-type center differential to control power distribution between the front and rear wheels. In steady state driving, the VTD All-Wheel Drive system splits the power 45 percent front and 55 percent rear. The slight rear-wheel bias enhances the performance-driving feel. VTD All-Wheel Drive monitors throttle input to account for weight transfer and responds to driving conditions to continually optimize power distribution on all road surfaces.
With either All-Wheel Drive system, all WRX models are equipped with a viscous limited-slip rear differential, which helps ensure that the rear wheel with the best traction receives the most power.
"High-Density" Sport Machines
Subaru designed Impreza WRX to convey the look and feel of a "high-density" performance car. Inspiration for the sedan's wider track and blister-fender design was transferred directly from the Subaru World Rally Championship rally car. The functional hood scoop supplies outside airflow to feed the intercooler.
Aside from the front view, WRX Sport Wagon's body design is uniquely different from the sedan, characterized by pronounced fender flares instead of fender blisters. A hydroformed front subframe along with tailored-blank welded B-pillars and side sills provide an exceptionally strong structure that's very stiff in bending and twisting strength. The high degree of rigidity improves handling response and ride quality while helping to reduce interior noise.
Impreza WRX excels in safety. The new-generation Impreza achieved the highest possible rating ("good") for crashworthiness when subjected to a 40-mph frontal offset crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), also earning the Institute's "best pick" designation (2002 sedan). The sport-design front seats integrate head/chest side impact airbags into the backrests, and all Impreza models are equipped with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.
In addition to the 227-horsepower intercooled/turbocharged engine and Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, Impreza WRX models come equipped with a full roster of standard high-performance equipment. Sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension provides sharp handling response and a compliant ride. The front suspension features a Subaru-optimized strut layout, and the rear uses a dual-link strut arrangement. Impreza WRX struts now utilize multi-phase valves to improve jounce/rebound characteristics. WRX Sedan features a front track that's 20-mm wider than that of the Sport Wagon.
Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with twin-piston front calipers and 11.4-inch front brake rotors provide ample stopping power, and a standard 4-channel, 4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) provides added vehicle control when braking hard. Both Impreza WRX models come equipped with standard 16x6.5-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires. Subaru dealers can offer available 17 x 7-inch BBS® forged aluminum alloy wheels or 17-inch Subaru 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with recommended 215/45 R17 tires.
Fully Equipped
2004 Impreza WRX models come fully equipped, with standard comfort and convenience features including:
* 60/40 split fold down rear seatback (Sport Wagon)
* Air conditioning
* AM/FM 80-Watt stereo with logic-control cassette, in-dash six-disc CD changer and six speakers
* Body-color power mirrors
* Cruise control
* Fold-down rear seat center armrest with trunk pass-through (sedan)
* Front seat head/chest side impact airbags
* Front seat height adjustment
* Remote keyless entry system
* Power door locks
* Power windows with driver's auto-down
* Tilt-adjustable steering column
Rally Heritage Pays Dividends on the Road
The turbocharged Impreza WRX performance models demonstrate the value of a racing pedigree in a road car. Subaru captured the grueling World Rally Championship (WRC) three years in a row with a specially prepared turbo Impreza. Rallying encompasses all-weather, high-speed driving on pavement, hard-packed gravel, mud and snow.
For 2003, Subaru of America, Inc. will return to SCCA ProRally competition in collaboration with STI and the Subaru World Rally Team representative, Prodrive. The team won the SCCA Pro Rally manufacturer's title in 2001 campaigning a Group N car and an Open Class car.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 franchised dealers across the United States.
Bob
-mike
-Frank P.
;-)
neither of my vehicles has any sort of indicator and I'm happy. seems to me that if I take my foot off the gas and it doesn't slow down, the cruise is on. if I put my foot ON the gas for more than a few seconds after I had been using cruise, I turn the system off.
too simple?
-Colin
I, like bob, like to have the CC Engaged Lamp.
-mike
-mike
They talk about a "Sport Wagon" but I think they're refering to the TS and Outback variants.
Ken
Bob
Ed
Maybe SoA is just going to let go of the H6 as a bit of a costly mistake? Or maybe use it to power up the Baja in its role as trucklet.....?
http://impreza.subaru.com/microsites/impreza/news/news_main.jsp
Since they mention the "Sport Wagon" in the "WRX Pres Release" I think we can be sure there is an 04 WRX wagon in addition to the TS and OBS.
I'll take one in silver with a moonroof and cold weather package. Thank you very much. Now if we can get them to at least make those cool anthracite 17" wheels they have in Europe an option I'll be pleased as punch.
-Ian
Thanks for the link. I'm glad to know that Subaru isn't dropping the WRX wagon from the lineup. The brochure didn't explicilty mention a wagon.
Are you refering to the 17" pressure cast wheels on the B4 (not the super-expensive BBS ones, but the more "affordable" ones)? Those are available as a dealer option today.
Ken
Also, the STi (but not the WRX) gets an ambient temp gauge. I was hoping the regular WRX would get that feature this year. Finally, the WRX wheels are the same as last year's wheels.
