 If you're looking for a 2015 Subaru Impreza WRX in Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Quincy, and the South Shore, then Planet Subaru is your dealership.Â
Executive Summary of what's new:
- First six speed transmission (previously available only on STi)
- New 268-hp 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine with 0-60 just north of 5 seconds
- New torque-vectoring system reduces understeer
- Will be available as a sedan only
- New optional Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual modes
- Flat bottom steering wheel
- Premium audio: harman/kardon® offered for the first time in a WRX.
- 4.3 inch LCD multi information display
- Limited models get first-ever power driver seat and low beam LED headlights.
- New optional Keyless Access and Push Button Start lets you leave your key in your pocket or purse.
Comparison between 2015 WRX and prior generation
| What are the differences? | 2015 Subaru WRX | 2014 Subaru WRX |
| Engines and Power Both use intercooled, four cylinder, turbocharged Boxer engines with direct fuel injection and Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System. 2015 boasts astounding torque curve, with peak beginning at 2,000 rpm and going all the way to 5,200 rpm.  |   2.0-liter 268 horsepower 258 lb.-ft torque  |   2.5-liter 265 horsepower 244 lb.-ft torque  |
Transmission 2015 is the first ever WRX with a six speed manual. Previously, you had to pay the bigger bucks for the STi to get the six speed. Also, this is the first time a CVT has ever been offered as a option on the WRX. |  Manual: Six Speed Automatic: Sport Lineartronic CVT with stepped manual and automatic shift modes controlled with steering wheel paddle switches.  |  Manual: Five Speed Automatic: Not available |
| 0-60 Time and Top Speed | Manual: 5.4 Seconds Automatic: 5.7 seconds Top Speed: 155mph (estimated) | Manual:  5.5 seconds  Top Speed: 145mph |
Wheels and Handling 2015 model get Active Torque Vectoring to reduce understeer and sharpen handling. |  Â Â 17" finished in black. |  Â 17" finished in gunmetal. |
| Rear Window design Subaru stylists got a little kinky on the 2015. When you start with a fairly conservative sedan, you need to take every opportunity to add a sporting flair. |  |   |
| Rear Diffuser To improve fuel economy, high speed handling, and top speed, 2015 WRX gets standard rear diffuser at bottom of bumper cover. Engineers typically look for laminar air flow, but certain areas benefit from a little chop. |  |  |
Antenna 2015 gets shark fin antenna...more aerodynamic, and more room for telematics. |  Â |  Â |
| Hood Scoop Functional scoops channel air directly to intercooler on both models. Cooler air is denser air, improving volumetric efficiency. 2015 scoop is lower for better visibility looking out. |  |  |
| Visibility Subaru pulled the A pillars forward a huge eight inches, and added glass where there used to be a mirror. Subaru also lowered the dashboard and hood scoop. Outward visibility on the 2015 is best in class. |  |  |
Info display 2014 model gives time and ambient temp; 2015 offers multifunctional display, including boost gauge and rear vision camera screen. That's our greeter, Blue. |    |  |
| Cockpit 2015 offers standard flat bottom or "D" steering wheel. More soft-touch surfaces in the 2015. You don't get a $50,000 Audi interior for less than $30,000, but it's more refined than the previous generation. |  |  |
| Oil Change Interval See current maintenance page. | 6,000 miles or 6 months | 7,500 miles or 7.5 months |
| Sport seats 2014 had sculpted sport seats without an adjustable headrest. 2015 seats are even safer and more comfortable. |  |  |
Pricing Subaru only increased base price $300, even with all the added content. | WRX starts at $27,090 Â See pricing and models. | WRX starts at $26,790 See pricing and models. |
2015 Colors
(All colors are available on WRX and STi)
  WR Blue Pearl (see our photos above too) |  Dark Grey Metallic |
 Crystal Black Silica |  Ice Silver Metallic |
 Galaxy Blue Pearl |  Lightning Red (see our photos below too) |
 Crystal White Pearl |
More pictures and detailed analysis:
New Engine
The new WRX 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder BOXER engine uses a combination of direct fuel
injection, high compression (10.6:1), Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS),
a twin-scroll turbocharger and an intercooler to achieve outstanding performance and high efficiency.
The engine produces 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, accompanied by a broad torque curve that
peaks at 258 lb.-ft. over a 2,000-5,200 rpm engine speed range.
Based on the engine used in the new 2014 Forester 2.0 XT, the WRX version uses
different cams and higher-rate valve springs, among other enhancements.
