The Impreza WRX moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.
To supplement the increased power, Subaru re-tuned the WRX suspension, increasing spring rates and adding thicker stabilizer bars. Standard 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wear 225/45R17 summer performance tires, compared to 205/50R17 all-season tires on the 2008 WRX.
The 2009 Impreza WRX is equipped exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission and, like all Subarus, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, standard on all Impreza models for 2009, helps to enhance road-handling safety.
An Incline Start Assist feature can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on a hill.
The WRX interior for 2009 gains new WRX-exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery, accented by red stitching. A standard tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented by red stitching, and standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers now include the driver's footrest.
A new Impreza 2.5GT model for 2009 (four-Door and five-Door) is powered by a 224 hp turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine mated exclusively to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with
SPORTSHIFT.
Subaru employs four versions of Symmetrical AWD system across its model line.
The type used in the WRX utilizes a viscous coupling locking centre differential that distributes torque 50:50 front/rear.
Should slippage occur, the system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.
The version of Symmetrical AWD used in the Impreza 2.5 GT utilizes an electronically controlled continually variable hydraulic transfer clutch.
All Impreza models for 2009 feature a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
