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Home | Sube News | Products | My Mods | WRX Forums | RS Forums | Links | Site News | Photos | Contact |
An absolute MUST see place to go for information.
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News |
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5-March-01 |
Press Release Attention all future 2002 WRX owners and info seekers: Subaru of America has officially announced a partnership with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). This exciting new relationship will present all owners of the 2002 Impreza WRX with a one-year complimentary membership to the SCCA. The SCCA is the authority for professional and amateur road racing, rally and autocross events in the U.S. The Impreza has been a favorite and major competitor in SCCA events because of its' superior handling attributed to the Subaru All-Wheel-Driving system. Please check out the official press release on www.ImprezaWRX.com for further partnership details and membership benefits. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the latest WRX information. In the meantime, happy rallying! Subaru eBusiness Team |
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11-January-01 |
2001 Detroit Auto Show Subie Q&A with Mike Whelan, Senior Manager, Subaru Product Public Relations. Brought to you by the Subaru Internet Performance Panel. (Member list to follow...)
1. Q: What are power and torque ratings for the US motor, including the RPMs that the measurements taken at. A: 227hp @ 6000rpm, 217 ft/lb @ 4000rpm. Also, The 5 speed Gear ratio is 3.90 - whether the size of the gears is larger is unknown. Automatic tranny has variable torque planetary gear with 45f/55r distribution and 4.11 rear gear ratio.
2. Q: Does the US motor come with AVCS or not? If not, for what reason? A: No, the future STi will incorporate that feature. 3. Q: What fuel should be used in the WRX motor? A: 91 and above for best performance. 4. Q: What's the compression ratio on the US motor? A: 8:1 5. Q: Will rear LSD be an option or standard equipment on all WRX models? A: LSD is standard 6. Q: What will be the standard wheel/tire size? A: 205/55x16" 7. Q: Will there be an option for bigger/different wheels and/or tires? A: Forged ultralight BBS 17x7" are available over the counter, you pick tires and sell your old wheels and tires yourself. They are estimated to be $650 each w/out tires! Reccommended tire size is 215/45x17". 8. Q: Will we get rear window washer/wiper, even as an option? A: I will need to check. 9. Q: Will we get remote foldable rear view mirrors, even as an option? (like in J-Spec). A: No. 10. Q: Will we get other J-Spec options such as heated mirrors, wiper deicer and rear fog lamps? A: No. 11. Q: Will we get HID low beam lamps, even as an option? If not, why not? A: No. 12. Q: Will rear spoler be an option? And what will that spoiler look like? A: We will have Optional port installed spoiler, F/R under-spoiler and Side Skirts kit, $ N/A. 13. Q: Will keyless entry be optional like now or standard, like in J-Spec version? A: This is Standard.
14. Q: What will be the standard in-dash stereo equipment? Single CD player, radio, or 6-CD changer? Which will be optional? A: 80 watt casette 6 disk changer 6 speaker w/tweeter, sub optional. 15. Q: What kind of brakes will we get for front and rear? A: They are 2 pot calipers, which are smaller for cost control. The 4-pot brakes should appear on an STi version in a couple of years. 16. Q: Will we get sunroof or moonroof as standard or optional equipment? A: NO. This is to increase structural rigidity 148% tortional and 84% flexural increase - test drivers say it feels "tight". 17. Q: Will we get 3-point center rear seat belt or just the same one we get now? A: Yes, and it will have child seat teathers too. 18. Q: Will we get rear foldable seats or at least the center part for the sedan? What about the wagon? A: There is a pass through in the sedan, but they fold in the wagon. The front seat fits very tall >6'-7'' people and has 50mm seat/steering adjustment available. 19. Q: What is the reason for not having a side repeater light on US models? A: It is still there, but closer to the front bumper. 20. Q: Will the yellow WRX be distinguished by color alone or by something else as well? A: ALL will come in - Black Granite Pearl, Sedona Red, Alpine White, WR Blue, Lightning Silver. WRX will have 450 as yellow sedan. 21. Q: Will there be an STi version in US at any later time? A: The plan is to introduce an STi in 2 yasrs with 4pot/AVCS if approved. But, STi struts and springs are option now, price unknown.
