 
Under Construction
More
NEW STi Photos
October
10, 2002
The prototype
for the 2003 Subaru WRC as displayed at the Paris motor show has many
improvements over last years race car. The suspension, engine and aerodynamics
have all been changed.
Peugeot has
dominated recent World Rally Championship races and this Impreza is the
first step to even the competition.
The body
shell is lighter and stiffer and includes a new roll cage.
NEW
WRX DESIGN IS REVEALED IN PARIS ! !
October
2, 2002
The new design
of the Impreza and WRX has been revealed at the Paris Motor Show on the
26th of September in the form of the high performance STi model. Take
a look at the photos below!
 
 
Left: The
big wing for the STi will not come with the standard WRX.
Right: The
photos on the right and below have been circulating the internet for a
few days now. They reveal the significant facelift to the controversial
round headlights of the 2001 model. The new headlights are more rectangular
and the corners actually dip into the bumper.
Does it look
a little like the Liberty?
Other changes
include a new bonnet/hood, Front and Rear bumpers, and tail lights. As
shown in the photo above, the rear wing remains unchanged in the standard
model.
The STi model
will have a new smaller Momo steering wheel and a higher air intake for
the intercooler.
It has been
reported that the new model will also include some extra safety features
as well. More news will be published on this site as it arrives. In the
meantime, let us know what you think and Stay tuned!
 
August
1, 2002
www.subaruwrx.com
has secured a deal with totaladvance to provide a special offer exclusive
to visitors of this web site!
Click
the banner below for a special offer
(The above
offer has expired)
Sti
Rumor
July
22, 2002
I have sources
at Subaru that has heard that the 4 door WRX Sti could be available in
the USA by Fall of 2003. They also mentioned that the car would be built
in such a low volume for the USA that they would probably be all special
order cars. They had also mentioned the USA branch of Subaru has asked
the Subaru Japan to consider making a two door version for the USA.
This is similar
to the initial release of limited edition WRX's sold in Australia during
1999. The Demand always outstripped supply and the limited editions have
alway been a success. This rumor is no great surprise. Let's hope it's
true!
New
WRX design
July
20, 2002
There have
been no photo updates to this site for a while now. Why? because we are
eagerly awaiting the new design WRX. There could be a facelift to the
Impreza front end before the end of this year or early next year! The
car will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September. Japanese sources
say that the headlamps may have a new styling along with a totally new
nose and changes to the rear end. How exciting is that? Stay tuned for
more information.
2006
WRX design
May
25, 2002
Greek design
guru Andreas Zapatinas will move to Japan next month to work with Subaru
to design the new Impreza for 2006. The current WRX design has been extremely
controversial since its initial release in 2000 and many see that this
appointment is an admission by Subaru that the current design is a failure.
Most would
agree that the current model would receive full marks for performance
and handling but its disappointing sales figures are the result of general
public opinion that it looks ugly.
Zapatinas
will be the "chief designer" and will be in charge of all new
models at Subaru for the next generation.
The
2003 WRX in the USA?
May
12, 2002
Here
is the official news on the 2003 WRX for the USA:
"We do not yet have the specifications or changes in store for the
'03 WRX and we will not have this information until late this Summer,
as the '03 WRX models should begin to arrive at Subaru dealerships in
August. Please feel free to contact us again at that time. Best wishes!"
So there
you go. Call your dealers in August for the latest info!
The
latest news on the STi in the USA!
May
1, 2002
Here
is the official news on the STi coming to the USA:
"Subaru is considering the feasibility of an STi version of the
WRX for future model years. But, we do not have any definite plans at
this time. If an STi version of the WRX becomes available in the United
States, it would probably not be for a couple of model years. Since we
have only introduced the WRX in the US a little more than a year ago,
it is too early to confirm the likelihood of offering an STi version in
the US.
We appreciate that you took the time to contact us. I will forward your
suggestion to offer an STi version of the WRX in the US to our Product
Planning Department for their review and consideration. Thanks again!!
Subaru of America, Inc."
Thankyou
to John M. from Subaru of America for giving a me quick straight answer
to the question: "Is the STi coming to the USA".
I am sure
that the news will be disappointment to many WRX fans in the USA. I guess
you know what they say: "All good things are worth waiting for".
STi
for the USA?
April
26, 2002
At this
stage I will not try to speculate but one thing I know is true is that
there is huge demand for the STi based on the number of emails I have
been receiving from WRX fans.
Stay tuned
for the latest news and keep your fingers crossed.
Free
immobiliser upgrades for Australian WRXs
March
25, 2002
All Australian
WRX owners with vehicle models 1999 to 2001 have been offered free engine
immobiliser upgrades to provide a higher level of theft protection. Since
August 2001, the number of thefts of WRXs has tripled in Australia. Most
of the thefts have been carried out by professional car theives with the
ability to crack the old immobiliser system. The cars which are stolen
are generally never recovered.
This public
relations exercise is good for the existing WRX owners and prospective
buyers who are struggling to justify the high insurance costs of owning
a WRX.
