2011 Subaru WRX & WRX STI: First Look

Jay Williams - 09/September/2010

Gunma, Japan - Subaru has launched its newest turbocharged WRX and WRX STI models, sporting a new design and improved engineering.

Both high performance Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive variants are available as widebody sedans or the established hatch body.

And for the first time Subaru are offering the WRX STI with an automatic transmission option - the five-speed paddle-shift until now was only available in Japanese domestic market A-line versions.

Despite the extra engineering and specification, WRX pricing still starts from $39,990 Manufacturer’s List Price* for both sedan and hatch variants. The WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof is $1000 less than the superseded equivalent model.

WRX STI has reduced by $2000 and now starts from $59,990 for both sedan and hatch, auto or manual.
The automatic WRX STI features the A-line’s 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 221kW of power at 6200rpm and 350Nm of torque between 3000-6000rpm.

While the manual WRX STI retains the current engine, producing 221kW at 6000 rpm and 407Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

The new 5-speed automatic transmission features “blipping” control, which allows drivers to change quickly, for example, from fifth to third simply by operating the paddle shift twice in quick succession.

Temporary manual mode can even be used when “D” has been selected with the shifter.

WRX adds 16-inch front brake calipers plus pad return springs for enhanced stopping performance.

For improved handling the WRX STI has been lowered by five millimetres while front and rear track has been widened by 35mm and 40mm respectively. Tyres are 10 mm wider.

The suspension has also been revised, highlighting Subaru's renowned road holding capabilities.

WRX and WRX STI share the sporty flared guards that now set all performance variants apart from the normally aspirated Impreza range.

The sedan versions add a large aerodynamic spoiler that further sets it apart from the Impreza range.

All models feature sharper bumper corners and new design foglight surrounds.

The bigger, dark finish grille blends with the headlight lines, for a more sporty look. 

Sedans feature a rear diffuser that includes a centre rear fog light.

All models feature four exhaust tailpipes. 

The WRX has new lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels that are finished in a gunmetal grey while the WRX STI model gets lightweight 18-inch ENKEI alloy wheels and 18-inch BBS alloys on the WRX STI spec R.

Stepping inside the instrument clusters on all variants have more detailed gauge scales, including a “sweep” function when the ignition is turned on.

The Instrument panels and door trims now feature a darker colour tomes, contrasting with dark silver trim.

Bluetooth connectivity is added to the standard audio, together with steering wheel-mounted buttons.
A USB jack is now located in the centre console box (non SatNav models).

Among the many major changes, WRX adds:
Widebody sedan and hatch design
New STI exhaust system - four tailpipes
New lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gun metal grey finish
New bumpers
Wider front and rear track
Wider tyres
Rear suspension upgraded
Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility

WRX STI highlights include:
Introduction of widebody sedan
Automatic option - STI-tuned five-speed paddle-shift
A-line engine for auto - ideally set-up for sport performance
Large aerodynamic rear spoiler on sedan
Sporty new bumpers and grille
Suspension totally revised for better cornering performance, handling and overall stability
5 mm lower - adding to sporty appearance
New stainless steel exhaust tip design unique to model
New wheels - lighter standard ENKEI 18-inch alloy wheels
New finish on BBS 18-inch alloys on WRX STI spec.R
Darker instrument panel and door trim
Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled audio system
USB jack in centre console - non SatNav cars

Colours - WRX & WRX STI
Plasma blue (WRX STI–only)
Satin white pearl
Spark silver metallic
Dark grey metallic
Obsidian black pearl
WR blue mica
Lightning red

WRX, WRX STI & WRX STI spec R MY11 Pricing
WRX sedan and hatch $39,990
WRX sedan and hatch with SatNav, leather trim and sunroof $43,990
WRX STI manual hatch $59,990
WRX STI auto hatch $59,990
WRX STI manual sedan $59,990
WRX STI auto sedan $59,990
WRX STI spec R manual hatch SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec R manual hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990
WRX STI spec R auto hatch SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec R auto hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990
WRX STI spec R manual sedan SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec R manual sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990
WRX STI spec R auto sedan SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec R sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990

*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.

Related Links:
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2011)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2011)
- Subaru WRX STI Carbon (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C (2009)
- Subaru WRX STI 20th Anniversary (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2009)
- Subaru Impreza Sedan (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (2008)