- New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis with Active Torque Vectoring for exceptional handling
- Subaru's global performance flagship model debuts as a bold new sedan with all-new interior for added refinement
- The 2015 WRX STI model's exclusive engine, transmission, brakes and steering offer an unsurpassed level of control
DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. today announced the unveiling of the all-new 2015 WRX STI, Subaru's iconic performance flagship model, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With the next-generation 2015 WRX STI, Subaru's engineers set out to take full advantage of its 2.5-litre turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine. Debuting a new four-door wide-body design, the 2015 WRX STI is built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. Handling is further enhanced with firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio) for an unsurpassed level of control. All of these performance enhancements optimize power delivery to take full advantage of this icon's 305 horsepower.
New for the 2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins an arsenal of the model's proven performance technologies that include multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo performance brake system with super sport ABS.
The 2015 WRX STI carries its bold personality inside, where new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching set the tone for a refined and roomier cabin. A driver-focused interior remains integral to the WRX STI performance character, with the new model debuting a D-shaped steering wheel and new whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints. A wide array of new comfort and convenience features include, among others, the availability of a harman/kardon premium audio system.
Bold, New Pure Performance Sedan
A bolder front design makes the 2015 WRX STI appear as ready as it is to devour the road. The nose-cone configuration combines the grille and bumper cap into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower headlights with new standard LED low-beam headlights create a powerful stare to flank the Subaru hexagonal grille.
The special aluminum hood, wide fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air. In the 2015 model, the scoop is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.
Other new performance-oriented details include fog light surrounds with a carbon fibre-like pattern and front fender vents featuring a mesh screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the signature large trunk spoiler. A rear diffuser, LED taillights and LED centre high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) leave a distinctive signature.
New, Stiffer Chassis for Greater Handling Agility
The 2015 WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile steel than the outgoing model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars. The 13.0:1 steering ratio provides a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock.
As on previous WRX STI models, the 2015 version uses an exclusive inverted-strut front suspension system that provides higher levels of cornering agility. Aluminum front lower A-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The STI-tuned suspension teams with standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 summer performance tires, with the WRX STI Sport-tech Package featuring BBS forged aluminum alloy wheels.
Exclusive SUBARU BOXER Engine and Transmission
The 2015 WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine that employs the Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model, produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission. Its Hill Holder system can momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.
The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from three selectable modes - Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp - using a rotary dial on the centre console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.
Multi-mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
The 2015 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive. This renowned system uses planetary-type centre differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. An electronically controlled centre differential enhances torque transfer performance.
Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM, lateral-g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side torque distribution.
The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes, each using varying degrees of centre differential locking to match different driving situations. In manual mode, the driver can select one of six centre differential locking levels to suit different driving situations.
Active Torque Vectoring, a brand new enhancement of the multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The VDC system offers even more driver choices with three settings: VDC Normal, Traction and Off. Each provides respectively lesser degrees of system engagement, allowing the driver to tailor the response for the driving situation. Active Torque Vectoring remains engaged for Normal and Traction modes.
More Room, More Refinement
A 25 mm longer wheelbase helps provide a roomier cabin in the new model. The windshield is more raked than before, with the A-pillar pulled forward nearly 200 mm at the base for better forward visibility, aided by a lower dashboard and narrower A-pillars. Lower side sills and wider opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Rear-seat legroom is increased by nearly 50 mm, and trunk capacity is now 340 litres, up from 320 litres in the previous WRX STI sedan. A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat extends versatility even further. New welcome lighting illuminates the headlights, interior lights, licence plate and tail lights when the vehicle is unlocked using the keyless remote.
In the 2015 WRX STI, the driver grips a new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel that integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The electroluminescent gauge panel gains a new 3.5-inch central LCD screen that displays low-level warnings for oil and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear, among its various functions.
Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and centre console armrest. A new multi-information central display with 4.3-inch LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.
Standard features for the 2015 WRX STI include dual-zone automatic climate control, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with a single-disc in-dash CD player, six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes Tagging, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5 mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.
The WRX STI Sport Package adds a large rear spoiler, an 8-way power driver's seat, LED low-beam headlights, multi-reflector halogen fog lights and a power sunroof that opens one inch farther than on the previous model.
The WRX STI Sport-tech Package features a touchscreen navigation system that displays on a 6.1-inch LCD screen and offers voice controls as well as a harman/kardon premium nine-speaker audio system, the added luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, and 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels.
Subaru All-around Safety
Subaru's renowned safety package uses the brand's proven ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure, which has been shown to excel in the new small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The cabin adds a driver's knee airbag to a roster of safety features that includes front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.
About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.
Image with caption: "2015 Subaru WRX STI (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140114_C8696_PHOTO_EN_35509.jpg
Image with caption: "2015 Subaru WRX STI (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140114_C8696_PHOTO_EN_35505.jpg
Image with caption: "2015 Subaru WRX STI (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140114_C8696_PHOTO_EN_35507.jpg
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/01/14/20140114_C8696_DOC_EN_35515.pdf
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/01/14/20140114_C8696_DOC_EN_35516.pdf
SOURCE: Subaru Canada Inc.
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