Appearance
The new WRX features a much bolder front design with a deep front
spoiler and unique grille. The wide-body stance seen on the previous model is enhanced
with new, standard 17-inch wheels. The hood, front fenders, rear doors and quarters,
bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters are all unique to the 2015 WRX.
Specially designed for the 2015 WRX, the rear doors and fenders continue the model's
wide-body stance in a rakish new profile. The Subaru hexagonal grille is flanked by
narrower headlights designed to evoke a raptor's stare. The functional hood scoop,
which supplies the intercooler with fresh air, is now set more deeply into the hood to
provide better forward visibility.
Other new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a carbon fiberlike
pattern and vertical front fender vents that feature a bright garnish and a mesh
screen. Higher-grade models use new LED low-beam headlights; halogen lights are
used on other models. The side sill spoilers that help to visually lower the car also help
protect the doors from rock chips.
New standard 17-inch wheels feature a more aerodynamic design. At the rear, LED
taillights, a diffuser, LED center high-mount stoplight (CHMS) and an available lip spoiler
leave a distinctive signature.
Handling
For 2015, the Subaru WRX employs a new torque vectoring system that supplements the
standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Torque vectoring allows for improved cornering
speeds and handling. The new WRX body structure makes greater use of high-tensile strength steel
 than the previous model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. Combined with
the new Electronic Power Steering system, specially tuned suspension and 235/45 R17 94W Dunlop
SP Sport Maxx RT tires, the stiffer chassis yields steering response that was benchmarked against
top-handling sports cars.
Manual Transmission
The new 6-speed manual transmission provides a wider ratio spread than the previous 5-speed and incorporates several performance and durability improvements for this high-performance application,
including carbon synchronizers on first and second gears.
Automatic Transmission
The 2015 WRX introduces the option of a new automatic transmission engineered to
enrich the performance-driving experience. The new Sport Lineartronic CVT combines
the benefits of a continuously variable transmission (high fuel efficiency, ultra-smooth
driving character) with the choice of stepped automatic shifting eight pre-selected ratios
(when in Sport Sharp mode) and also 6-speed and 8-speed manual shifting modes using
steering wheel paddle switches.Â
Models with the Sport Lineartronic CVT also feature Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE),
a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the
vehicle's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes -
"Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" - using a switch on the flat-bottom steering wheel.
Two Versions of Symmetrical AWD
When equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the 2015 Subaru WRX uses the
brand's Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling
locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50 front to rear, and
VehicleDynamics Control (VDC) provides stability and traction control. Should slippage occur,
this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.
The new Sport Lineartronic CVT is teamed exclusively with the Variable Torque
Distribution (VTD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A planetary gear-type center
differential and an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch control torque
distribution between the front and rear wheels. Under most conditions, VTD splits the
torque 45:55, with the rearward torque bias contributing to handling agility. The VTD
system continually optimizes torque distribution in response to driving conditions and
input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors.
Interior
A one-inch longer wheelbase than the previous WRX is a factor in providing a markedly
roomier cabin in the new model. The windshield is more raked than before, with the A pillar
pulled forward nearly eight inches at the base for better forward visibility, aided by
a lower dashboard and narrower A-pillars. Higher seating hip points, lower side sills and
wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Rear seat passengers gain nearly two
inches of legroom, and trunk capacity is increased. A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear
seat extends the WRX sedan's versatility.
The high-performance feel starts as soon as the driver enters the 2015 WRX and grips
the new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel, which offers tilt and telescoping
adjustments. The wheel integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth® control.
Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the
dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. Numerous compartments located in
and around the center console hold all manner of personal items, such as phones, USB
drives and MP3 players. The available power sunroof opens one inch farther than on the
previous WRX.
The dual gauge instrument layout features a 3.5-in. LCD central screen to display
various functions, including oil level, remaining washer fluid and selected gear ratio. A
new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of
vehicle system functions, including a rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio,
Bluetooth and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control
operation. The display can provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.
Whiplash-reducing front sport seats, covered in a new high-grip fabric, feature separate
tilt- and height-adjustable head restraints, a change from the seats with integrated head
restraints used before. Leather is available, as is an 8-way power driver's seat.
Amenities that reflect the 2015 WRX's refined sport sedan positioning include standard
automatic climate control and available Keyless Access with Push-button Start, heated
front seats, power driver's seat, and a 440-watt, 9-speaker harman/kardon premium
audio system and navigation with Aha® smartphone integration.
Three Minute Planet Walkaround Video
