Subaru Debuts Upgraded US-Spec WRX and WRX STI at 2017 NAIAS

●	Revised front styling and upgraded interior materials.
●	Suspension optimized for enhanced steering stability and a flat, comfortable ride.
●	Steering Responsive Headlights enhance visibility in nighttime driving.
●	Subaru’s first Auto Vehicle Hold feature for the WRX reduces driver fatigue.
●	Upgraded Jurid brake pads and newly designed 18-inch wheels for WRX.
●	New 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes and revised DCCD All-Wheel Drive give WRX STI wider performance envelope.

Tokyo, January 6, 2017 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, will debut an upgraded 2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI models (US specs.) at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to be held in Detroit, Michigan.

The WRX and WRX STI are the symbol of Subaru AWD (All-Wheel Drive) sport performance. The unique sports sedan combines impressive sport performance with practicality of a four-door sedan. Subaru and WRX models’ distinctive values such as driving performance, safety and practicality have been further pursued in the development of 2018 model.

Driving performance required for the WRX models have been enhanced with suspension tuning to deliver improved steering stability and a flat, comfortable ride. As the top grade model of the WRX series, WRX STI also employs a revised DCCD (Driver’s Control Center Differential) AWD system, delivering exhilarating driving experience. In addition, safety and practicality have been enhanced with features such as Steering Responsive Headlights^*1 and new Auto Vehicle Hold^*2. During development, Subaru achieved superior driving performance, safety and practicality at a high level, highlighting the unique character of WRX series.

*1: Standard equipment on LED headlights-equipped models.
*2: Standard equipment on EyeSight-equipped WRX.

2018 Subaru WRX STI and WRX (US specs.)

[ Key Upgrades for 2018 WRX / WRX STI (US specs.) ]

■　Design

< Exterior >

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A restyled front fascia for all WRX and WRX STI models shows a sportier attitude, highlighted by redesigned LED headlights^*3 and a more pronounced Subaru grille design, along with a larger lower grille opening. The Subaru identity has been accented in a more aggressive look.

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The WRX employs a newly designed 18-inch aluminum wheels^*4.

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The WRX STI features this model’s first-ever 19-inch tires and alloy wheels.

< Interior >

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The quality feel has been refined with upgraded interior materials such as black parts for door switch panels.

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Subaru’s first Recaro power seats has been employed for front seats^*3.

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The WRX STI features red-colored seat belts, making for a more appealing driving experience.

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New measures such as thicker front door glasses reduce unwanted noise and vibrations.

■　Mechanism

< Chassis >

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Optimized suspension tuning assures improved steering stability and a flatter, more comfortable ride.

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The WRX electric power steering was revised to provide even smoother, more natural feel, while integrating the steering motor and electronic control unit reduces weight.

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Red-painted brake calipers and upgraded Jurid brake pads^*3 enhance braking performance of the WRX.

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The WRX STI features a significantly upgraded Brembo performance brake system identified by the yellow-painted brake calipers. It includes monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. New brake pads provide significantly greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance.

< Transmission >

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Subaru enhanced shifter feel for the 6-speed manual transmission of WRX, with a new synchro design and reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up.

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A comprehensive handling enhancement for the WRX STI includes a revised DCCD AWD system. The DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now relies entirely on electronic control for quicker and smoother response.

■　Safety

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The WRX adds the Subaru’s first Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) ^*5. The AVH feature replaces the Hill Holder and Hill Start Assist functions and offers greater functionality, holding the vehicle on all road grades, not only inclines. For example, AVH can help reduce driver fatigue by holding the car at traffic lights, then seamlessly transition to acceleration.

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New EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM) ^*5 has been employed for the WRX. The EAM displays EyeSight status and warnings on the windshield, allowing the driver to see them without diverting eyes from the road ahead.

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Nighttime cornering visibility has been enhanced with Steering Responsive Head Lights^*6 that automatically illuminate the road ahead in response to steering input.

*3: Manufacturer-installed option.
*4: Standard for upper-grades.
*5: Standard equipment on EyeSight-equipped WRX.
*6: Standard equipment on LED headlights-equipped models.

＜Major Specifications of 2018 WRX / WRX STI (US specs.)＞

	WRX	WRX STI
Body size (Overall length / width / height)	4,595 x 1,795 x 1,475*7 mm
Wheelbase	2,650 mm
Engine	2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed Direct Injection Turbo FA20 engine	2.5-liter Horizontally-Opposed Turbo EJ25 engine
Displacement	1,998cc	2,457cc
Transmission options	6MT, Lineartronic*8	6MT
Maximum output	268hp/5,600rpm	305hp/6,000rpm
Maximum torque	258lb.-ft./2,000-5,200rpm	290lb.-ft/4,000rpm
Tire size	235/45 R17, 245/40 R18	245/35 R19
Seating capacity	5

*7: Roof height is 1,465mm.
*8: Continuously variable transmission （CVT） with fully automatic electronic control

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