The new immobiliser
system incorporates a numeric keypad pin number system which must be keyed
in to start the engine. It also incorporates a sophisticated anti-hijack
feature which is designed to prevent a thief from getting too far with
the vehicle if the driver was forcibly removed.
The upgrade
is available through authorised Subaru dealerships and is expected to
cost Subaru Australia more than $1AUS million.
subaruwrx.com
now affiliated with carsdirect.com
February
1, 2002
Subaruwrx.com
is now affiliated with carsdirect.com. Please read our links
section to find out more.
Or click
on the link below for the best online car site on the net.  
Details
of the New Impreza RS for Australia
December
1, 2001
Subaru has
added a new 2.5 Liter variant, to the Impreza range. The addition of the
RS means that Subaru now offers a broad All-Wheel Drive Impreza range
which now consists of the 2.0 Liter normally aspirated GX, RV and RX models,
plus a 2.5 Liter RS and of course the turbo-charged 2.0 Liter WRX.
Subaru Australia
has identified a demand for a more powerful Impreza so the 2.5 litre engine
used in some of the Libertys and Outbacks, was added.
Features:
Engine: The
2.5 liter horizontally opposed boxer engine produces 112kW of power at
5,600rpm and a class-leading 223Nm of torque at 3,600rpm. Impreza RS engineering
refinement. Impreza RS fuel tank capacity is 60 litres, up from 50 on
2.0 litre Imprezas.
Interior:
Sports interior, including bucket front seats and a Momo leather steering
wheel.
Exterior:
Five-spoke 16-inch silver alloy wheels.
Minor changes
to the entire MY02 Impreza range include the addition of a window-integrated
radio aerial and an outside temperature display.
The latest MY02 Impreza pricing:
Impreza GX
sedan manual, $25,990
Impreza GX sedan auto, $27,940
Impreza GX hatch manual, $26,440
Impreza GX hatch auto, $28,390
Impreza RX sedan manual, $30,570
Impreza RX sedan auto, $32,520
Impreza RX hatch manual, $31,020
Impreza RX hatch auto, $32,970
Impreza RV hatch manual, $29,990
Impreza RV hatch auto, $31,980
Impreza RS sedan manual, $32,990
Impreza RS sedan auto, $34,940
Impreza WRX sedan manual, $41,490
Impreza WRX sedan auto, $43,440
Impreza WRX hatch manual, $41,940
Impreza WRX hatch auto, $43,890
Subaru
Autograph Edition WRX in USA
November
29, 2001
Subaru of America, Inc. has created a one off, 2002 Subaru Autograph Edition
Impreza WRX featuring autograph signatures from, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams,
John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Patrick Rafter, Jennifer Capriati, Lindsay
Davenport, Jim Courier, Steffi Graf, Pete Sampras and more (wow!). The
Subaru Autograph Edition WRX has been auctioned off to the highest bidder
at a player's dinner in Bellevue, Wash. on October 6th, 2001. All proceeds
will benefit patient care and research at the University of Washington
Medical Center Breast Care and Cancer Research Center.
The WRX Autograph
Edition features a wild, tennis theme interior and exterior set against
a blaze yellow paint job together with autographs on the outside. Look
pretty cool?
For additional
information on Autograph Edition, please visit www.uwbreastcare.com
New
Impreza WRX 2002 for Australia
October
19, 2001
Subaru Australia
has launched the 2002 model Impreza WRX!! So what's new?? The main difference
is the closer ratio gears in the manual version. The gear ratios have
been revised for improved driveability for Australian conditions, and
produces increases of up to 16 per cent in in-gear performance. Final
reduction gear ratio is now 4.444 compared to 3.9 for the MY01 model.
The automatic WRX features a gated selector.
For security, the keypad alarm, linked to the immobilizer, is the same
sophisticated system used in the recently-introduced Liberty B4, taking
Impreza WRX security to new heights.
Manual transmission:MY02
Impreza WRX: MY01 Impreza WRX comparison
Gear ratio
1st: 3.166: 3.454
Gear ratio 2nd: 1.882: 1.947
Gear ratio 3rd: 1.296: 1.366
Gear ratio 4th: 0.972: 0.972
Gear ratio 5th: 0.738: 0.738
Gear ratio rev.: 3.333: 3.333
Axle ratio (Final reduction ratio): 4.444: 3.900
In-gear time:
MY02 Impreza WRX: MY01 Impreza WRX
35-90 km/h in 2nd gear: 4.29 seconds: 4.81 seconds
50-120 km/h in 3rd gear: 7.52 seconds: 8.56 seconds
70-140 km/h in 4th gear: 10.34 seconds: 12.3 seconds
* Data independently
collected by the RACV.
Other changes
to the entire MY02 Impreza range include the addition of a window-integrated
radio aerial, an outside temperature display, keypad alarm linked to the
imobilizer and automatic transmission is now an option.
