The Subaru Impreza WRX is a special version of the Subaru Impreza. Other forms of this car include the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS and the Subaru Impreza Outback.
The WRX is the model based on the rally racing car version. The various models are upgraded from the standard Imprezas by having turbos and fancier suspension. And fancy steering wheels. The WRX can be had in 4-door sedan or 'sport wagon' form. The sport wagon lacks the fender flares, so if you take off the WRX logo, it would make a wonderful Q-ship.
Long available only in Japan and Europe, it is being offered in the USA for the first time in 2000 (which, in car-time is the 2002-model year). Car magazines report they are selling like hotcakes, in many cases sight unseen.
The Subaru Impreza WRX is the natural enemy of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series.
I want to one up wonko by buying the "special" or "of DOOM!" version of the WRX - the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, when it becomes available. And if they'll sell it in the US, the even-more-special Subaru Impreza WRX STi ProDrive Style.
The STi part stands for Subaru Technica International, the special in-house tuning shop. The difference between the standard WRX and the STi version include:
- more horsepower - around 280hp
- reinforced engine block, specially coated pistons
- more turbo boost
- 6-speed manual gearing
- variable center differential
- numerous minor body and interior details
The ProDrive style is a style package - bigger wing on the back, different bumpers, different gauge package, weird WRC-style roof vent, etc.
It should cost in the vicinity of $30,000.
September 2004 - I have actually purchased a Subaru Impreza WRX STi. ~$34,000. It has around 300hp at the wheels. It has driver-controlled center differential. It is blue, with gold rims. It has a ridiculously large wing in the back.
Some points about the car:
- no clock. I got a 6-disc Cd changer, but no clock. Silly oversight.
- The suspension is hard, the tire is performance oriented = ride is bumpy
- It is fast.
- Mileage isn't great.
- It's probably the best car I will ever drive.
A sad note is that the WRX's natural enemy, the Lancer Evo series put out by
Mitsubishi, has a hazy future due to Mitsubishi's uncertain future.