Review: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru has made many improvements to the WRX for 2009 and brought back the power levels that Subaru owners were expecting from the 2008 model. The soft and unreliable suspension has been revised for a much more solid and stiffer set up. Turbo lag has been virtually eliminated on the 2009 Subaru WRX. The outside change in body panels and styling gives it a more racy look than the previous soccer mom persona.

The most important change for the 2009 WRX comes from under the hood where the old engine has been updated from a measly 244 horsepower to a beefy 265 horsepower for 2009. Engine torque is also on the rise, now at 244-pound feet of torque. However peak torque does not come into full effect until 4000rpm which is considerably higher than the previous model year at 2800rpm. The 2009 Subaru WRX has achieved this power increase with a new turbocharger which is larger and similar to the more expensive STI and more boost pressure with the ECU re-programmed to accept up to 13.3-pounds of pressure compared to the 11.4-pounds that it was previously programmed to allow.

The 2009 Subaru WRX engine feels completely different in it's power range than the previous 2008 model, it seems as though all of the power comes on really strong around 6000 rpm making it more docile and tame in the low to mid range rpm's. The 2009 Subaru WRX is quick, achieving the quarter mile in 13.6 seconds at 103 mph. The gear ratio's on the 2009 Subaru WRX seem to favor highway driving, in the quarter mile test 60mph was achieved in 4.7 seconds while still being in second gear; no doubt the longer gears are meant to raise fuel economy and keep the Subaru WRX out of boost while cruising at higher speeds.

Suspension modifications made to the 2009 Subaru WRX really make for some tight handling and grip that compliments the all wheel drive system very well, spring rates were increased to 43-percent in the front and 42-percent in the rear. Also aboard are larger diameter anti-sway bars with the front bar going up from 20- to 21-millimeters and rear rising from 15- to 16-millimeters. Stiffer shocks and upper strut mounts have been borrowed from it's older brother the STI, and the total result is roll stiffness that's 22-percent firmer in front and 29-percent firmer in the rear than the previous model year. While the steering has had a damper valve added to keep kickback in check, it remains the same ratio as in 2008 at 15:1. Tires have also been upgraded over the previous year from all season radials to summer spec softer tires for added grip via a 225/45/17 radial tire. The steering is very tight and highly improved from the previous year on the 2009 Subaru WRX with almost no noticeable difference from the STI.

On the road the 2009 Subaru WRX is ready to please with a good boost in power, stiffer suspension, and more capable tires; the Subaru WRX is almost completely prepared from the factory to hit the autocross track with it's more than capable all wheel drive system, although the braking system has not been upgraded so you may not want to hit that autocross track just yet.

So what do you get for about 25,000 dollars? You get performance, fuel economy, total control over the road and the hazards that envelope it with stiff suspension and grippy tires while an all wheel drive system dictates that all tires are hugging the ground firmly on wet days.

'09 Subaru Impreza WRX

Engine Displacement/Type/Valvetra: in2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four, aluminum block and heads, DOHC, turbocharged and intercooled
Claimed Crank HP:265bhp @ 6000 rpm
Claimed Crank Torque:244lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Drivetrain/Layout/Transmission: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive, five-speed manual
Suspension (Front): MacPherson strut - STI upper mounts, 217lb/inch springs, 21mm swaybar
Suspension (Rear): Double wishbone - 194lb/inch springs, 16mm swaybar
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated front discs, dual-piston sliding calipers/Solid rear discs, single-piston sliding calipers
Wheels (Front/Rear): 17x7-inch aluminum
Tires (Front/Rear): 225/45/17

Source:http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/08q4/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx-short_take_road_test