22. Q: Will bucket sport seats be available even as an option? A: The new seats already have more side/seat support std. 23. Q: What other options will there be available for WRX? Body kit, under spoilers, etc? A: There will be a performance STi muffler, still labeled as STi dist under the umbrella of SPT. Plus any STi parts sold under the SPT name. 24. Q: And finally, what's the base price and fully optioned-out price? A: The price will range from $23,995 - $30,000 fully loaded. The wagon will be $500 less. 25. Q: Will we have leather as an option? A: No, you will need to make local arrangements with your dealer. 26. Q: Who will SOA sponsor in 2001 SCCA ProRally series? A: No answer. 27. Q: Will there be SOA contingency program for participation in SCCA events? A: Subaru has done this x1-2 yrs, and in 2001 they will up ante, exact $ they're not sure. There will be leds ST/SM money, and more for stock. 28. Q: What is the planned date for WRX delivery in Canada? A: 3/14/01 in the USA & CDN. 29. Q: Whom can I send a nasty e-mail at SOA "to thank" for choosing Potenzas RE-92? A: The choice was to satisfy a variety of driving conditions. 30. Q: When does SOA plan to introduce WRX STi in North America? A: They will look at the response to the WRX and Shoot for 2 years. 31. Q: Will SOA instruct its dealers to be more mod-fiendly? At least the dealers should be educated about the law on mods (the direct cause and effect). Certainly there is a conflict with sponsoring ST and voiding warrantees on ST prepped cars. A: Not sure. (ed note, this question was deftly avoided and sidetracked). SOA appears to desire to improve their relationship with those who modify their cars, and is investigating this further.
Finally - Q: Head lights - why this change? A: To look different, forward thinking look, Similar to E class Mercedes. In person, the headlights are more clear and attractive than in photos (my comment). STATS and TidBits: 1st production run 5000 Imprezas begins delivery 3/14/00, with 10000 total for the year. 40% will Be WRX and 450 will be yellow sedans. Subaru introduced '93 WRX to the press, later the 22b, and ultimately USA pressure lead to release. AWARD to be presented 1/11/00 for "Most fun to drive 2001 autoshow"! It proved to be quite reliable - in street & rally school in Gainesville FL, they only had two punctures and NO damage! Other engine Details: It uses a tumble generator valve to achieve LEV status - a butterfly valve causes swirl - opens at high rpm and when engine is warm. It has direct ignition - 1 coil/plat plug. It uses large IHI sleeve bearing turbo @ 13.5 psi (ed note: We saw an IHI on the STi motor, and a Mitsubishi on the USA WRX - also reports of actually seeing 14.2 and 14.7 psi are out there). Wastegate is electronicly controlled with gradual bleed off. Service interval is 105K cam timing belt. Due to new technology in metals, the solid lifters have a 100K service interval! Suspension has larger bushings and bigger crossmember. The WRX has a twin tailpipe tip vs 1 with RS. It has a ring frame reinforced body with tailor made B-pillars/side sills - variable thickness. Front pillar/rear pillar support beams. Aliiuminum hood vs 2.5 RS steel. There are roof structural bars.
Other tidbits. STX is due fall 2002 as 2003 model. OBS will be introduced at Chicago auto show in 1 month. RS has no scoop and was not here at the show. It will come out with the OBS. More details to follow! |
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10-January-01 |
2001 Detroit Auto Show
Well, I'm here with the rest of the Subaru Internet Performance Panel, and tomorrow we will get a close-up look at the new 2002 USA WRX, and have access to Subaru people who can answer all of our questions. I will try to post news here regularly, from my laptop in the hotel room!
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7-January-01 |
2002 USA WRX Specs - Sneak Peek
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17-December-00 |
2001 Detroit Auto Show I will be attending the 2001 Detroit Auto Show at the Manufacturer Supplier Day on 1/12/01, two days before the show opens. I will get plenty of pictures and questions answered, and post them here!
