2009 WRX
 

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/2...ded-to-265-hp/

I wonder if they'll do anything to the 5 speed to strengthen it. I also wonder if it'll be in ESP.

Great news!!!. and Yes thats the first thing I thought of was the 5sp transmission strengthening. Kinda close to the 305HP STI rating though.Hmmm..

How much more is it going to cost? "That's right sir, we're having a special this year. Would you like to buy the upgraded wrx or the downgraded sti?"

The rumor mill has the STi getting another 10-15 hp in '09 as well.

I would guess it'll stay in ESP because, spec wise at least, it isn't that far off from the Legacy GT. But, it's stock classing might change.

Pssh, that's another cheater car. :P

Isn't the new-gen Impreza still sub 3300lb while the LGT is closer to 3600?

If the 270hp MS3 is in friggen G-stock... I don't see why a 265hp WRX wouldn't stay in D-stock.

Because AWD = cheating.

Welp, it's official, and now more details are out. I'll be enjoying my 'ultra-rare GT premium with factory 5-speed' :|

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/2...on-sti-tweaks/

It's no surprise. The 08 WRX was the first WRX that took a step backward in performance. Obviously they were going to have to enhance performance if they wanted to keep selling them.

No amount of power can fix those looks though. :(

This.

Eh... the WRX hatch with all the grill/aero bits from the STi is just a set of coilovers and rims from looking pretty nice. Esp. if you red-out the tail lights.

Do not be fooled, for that is only a trick your mind is playing on you in order to maintain your brand loyalty. Don't feel bad, others have been fooled also.

What are you talking about? They got rid of most the ugly parts on the '08: no more goofy grill, no more chrome stripe between the taillights. Plus they made the better looking areo parts standard. All it needs are wider rims and lower suspension to look pretty decent.

In general the hatches are better looking than Impreza's were '02 thru '07 aside from those ugly finishing details they're fixing in '09. They just need to go back to red tail lights.

http://www.wrxfanatics.com/uploads/m...1214249253.jpg

Looks nice to me... best looking Impreza since the GC chassis.

Now, if you want to talk about the '08+ sedans. I'll keep my bugeye thanks. I'm not a fan of the short ass they put on the sedan.

Actually...that one does look pretty mean.

Except they forgot to get rid of this entire body style...

I will admit, the new STI's look ok from certain angles, but a car shouldn't have to be seen in a certain light to look cool.

I have almost liked it a few times also. But everyday i'm driving and say

oh look a new wrx...no wait that's the back of a civic.

Oh look a new sti, no no that's a ford focus

Ahaaa THERE is a new sti.....eww

I thought the race prepped versions would save it but even those couldn't help. Especially when they try to put big wings on the back. To me, the looks and 'softer personality' = lose/lose. I don't bag on people that get them though. Still one hell of a car somewhere under that awkward body. ;)

Eh, times change, taste changes.

I personally think its still a very good looking machine (the STi that is, the WRX I have no strong feelings). I also think it looks better than recent Imprezas, but I also think that everything since the 98-01 2.5RS coupe looks soft and bland.

The more I look at the pic Scott posted, the more I like it... Oh no, what is to become of me?

You mean like when the bugeye came out? And the '04s? And the '06s?

A move to SF? Scott's just reposting a pic I posted months ago that I'm sure you saw at that time. You're just getting used to the ugly. :P

Stolen from: http://www.wrxfanatics.com/index.php...opic=57723&hl=

Hey look, it's the 2008 WRX just a year late!