Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Subaru WRX STI
Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI, Subaru's iconic performance flagship model, at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Subaru will offer a WRX STI Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 units and exclusively featuring WR Blue paint and gold BBS® forged alloy wheels and unique interior trim
Powered by the
legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the 2015
WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design, built on a stiffer
chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. The Subaru WRX
STI provides a rally-bred drivetrain and all-wheel drive handling that
is unique to this model. Handling is enhanced with a stiffer chassis,
firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio).
New for the
2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins an arsenal of the model's
proven handling technologies that includes Multi-Mode Driver Controlled
Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode
Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with
Super Sport ABS.
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI carries its bold
personality inside, where new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red
and black leather bolsters and red stitching set the tone for the
upgraded and roomier cabin. A driver-focused interior remains integral
to the WRX STI performance character, with the new model debuting a
motorsports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel and new
whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height and
tilt-adjustable head restraints. A wide array of new user technologies
include, for the first time in a Subaru WRX STI, availability of a
harman/kardon® premium audio system
Iconic STI Design Exclusively in Sedan Form
A
bolder front design makes the 2015 WRX STI look ready to devour the
road. The "nose-cone" configuration combines the grille and bumper cap
into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from
aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower
headlights, designed to evoke a raptor's stare, flank the Subaru
hexagonal grille. It's a more powerful stare thanks to new standard LED
low-beam headlights.
The special hood, fenders, doors and
quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the Subaru
WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop
supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is
set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.
Other
new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a
carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh
screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large trunk spoiler
that has been a WRX STI signature feature. A rear diffuser, LED
taillights and LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) leave a
distinctive signature.
New, Stiffer Chassis for Greater Handling Agility
The
2015 Subaru WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile
steel than the previous model and features special stiffening elements
at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering
response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars. The
13.0:1 steering ratio provides a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock compared
to 14.5:1 and 2.8 for the standard WRX model.
As on previous WRX
STI models, the 2015 version uses an exclusive inverted-strut front
suspension system that provides higher levels of cornering agility.
Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The
STI-tuned suspension teams with standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18
summer performance tires, with the WRX STI Launch Edition and WRX STI
Limited models featuring BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels.
305-hp Turbo BOXER Engine
The
2015 Subaru WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled
4-cylinder BOXER engine that employs the Dual Active Valve Control
System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model,
produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak
torque at 4,000 rpm.
The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively with
a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission, which includes an
STI short-throw shifter in the Launch Edition model. Incline Start
Assist can momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being
driven away from a stop on an incline.
The Subaru Intelligent
Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system allows the driver to
tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three
selectable modes - "Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" - using a
rotary dial on the center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance
characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by
fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.
Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
The
2015 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver
Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical
All-Wheel Drive. This sophisticated system uses planetary-type center
differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A mechanical
limited-slip type center differential augments an electronically
controlled center differential to enhance torque transfer performance.
Sensor
inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM, lateral-g,
yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer response. A
helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN®
torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side
torque distribution.
The DCCD AWD system features three automatic
modes, each using varying degrees of center differential locking to
match different driving situations. In manual mode, the driver can
select one of six center differential locking levels to suit the driving
situation.
Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the
Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control
system, can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to
facilitate more neutral cornering. The VDC system offers yet more driver
choices, with three settings: "VDC Normal," "Traction" and "Off." Each
provides respectively lesser degrees of system engagement, allowing the
driver to tailor response for the driving situation. Active Torque
Vectoring remains engaged for "Normal" and "Traction" modes.
Premium Cabin
A
one-inch longer wheelbase than the previous Subaru WRX STI helps
provide a roomier cabin in the new model. The windshield is more raked
than before, with the A-pillar pulled forward nearly eight inches at the
base for better forward visibility, aided by a lower dashboard and
narrower A-pillars. Lower side sills and wider-opening doors make
ingress/egress easier. Rear seat legroom is increased by nearly two
inches, and trunk capacity is now 12 cu. ft., up from 11.3 cu. ft. in
the previous WRX STI sedan. A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat
extends versatility. New available Welcome Lighting responds to the
driver approaching the car.
In the 2015 WRX STI, the driver grips a
new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel that
integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The STI Design
electroluminescent gauge panel gets a new 3.5-in. central LCD screen
that displays various functions, including low-level warnings for oil
and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.
Rich-looking
appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the
dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A new multi-information
central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle
system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost
gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth and climate
control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation.
The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance
reminder.
Standard features for the 2015 Subaru WRX STI include
dual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package
(dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield
wiper de-icer). The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with
HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA
capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free
calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging,
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm
auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around
the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.
An
available touch-screen navigation system displays on a 6.1-inch LCD
screen and offers voice controls. The Subaru WRX STI Limited model adds
the luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver's seat,
the harman/kardon premium audio system and a power moonroof that opens
one inch farther than on the previous model.
