Impreza WRX TR is 'Tuner Ready' with New 230-hp Turbo Engine, Upgraded Chassis
and Affordable Price; New Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Limited to 500 Numbered Units
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. will showcase
two of its newest high-performance models at the 2005 Specialty Equipment
Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Nov. 1-4. The 2006 Impreza WRX TR and the limited edition Legacy 2.5 GT
spec.B will make their North American show debut at the industry's premier
automotive specialty performance products trade event. Subaru is America's
All-Wheel Drive leader, with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on every
vehicle in its model line.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051101/PHTU014-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051101/PHTU014-b )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050404/PHSUBARULOGO )
For 2006, Subaru has considerably upped the ante in the high-performance
arena with a restyled and expanded Impreza WRX line featuring a new
230-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. The new WRX TR model, and a new, limited
edition Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B model, both fit the SEMA spirit of
individualization and performance.
The WRX TR is the "Tuner Ready" version of this legendary performance car,
featuring the new, more powerful engine and at a lower price. Combining the
newly fortified punch of the 2006 WRX with the interior content and exterior
trim from the Impreza 2.5 i Sedan allows for a lower entry-level price point.
Subaru dealers offer a range of Genuine Subaru Accessories that allow WRX
buyers to customize and tune their cars for both performance and appearance.
Customers can choose from parts in the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog
and from Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Subaru will showcase a number of
these performance parts during a special on-site vehicle build-up at the SEMA
show by a Subaru Senior Master Technician.
The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, powered by a 250-horsepower intercooled turbo
Boxer engine, is a limited edition "factory custom" with special paint, wheels
and interior, and exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension unavailable on any other
Legacy model. In addition, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B features a standard
Subaru Navigation System. Only 500 of these special models will be available.
The Subaru WRX TR and Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B models are equipped exclusively
with a 5-speed manual transmission. Subaru employs five different versions of
its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system through its 2006 model line, depending
on the model and transmission. In all Subaru models with a 5-speed manual
transmission, the All-Wheel Drive system uses a viscous coupling locking
bevel-gear center differential integrated into the transmission. This full-
time All-Wheel Drive system distributes engine power 50:50, with the viscous
coupling transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should
slippage occur.
The Subaru display at the SEMA show will also host a selection of Subaru
vehicles specially modified by third parties. In addition, a number of
accomplished drivers of Subaru racing vehicles will also be on hand during the
SEMA show. These stars of the rally, drag racing and road racing circuits
have all achieved enormous success driving the All-Wheel Drive cars bearing
the 6-star Subaru logo.
WRX TR: Tuner-Ready and Wallet-Friendly
The Subaru Impreza WRX has been one of the most sought-after sport-
compacts since its introduction in 2001 for the 2002 model year. For 2006,
the Impreza WRX has been restyled and re-powered with a larger more powerful
engine, and expanded to five models. For the street performance buyer, the
WRX TR is perhaps the most exciting model in the line, which for 2006 also
includes the standard WRX models and the new, more luxuriously equipped WRX
Limited models.
The new Subaru signature front-end design for Impreza features boldly
styled headlights with smoke-tinted lenses and a three-section mesh-type
grill. The 2006 Impreza models are also distinguished by a new tail lamp
cluster design.
The biggest change to the 2006 Impreza WRX is found under its aluminum
hood. A 230-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged / intercooled engine replaces
the 217-horsepower 2.0-liter engine used since the WRX model's introduction.
The larger-displacement engine produces 235 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600
rpm, compared to 217 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm for the previous engine.
Even more than the numbers suggest, performance is improved in all speed
ranges, with greater emphasis on low-end and mid-range torque. The 2.5-liter
WRX engine shares architecture and technology with the WRX STI engine,
including Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing
technology and an Electronic Throttle Control system.
Upgraded Suspension and Brake Systems
In conjunction with the more powerful engine, the 2006 Impreza WRX models
gain significant chassis and braking system enhancements. Aluminum front
suspension lower L-arms reduce unsprung weight to enhance steering response.
(The rear suspension gained forward aluminum lateral links in the 2005 model.)
The steering ratio is quicker than before (15.0:1 vs. 16.5:1), with 2.6 turns
lock-to-lock versus 3.0 turns lock-to-lock for the 2005 model.
On all WRX models, new 7-spoke 17 x 7-inch aluminum-alloy wheels replace
the previous 16 x 6.5-inch wheels. Tires, likewise, are more generously sized
for 2006: 215/45 R17 versus 205/55 R16 before. The more powerful brake system
employs 11.5-inch vented front discs as before, but now uses four-piston
calipers instead of the previous two-piston calipers. The rear brakes are
new, with 11.3-inch ventilated discs replacing the previous 10.3-inch solid
discs, and two-piston calipers replacing single-piston calipers. Painted red
and featuring the SUBARU name in white, the calipers also make a strong visual
statement.
