2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Adopts STI Widebody Sheetmetal, Australian Debut Q4 2010

SUBARU HAS TODAY revealed the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX ahead of next month's New York Auto Show, with both the hatch and sedan adopting the widebody sheetmetal of the high-performance STI variant.

Speaking with TMR today, Subaru Australia's David Rowley confirmed that the updated WRX four- and five-door models will make their Australian debut not long after the US.

"We're still in negotiations with the factory, but at this point we're expecting both bodyshapes to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year," Mr Rowley said, adding that it's too early to say whether pricing of either model will be affected.

The updated WRX's wide haunches mean more than just a cosmetic upgrade however, with both the front and rear tracks now 38mm wider than the 2009 WRX. 

Firmer subframe bushings and wider 17x8-inch wheels and 235/45R17 tyres bring further improvements, while the WRX's overall weight has increased by around 15kg.

A new grille is featured up front, along with sharper bumper corners, a jutting front lip and darkened fog-light recesses.

Largely a styling and handling upgrade, the 2011 Impreza WRX is powered by the same 2.5 litre four-cylinder that features in the current model, producing 195kW and 343Nm of torque.

“This new look gives the iconic Impreza WRX even greater presence in a package which has already won accolades for its turbocharged Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ability," Nick Senior, Managing Director of Subaru Australia said.

“This design further distinguishes our turbo Impreza variants, including the Impreza WRX STI, from the normally aspirated versions, which we’re sure will please the many loyal WRX fans out there.”

The updated 2011 Impreza WRX will debut in New York on April 1 - and Subaru assures that it's no joke.