The all-new 2011 WRX and WRX STI are the stuff of dreams: boosted boxer engines, tenacious all-wheel-drive systems, looks to die for and comfort, reliability and value all on the same four wheels. For those who don't know, the "STI" in WRX STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the automaker's high-performance and motorsports division. Its creations have more power, a more advanced drivetrain and a more aggressive suspension than a typical WRX, which is no slouch — believe us. Bottom line: The WRX and WRX STI represent the tip of Subaru's performance spear.
There is no denying that the WRX has been on an evolutionary fast track lately. It was completely revamped in 2008; power was increased to 265 horses in 2009; and a trick special-edition STI was added to the lineup in 2010. But none of that was enough for Subaru. For 2011, the company is overhauling the WRX again. The result: Subaru definitely knows how to make a good thing even better.
Model Lineup
A big part of Subaru's mission is to bring the boisterous flavor of earlier WRX models back while balancing the proportions of the car. Subaru's wide and low design philosophy revives the wide-body look in both the WRX and WTX STI models while taking some of the funkiness out of the line and widening the front and rear track by 1.5 inches. Both models look the same, but beyond the sheet metal, only six components from the thoroughbred bruiser STI are interchangeable with the mortal WRX. These siblings are not twins.
The WRX is available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback. Ordering an uplevel Premium model delivers an all-weather package that includes dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer, fog lights, a power tilt/slide moon roof and a trunk spoiler on 4-door models. The WRX Limited drops leather-trimmed upholstery and high-intensity discharge headlamps into the mix.
The STI offers the same Limited model but only in the 4-door sedan, and both models offer an optional navigation package that includes a 7-inch touch-screen GPS navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free calling, single-disc CD/DVD player, factory-installed Sirius satellite radio with roof-mounted antenna and an RCA audio and video auxiliary input jack.
source: msn
2011 Subaru WRX Review