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6-July-00 |
From: matt7184 Scooby Newbie Posts: 3 Registered: Jul 2000 posted July 06, 2000 01:55 PM ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Hope this is true, and im not sure if this is the same article in the August issue, but it said: "Subaru Impreza RS (WRX) Our biggest complaint about Subaru's sporty all-wheel-drive Impreza 2.5 RS is its lack of power. Despite possessing an excellent chassis and rally-car-inspired good looks, the 2.5 RS produces 165 bhp from a 2.5-liter flat-4, a letdown, really, for we know that the Japanese-market Impreza WRX pumps out at least 280. But Subaru plans to answer the call for more power with the next-generation Impreza, by, among other things, incorporating a turbocharger. What's more, inside sources tell me that the next car's performance characteristics will be very similar to those of the European-market GT Turbo, whose 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 produces 218 bhp. During my brief trip to Japan, I telephoned the friendly folks at Subaru's test facility near Tokyo and asked if they had a GT Turbo sitting around somewhere. Their reply: "Come on over; we'll shut down the track for you." On a warm sunny day in the mountains of Tochigi, I found myself hanging on for dear life as I lapped the high-speed banked oval in the GT Turbo. I nervously peered down at the speedometer: It showed 150 mph. If this was to be an early taste of what the next Impreza was going to be like, we in the States are in for an extraordinary treat. Simply put, the sporty 4-door (the U.S.-bound version will likely come only in coupe form) is fast very fast. Off the line, the car shoots away like a bullet, with all four tires taking a firm bite of the road. And 60 mph comes and goes in 4.9 sec. while the quarter-mile mark is reached in 13.6. The GT Turbo was equally impressive on Subaru's twisty handling course, where it exhibited excellent balance and control. Thanks mainly to all-wheel drive, the GT Turbo never lost its composure during cornering; even on fast transitions, the rear end always stayed put. Turn-in was crisp and body roll was largely kept in check by the car's fine-tuned suspension system MacPherson struts up front and a dual-link strut setup at rear. Subaru officials informed me that the next Impreza will have completely new styling, looks that should immediately attract the attention of image-conscious sports-car enthusiasts. They also said that they intend to keep the price of the car down; therefore, don't be surprised to see a price tag in the neighborhood of $25,000. There are still a couple of years until the next Impreza (or will it be called the WRX?) hits dealer showrooms, but when it does, you can be sure that the name Subaru will come to indicate superior performance. |
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29-June-00 |
COBB TUNING SPONSORS TROPHY IN THE MICHELIN CAR AND DRIVER ONE LAP OF AMERICA Rockwall, TX - Cobb Tuning, North America's leading Subaru tuner, is proud to announce a new trophy to be awarded at the 2001 Michelin Car and Driver One Lap of America for the top placing Subaru in the event. Along with the trophy, a $500 contengiency for the top placing Subaru will also be awarded, as well as $250 and $100 contengiency awards for the 2nd and 3rd placing Subarus, respectively. Eligible Subaru models for the trophy are the Impreza, Legacy, Forester and SVX, and all must use a Subaru drivetrain. To be eligible for the contengiency awards, the vehicle must display Cobb Tuning logos for the entire duration of the event. Contengiency packets are available from Cobb Tuning by request. For more information regarding the Michelin Car and Driver One Lap of America, please visit their web site at One lap of America. Contact Information: Cobb Tuning - 2205 State Hwy 276 - Rockwall, TX 75032 USA Ph: +1 972-771-1555 Fax: +1 972-722-1810 Web: Cobb Tuning E-mail: Email Sales |
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24-May-00 |
Press Release: Cobb Tuning: NORTH AMERICA'S NEW SUBARU PERFORMANCE AUTHORITY April 15th, 2000 Rockwall, TX - Focusing on the growing North American Subaru enthusiast community, Cobb Tuning develops high quality performance products to owners of late model Subaru Imprezas, Legacys, and Foresters. While interest in Subaru vehicles as a performance platform is extremely strong elsewhere in the world, the North American market is just now awaking to their potential. "There is an incredible amount of aftermarket support for Subaru's everyone else in the world which in turn has helped promote the sales of Subaru vehicles.", states Trey Cobb, founder of Cobb Tuning. "Our focus is to do the same for the North American market by offering products built here in the United States specifically for the North American vehicles." With Subaru's most highly sought after car, the highly acclaimed Impreza WRX, coming for the first time to North America in the middle of 2001, the aftermarket demand for Subaru performance parts is expected to substantially increase. Subaru has also recently released a 3.0L Flat 6 cylinder engine for use in their top of the line Legacy Outback which offers enormous performance potential. Already the leading importer/supplier of STi (Subaru of Japan's performance division) parts in America, Cobb Tuning's primary focus is on manufacturing their own line of specialty parts designed for the North American models. Cobb Tuning also plans on offering limited edition 'Cobb Tuned' versions of the Impreza, Legacy and Forester available through select Subaru dealerships in North America. Motorsport activity is also planned to be used as a testbed for new products. Cobb Tuning currently sponsors many SCCA Solo 2 national competitors and are in talks with a few SCCA Pro Rally teams as well as racers in the growing Import Drag racing circuit. Cobb Tuning operates out of their 7,000 sq.ft. facility located in scenic Rockwall, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas. Hours of operation are from 9am till 6pm Monday through Friday and 9am till 1pm on Saturdays. Contact Information: Cobb Tuning - 2205 State Hwy 276 - Rockwall, TX 75032 USA Ph: +1 972-771-1555 Fax: +1 972-722-1810 Web: Cobb Tuning E-mail: Email Sales |