Bob
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=297627
bandwidth-challenged users-- the STi information is only on pages 5-8. (you can probably tell that by the thumbnails, but just in case.)
notice on the spec sheet (page 8) that the STi's tires are described specifically as "summer radials"? that's because the car cannot achieve good test numbers (skidpad, slalom, braking) with all-season tires. but yet if they ship it with summer-only tires and some pinhead doesn't change them out in real wintry conditions they might *blame* Subaru for making something AWD yet dangerous in the snow.
personally I think it's the right call. the car should have 17" wheels with summer performance tires stock. and then every owner who will drive it in ice & snow should buy a set of 16" wheels with winter tires (preferably) or at least all-seasons.
-Colin
http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/blitzen2003/
I guess no manual offered on B4 now, huh? Bummer. I'm not sure I can commit to an auto-manual. I really, really, like rowing my own with a clutch and all. Hard to tell without knowing Japanese. All the pics of the interior show the auto-manual, but the closeup of the pedals shows, well, 3 pedals plus the dead pedal. Hmmmmm. Ken, what's it say?
I don't know if grown men would cry or start dancing in their cubicles as they did with the STi announcement, but it sure would put a big grin on my face - and a turbo Forester in my driveway!
-tom
-- Post #1 ---
Well, other than the STi and WRX, there are several turbo vehicles from Subaru coming soon - the new Forester Turbo, a Turbo Baja, and the new Legacy Turbo.
If the STi proves to be reliable in the marketplace at 300hp/300ft/lb's of torque, then 250-270hp versions of the 2.5-litre turbo should be even more reliable in high-mileage vehicles like the Legacy, along with running on even possibly regular gas.
Look at Nissan's 3.5-litre V6 and all the uses it's being put to to get an idea of what Subaru is planning...
Cheers,
Paul Hansen
-- Post #2 ---
With highly pressured engines, yes. Something that was necessary with a 2.0-litre to make power from it. But the 2.5-litre, due to it's displacement, doesn't need as much pressure to make the same power.
In fact, if the 2.5-litre was running in exactly the same spec as the 2.0 JDM STi motor, it would be making 375hp. So you can see how de-tuned the motor is to "only" be making 300hp. If it was running at even the USDM Evo 8 state of tune, you'd be talking 339hp. This means that, even in this 300hp/300ft/lb's of torque application, this is a less-stressed motor than the USDM Evo, and much less stressed than the JDM 2.0-litre STi motor.
And this is the high-power top of the line sport application. If it's then further detuned for 250hp/250ft/lb's of torque, which is still enough to move the "pedestrian" Forester or Legacy (which are both close in weight, if not lighter, than the STi) quite quickly along. Low stress, low-boost, possibly a much lower octane of gas needed.
Cheers,
Paul Hansen
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=294351&perpage=25&pagenumber=7
Now if the base WRX were to get a de-tuned 2.5, with say around 260 -270 HP, then, yes, I can see a 250 HP turbo Forester/Baja.
Bob
Interestingly, the engine output is DIFFERENT based on the tranny type:
4EAT
HP:191kW (260PS )/6000rpm
Torque: 319N-m (32.5kg-m )/5000rpm
5MT
HP:206kW (280PS )/6500rpm
Torque: 343N-m (35.0kg-m )/5000rpm
Ken
I am sure you all must have noticed this.
If you read the article in Edmunds/MSN Carpoint on WRX STI unveiling.......SOA Sr. VP publicly announced that more Perf. vehicles from Subaru are coming.
I take that as official !
-Dennis
As to lowering the power output of ATs cf. MTs, 'taint fair, McGee. ;-(
Ed
Bob
I've read about people hearing from their dealers that Subaru is working on new clutch material that chatters less. Let's see...
Ken
Yes, they are similar to the less expensive option wheels offered in the States but they are an anthracite (read dark gray) color rather than the usual silver color. I have a picture of them on a new body style wagon from Poland that some guy posted, but I can't figure out how to show it here. Oh well...
-Ian
I was fortunate enough to have my dealer call me out of the blue and offer to put the redesigned clutch in my outback, which has had a HORRIBLE shuddering problem since I bought it new 2 years ago. The clutch became available around Dec 16 and was installed on the 17th in my car. They replaced the flywheel, clutch disk, something else, and the bearings. I hope this cures the problem.
The service manager at my dealer said that they would not replace my clutch sooner because the material was the same as what was in my car and it would be prone to the same chatter/shuddering.
Unfortunately, my car has been in service for the past 3 weeks and I've yet to drive it more than a few miles since. I hope to get the car back by next week.
Anyway, let's hope this puts to rest the infamous "crappy drivetrain" chapter in Subaru's history. Bring on the twin turbos!!
brian
Bob
It seems like this is a VERY common problem (in talking to the 800 customer service line and with my service manager), but some clutches are clearly worse than others. Some people talk about a minor "chatter" that occurrs when starting out; mine was sometimes so violent that it sounded as if the whole dash was coming apart with the help of a jack hammer. I'm just glad there's a new clutch in mine...hope it proves to be better than the last one!
B
Bob
Bob: I would be surprised if Subaru didn't phase the new material into all their clutches.
Ken
Bob