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Next Subaru WRX here in June '14

LOS ANGELES, California - Subaru’s new WRX which made its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show will arrive in South Africa in June 2014.

The automaker says the car is new from the ground up on a new platform with a stiffer and more agile chassis and a torque-vectoring system to reduce understeer and supplement the standard all-wheel drive.

GROUND-UP NEW

There’s also a new two-litre, 197kW, direct-injection turbo boxer engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox (or Sport Lineartronic constantly variable transmission with two manual modes). The engine is based on that used in the Forester 2.0 XT but has different cams and stronger valve springs.

Subaru SA says the new 2015 WRX will arrive towards the middle of 2014.

“With its new wide-body sedan design and expanded performance," the automaker says, "the 2015 WRX is a major evolutionary step for the rally-bred performance car that has become a global automotive legend.

“The new and stiffer chassis, larger brakes, performance-tuned suspension and driver-focused interior remain part of the WRX's performance character. The new powertrain also yields better fuel-efficiency than the previous model.“

NEW GOODIES INSIDE

The cabin has a lot more space, upgraded materials, new technology and for the first-time a Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Looks-wise it has a bolder front design with a deep front spoiler, unique grille and new 17” alloy rims. The bonnet, front fenders, rear doors and fenders, bumpers, head and tail lights are all new.

“The functional bonnet scoop which supplies the intercooler with air, is now set more deeply into the bonnet to provide the driver with better forward visibility,” says the automaker.

Other performance-orientated items include fog-light surrounds with a carbon fibre-like pattern and vertical front fender vents with chromed garnish and a mesh screen. Higher-specified units have diode low-beam head lights; halogen bulbs are standard.

The new engine uses a combination of direct fuel-injection, high compression (10.6:1), Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System, a twin-scroll turbocharger and an intercooler to achieve 197kW/350Nm - the latter from 2000-5200rpm.

The new six-speed manual gearbox provides a wider ratio spread than the previous five-speed while the new CVT offers the choice of stepped auto shifting through eight pre-selected ratios (when in Sport Sharp mode) and  six-speed or eight-speed manual shifting using paddles behind the steering-wheel.

Units with the CVT also have a performance management system that allows the driver to choose from Intelligent, Sport or Sport Sharp using a switch on the steering-wheel.

Some convenience features include whiplash-reducing front sport seats, tilt and height-adjustable head restraints, leather option, auto aircon, keyless access, push-button start, heatable front seats and power adjustment for the driver's seat.
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