Transformation at SEMA
The WRX TR on display at the SEMA show will be transformed into an even
more potent street machine when a Subaru of America Senior Master Technician
installs a host of parts from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and Subaru
Tecnica International (STI) catalogs. Even before the transformation begins,
this special WRX TR has been equipped with new parts available from Subaru
dealers, including underhood dress-up items, a performance gauge set, STI
short-throw shifter, BBS(R) aluminum-alloy wheels, MOMO(R) shift knob, rear
deck spoiler and fog lamps.
From the SPT catalog, the Subaru technician will install a high-flow air
intake and cat-back exhaust system. From the STI parts catalog, this special
WRX TR will gain front and rear suspension upgrades. The STI front suspension
parts will include adjustable strut/springs, a pitching stopper, thicker
stabilizer bar and a lower tie bar. The rear suspension will be modified with
STI adjustable strut/springs, lateral link set, trailing link set and a
thicker stabilizer bar.
The Impreza WRX TR, though ready for customization, is by no means "de-
contented." Owners will not give up comfort and convenience while they plan
modifications and purchase parts. The generous standard equipment list
includes air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors and door locks,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM stereo system with single-disc CD
player, remote keyless entry, security system with new engine immobilizer, an
outside temperature gauge and even carpeted floor mats.
Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Becomes U.S. Citizen
The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B stands as the ultimate Legacy model for 2006, a
fully equipped factory custom available to only 500 customers. Like the
Impreza WRX and WRX STI models, the Legacy spec.B built a loyal following in
Japan and Europe before coming to the United States. As it did with those
models, Subaru designed a version of the Legacy spec.B specially tailored for
U.S. customers.
The 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine in the Legacy spec.B produces
250 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. The
Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B is quickly identified by its exclusive Titanium Silver
Metallic exterior color and aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings with
chrome trim. The car's road-hugging stance is further accentuated by unique
18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and 215/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer
performance tires that work with the suspension upgrades to deliver improved
handling performance.
The exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension equips the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B
model with performance-tuned shock absorbers for flatter cornering response.
Subaru also replaced the MacPherson strut front suspension with an inverted
strut configuration similar to that in the rally-bred WRX STI, including
aluminum-alloy lower control arms. The multi-link rear suspension gains
aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links in place of cast-iron pieces to
reduce unsprung weight (and thereby enhance handling response). A 4-wheel
disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
(EBD) is standard on all Legacy models. The 2.5 GT Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B
models employ larger brake rotors than other Legacy models, with ventilated
rear discs in place of solid discs.
Exclusive spec. B Interior
Striking Brick Red leather trimmed upholstery highlights the unique
interior styling of the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B. The distinctive interior is
further differentiated from the 2.5 GT Limited model by aluminum-alloy pedal
covers, a 3-spoke MOMO(R) leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio
controls, "spec.B" floor mats and an individually numbered limited-edition
plaque.
The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B further builds on the generous standard equipment
of the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan, adding the new Subaru Navigation System and an
upgraded audio system with MP3 capability. Standard features shared with the
2.5 GT Limited include a dual-zone automatic climate control system,
performance-design front seats, a power moonroof, an 8-way power driver's seat
and a 4-way power passenger seat (both with 4-stage heating) and heated
exterior mirrors. All Legacy models for 2006 feature the Subaru Advanced
Frontal Air Bag System, front seat side impact air bags, active front seat
head restraints and side curtain air bags.
Subaru Shares SEMA Spotlight With Tuners
Long a favorite of the street tuner market, Subaru recognizes the
contribution that aftermarket parts suppliers and tuners make to this segment.
At the 2005 SEMA Show, Subaru of America is highlighting a number of specialty
models, which all serve as inspiration to owners for racing, customizing and
performance tuning.
Easy Street Motorsports (ESX) will display three specially modified Subaru
vehicles, including a lightly customized B9 Tribeca and two WRX STI drag race
cars. Performance Import Trends (PIT) will showcase a 2006 Forester 2.5 XT
Limited model that was inspired by the Forester STI model that is available in
Japan. Subaru will also display the customized Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan
that's being raffled off by Road & Track magazine's Speed title and Roadgear
as part of the "Ultimate Performance Giveaway" sweepstakes.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company
markets and distributes All-Wheel Drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories
through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru
makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk
& Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004.
Contact: Dominick Infante: 856-488-8615
Jessica Tullman: 310-352-4400
SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.subaru.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051101/PHTU014-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051101/PHTU014-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050404/PHSUBARULOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org AP PhotoExpress
Network: PRN8, PRN9 PRN Photo Desk,
photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Dominick Infante, +1-856-488-8615, or Jessica
Tullman, +1-310-352-4400, both of Subaru
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