MY02 Impreza WRX pricing:
Impreza WRX
manual sedan, $41,490
Impreza WRX automatic sedan, $43,440
Impreza WRX manual hatch, $41,940
Impreza WRX automatic hatch, $43,890
Impreza
WRX STi preview
October
19, 2001
The long-awaited
Subaru Impreza WRX STi made its Australian motor show debut last week,
prior to its local launch in December. The 195 Kilowatt, 343 Newton metre
STi will go on sale in Australia at $55,130.
The Australian
Impreza WRX STi will include front and rear Suretrac limited slip differentials,
a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox and 2.0 litre turbo charged variable
valve timing Active Valve Control System (AVCS) engine. It will be available
in four colours and will be a permanent part of the Subaru range.
Impreza WRX
STi features confirmed so far:
- Aluminium
bonnet
- AM/FM radio with six-CD in-dash stacker, cassette and six speakers
- Active Valve Control System (AVCS)
- Brembo brakes 326mm 4-pot front, 316mm 2-pot rear
- Clear free-form quad headlights integrated with indicators
- Comprehensive keypad alarm security system
- Larger bonnet scoop
- Six-speed close ratio manual transmission
- Sports ABS
- Sports bodykit
- Sports interior, including bucket seats with STi logo
- STi gearshift surround
- STi large diameter exhaust
- Suretrac front and rear limited slip differentials
The
Terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Pittsburgh
September
14, 2001
I had the
TV on in the background as the first newsflash came through. Over the
next four hours until 2am, I watched the events unfold. I thought of my
3 friends in NYC and after a few phone calls, I heard they were OK.
Here in
Australia, our hearts and condolences go out to all of those who have
been affected by this horrible act of terrorism. All of us here in the
office and at home has spent time talking and reflecting on the events
of the past few days, the sadness is almost overwhelming as if it happened
on our very own front doorstep. All our lives have been changed forever.
Take care and be at peace with each other.
Major
Site Update
August
2001
If you have
been following this web site, you will notice that it has gone through
a major upgrade. The "Archive" & "Products" sections
will return soon and a new "Photos Gallery" section will be
added during September. The B4 is here in Australia and more information
on that is coming soon too. In the meantime, check out these new photos
for the Detroit Motor Show taken earlier this year.
And have a look at the WRX police cars used in Australia.
Photos
from Detroit Motor Show
WRX Police
Cars in Australia
General
News
June
2001
 I've
had numerous emails recently asking the same questions which I would like
to try to answer.
Is the
Subaru Liberty B4 going to be released?
Subaru has
been taking orders in Australia for the Liberty B4 for some time now and
they will arrive in August. At the moment there is no official answer
regarding availability for the USA.
Is the
STi version of the latest WRX going to be released?
Updated:
The New STi will be in Australia in December 2001. What a Christmas present!
This means that there will be no doubt that it will be available in the
USA at some stage within the next 18 months. What great news! Stay tuned
for more information.
Where
can I get performance parts for the WRX?
I know of
a number of suppliers of performance parts for the WRX but I would like
to research a little more before I publish company names. If anyone has
any suggestions, let me know.
What's
the WRX like to drive?
This is an
easy one. Absolutely excellent!! That's coming from me...a proud WRX owner
for 3 years now.
Many have emailed me with the same opinion and I agree that it's not just
the pure acceleration from zero to 60 but the handling and comfort of
the car which kills its competitors. Some say that the Honda Integra Type
R is the only thing which comes close for a similar price.
Where
can I get the best deal for insurance for the WRX?
Insurance
for the WRX is a worldwide problem!! In general, the WRX is expensive
to insure due to its high performance and the number of thefts (for the
older models). All I can suggest is that you SHOP AROUND for the best
insurance.
Keep on drivin'
and thanks for visiting.
Success
in the USA
May 2001
The WRX
is a roaring success in America and there is no doubt that it will enjoy
a cult following similar to that in Australia and the rest of the world.
There were approximately 2000 WRXs sold in the first two weeks of release
in the US and in one dealership, 158 were ordered in the initial shipment
and 79 were pre-sold.
As a result,
Subaru will be shipping almost all Japanese factory WRXs to the USA during
June, July, August which means that the rest of world may have to wait.
Australia may get none during this time which may not be as bad as it
seems due to a slowdown in sales in this region. Although only 205 were
sold in Australia during April, Subaru has prepared for the shortage by
ordering extra cars during the recent months.
B4
Available
April 2001
Australian
dealers are finally taking orders for the Legacy B4. It will feature a
five-speed manual transmission with sports leather interior and premium
sound system. The performance: 0 to 100km/h in approximately 5.8
seconds! The price will be approximately $62,000AUS.
Specifications:
- ENGINE:
Horizontally Opposed 2 Litre, 4 Cylinder Two-stage twin-turbo engine.
- POWER
(AUS): 206W at 6500RPM AND 343Nm of torque at 5000rpm.
- POWER
(USA): 280HP at 6500RPM AND ???LB-FT of torque at 5000rpm.
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