2011 Subaru Impreza WRX details

Finally adopting the same wide body as the WRX STI, the 198kW Impreza WRX, or the REX as its best known here in Australia, now features wider tread and tyre widths in addition to a newly tuned suspension. Subaru says the changes will mean a massive improvement to stability and road-holding performance for high speed driving (on the racetrack of course).

The changes will affect both the 4-door sedan and 5-door hatch models. From the outside the obvious adoption of the STI body kit adds a whole new sense of sportiness to the car whilst a WRX garnish has been added to the fenders. After two years of waiting the WRX finally looks the business.

Subaru has picked out new lightweight 17-inch gunmetal grey alloy wheels which it says improve overall driving performance. The Impreza WRX will also make use of the STI's twin dual exhaust pipes for a meaner look.

Although the WRX sedan doesn't get the enormous STI rear spoiler, it does get the traditionally smaller spoiler. Hatch fans will be happy to know the roof spoiler of the 5-door model is the same as that of the WRX STI hatch.

Overall the new MY11 WRX has had its front and rear treads widened by 35 mm and 40 mm respectively. The tyres have also gone to 235 which is a 10 mm improvement over the MY10 model. Much like the STI variant the sub-frame bushings of the rear suspension have been modified for better stability and grip at high speeds.

The main point of difference between the WRX and WRX STI remains the transmission (six-speed strong box in the STI), power and torque, suspension, brakes, interior trim (e.g. seats) and a few other minor details.

Australian buyers will have to wait until later this year for this car's arrival.

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Major Specifications (US. Specification models)