It's going to become difficult to differentiate an Impreza WRX from the top-of-the-line Impreza WRX STI when Subaru's turbocharged sport compact car gets the wide-body treatment usually reserved for its high-performance model.
Based on Subaru's "wide and low" concept, the wide-body design will give the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX a more aggressive presence while simultaneously creating a consistent flow from the front to the rear bumper.
Up front, the Subaru WRX's bumper has sharpened corners while the wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles further accentuate the "wide and low" profile. The 2011 WRX also gets a jutting lip spoiler similar to that of its larger stablemate, the Legacy GT, together with a new black-based front grille adorned with a blacked-out Subaru wing to accentuate the headlights' shape. Add all that with the larger bumper intake openings and the wide-body Subaru WRX's front end looks more powerful than ever.
At the rear, the wide-body fender stretches out from the tail lamps to give the Subaru Impreza WRX a more stable look and an improved drag coefficient.
The Impreza WRX's front and rear tracks have been increased by 1.5 inches to go with the car's wider 17-inch wheels. Firmer rear subframe bushings also keep the wide-body WRX more firmly planted on the ground.
Despite the add-ons, the wide-body 2011 Subaru WRX is just roughly 15 kilograms heavier than the previous WRX. This keeps the model's maximum output at 265hp with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
"The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package," said Tom Doll, Subaru of America executive vice president and chief operating officer.
The wide-body WRX will become available in the United States by the second half of 2010. Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, has yet to confirm if the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX will soon be plying local roads.
