2006 SUBARU IMPREZA

SUBARU ENHANCES IMPREZA WITH FAR MORE THAN A NEW NOSE FOR 2006

During the last year and a half, the Subaru lineup has experienced dramatic change. The all-new 2005 Legacy/Outback and 2006 B9 Tribeca as well as the beautifully freshened 2006 Forester have embellished the Subaru marque.

Now it’s time for the performance enthusiasts! You’ve been waiting for the revised Impreza, WRX and WRX STI. Rumors and renderings concerning adaptation of the new Subaru design language to the Impreza body have been circulating. Plus, you may have suspected engine changes based on increases in performance from the 2006 Forester engines. At this writing, Subaru has officially announced the Japanese Impreza. The American version has some delectable differences from it, and here is what we know now. (Because we are working with preliminary information and production of U.S. models has not begun, the following is subject to change.)

EXTERIOR

Design Walkaround
Front: The nose incorporates the new Subaru grille design, which reflects an aircraft heritage by symbolizing a cross-section of an airplane’s fuselage and wings.

On the WRX and WRX STI, the bumper apron features a new front lip design. The restyled headlamps have the practical benefit of projecting a sharper image. Character lines from the center portion of the grille give expression to the hood. As in previous years, naturally aspirated models have a clean hood, and the turbocharged models have functional hood-mounted air scoops.

Sides: The redesigned side-sill spoilers are accented by a character line that runs to the rear bumper side slits.

Rear: The lighting assemblies have been redesigned to better harmonize with the restyled front assemblies.

WRX STI Modifications
Exterior changes unique to the WRX STI include the addition of daytime running lights to the high-intensity discharge headlights and a WRC roof vane spoiler and diffuser. The roof vane leads airflow from the roof toward the rear spoiler, providing additional downforce at the rear. Underneath the car, a diffuser helps to reduce rear lift, which improves driving stability.

Other Exterior Changes
The 2.5i models receive redesigned 16-inch wheels for 2006, and the WRX wheels move up in size to 17 inches.

2006 IMPREZA MODEL LINEUP

Subaru has realigned the Impreza models for the 2006 model year. The lineup has 2.5i (rather than 2.5 RS), WRX and WRX STI models. (By the way, the capital letter I in STI is not a mistake. Subaru has changed the nomenclature.)

IMPREZA 2.5i – THE LINEUP OF NATURALLY ASPIRATED IMPREZA MODELS EXPANDS

Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon with optional automatic transmission.

• 2.5i Sedan – five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• 2.5i Sport Wagon – five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• Outback Sport Wagon – five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• Outback Sport Wagon Special Edition – five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

IMPREZA WRX – THE TURBO LINEUP EXPANDS, TOO

• WRX TR (Tuner Ready) Sedan – five-speed manual only
• WRX Sedan – five-speed manual only
• WRX Sport Wagon – five-speed manual only
• WRX Limited Sedan – five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
• WRX Limited Sport Wagon – five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (See “New WRX Models” side bar for more on the WRX TR and WRX Limited.)

IMPREZA WRX STI SEDAN – SIX-SPEED MANUAL ONLY

INTERIOR

The 2006 Impreza WRX Limited Sedan is shown with Desert Beige leather.
Safety
Across the Impreza model lineup, the most notable changes in the cabin have to do with safety. All Impreza models now feature the Subaru Advanced Airbag System. Also for 2006, front-seat head and chest side-impact air bags are standard.

Other Interior Changes
Added to the 2.5i models, the air-filtration system and outside temperature gauge are standard across the model line for 2006.

Sport Wagon models now have cargo area side rails that add to the convenience of cargo-hauling.

WRX Limited and Outback Sport Wagons have an available beige interior color. (See “New WRX Models” side bar for more details on the WRX Limited.)

MECHANICAL

Two New Engines
Enhancements to the Impreza power train improve performance. Both the naturally aspirated and the turbocharged 2.5-liter engines in the Impreza models benefit from improved performance.

The naturally aspirated 2.5i engine increases from 165 to 173 horsepower; torque remains the same. This jump is attributable to the engine’s new i-Active Valve Lift system, which varies the amount of valve lift relative to engine speed. At low rpm, intake valves are set for low and mid-lift. These valve positions swirl and accelerate the air as it goes into the engine, which improves combustion and results in higher torque. At high rpm, the system opens the valves even further, which decreases resistance to intake airflow. Again, the result is greater power. Besides increasing power output, the i-Active Valve Lift system improves driveability as well.

The turbocharged and intercooled WRX engine nudges from 227 to 230 horsepower, and torque climbs dramatically from 217 lb-ft to 235 lb-ft. This was accomplished by increased displacement, increased compression ratio, redesigned combustion chambers, redesigned intake manifold and deleted pre-catalyst (replaced in function by a secondary air pump). The increase in compression ratio and the combustion-chamber redesign also contribute to improved emissions, with the turbo engine meeting Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) regulations.

Revised DCCD
Modifications of the WRX STI Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) include the addition of a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), revised front/rear torque-distribution ratio and a steering-angle sensor.

The mechanical LSD works in conjunction with the electromagnetic LSD to determine front/rear torque distribution. The system functions smoother with quicker, more precise control of torque distribution, resulting in more nimble cornering performance as well as improved vehicle control while accelerating or decelerating in a corner.

Modification of the DCCD’s planetary gear set changes the front/rear torque distribution ratio from 35:65 to 41:59. The revised ratio is closer to the STI front/rear weight distribution, which improves overall drivability and vehicle stability.

The new steering-angle sensor monitors steering-wheel position. Together with the input from the cornering force and yaw rate sensors, the steering-angle sensor’s information enhances the DCCD control unit’s ability to optimize system operation during cornering. Subaru World Rally Team driver Petter Solberg claims the revised DCCD makes a huge improvement in handling.

The 2006 WRX has 17-inch wheels and four-piston front brakes calipers.

Other Mechanical Changes
New 17-inch wheels on the WRX allow larger brakes. For 2006, all WRX models have ventilated disc brakes all around, with four-piston calipers in the front and two-piston calipers in the rear. Both front and rear calipers are painted red with SUBARU on them in white lettering. (The WRX STI still has Brembo calipers.)

Previously standard on the WRX STI, an engine immobilizer is now standard for all WRX models as well.