When we reached our last and final testing zone, we met two of Subaru's former rally team drivers and support crew at a pseudo-rally course (remember what I said about open roads? This is it.) where a lightly modified (ie; gravel wheel/tire combo and front mudflaps only) WRX was waiting for us to play rally racer. Set up with a mic'd helmet and strapped in with a 5-point harness, I felt like a way uncooler version of Travis Pastrana. With my seasoned driver as my co-pilot, I attacked the course, taking note of his direction as we slid through blind corners, brushed up against tree branches and left behind a cloud of dust so thick it was a necessity to wait until it cleared before turning back. Opposed to the autocross, I really got to test out the WRX's controls and its sense of balance, riding on terrain that would not be possible unless having the features a WRX does. To see it push so hard in stock form is amazing - and this isn't even the STI! And to see a professional push it even harder? We both laughed when I asked probably the stupidest question he'd heard all day, when I asked how fast he had taken the WRX to on this makeshift course. He said, "I don't know. I'm too busy having fun with my eyes on the road." Words can't even begin to describe how bad f'in ass the car is. Thank you, Subaru, for delivering the goods.
That New Car Smell
'09 Subaru Impreza WRX and Impreza 2.5GTThe Sticker Under $25k est./TBA
Under The Hood 22.4L DOHC 4-cylinder, turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine with Subaru AVCS (Active Valve Control System)
The Power 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 244 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm/224 hp @ 5,200 rpm; 226 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm
Scale Tipping (base trim level) 3,174 4dr/3,175 5dr; 3,240 lbs
Layout Front engine, AWD
Gearbox 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic with Sportshift
Stiff Stuff 4-wheel independent, front MacPherson-type struts with multiple-phase valving, steel lower L-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar and negative-scrub geometry; Rear double-wishbone type with stabilizer bar
Rollers 17x7 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (grey painted for WRX); 225/45R17 Dunlop SP Sport 01 tires/205/50R17 all-season tiresStoppers Power assisted 4-wheel disc with standard 4-channel/4-sensor ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
At The Pump N/A
The Pack Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X/Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Deep Thoughts We see the 2.5GT as a great gateway drug to the Subaru mafia, but you might as well spend the extra cashish on the Impreza WRX. Superb power and handling for a kick-ass price tag.
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