Way back in 1992, Subaru built the original Impreza WRX in Japan. It would take 10 years before we received the WRX in the United States. The original recipe was simple. Build a lightweight vehicle with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that has all-wheel-drive (AWD). This vehicle was faster than most muscle cars of the time (and a high percentage of sports cars) and had tenacious grip. It surprised many at stoplights, and various racetracks.
Over the years, the Subaru WRX has become a performance icon. This was a vehicle that gave serious performance at a very reasonable price. People who used to buy expensive European, American and high end Japanese performance cars were now looking at an exciting option. Once the Subaru Impreza WRX came to the United States in 2002, it was an immediate hit.
The current model Subaru Impreza WRX went through several changes recently. For the 2008 model year, the Subaru Impreza WRX’s structure is based on a shortened Subaru Legacy platform. The track and wheelbase have been increased while the overhangs were shortened. Altogether the new WRX is a larger, more robust vehicle than its predecessors.
Following the same equipment dogma established with the original Subaru Impreza WRX, a sedan, hatchback/wagon and all-out sporting versions (STI) are available. Strangely, Subaru has opted to only give the sedan WRX dual exhaust.
The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut and the rear is an all new double wishbone suspension. This is a high end feature that makes for a much better road going, highway cruising vehicle. It also opens up the rear of the vehicle for more passenger and cargo area.