USA - After announcing its 8th straight year of growth, Subaru of America announces the new more aggressive 2018 WRX/WRX STI

• Revised front styling for a more aggressive look
• Suspension optimized for better handling and ride comfort
• New 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo® brakes and revised DCCD All-Wheel Drive give WRX STI wider performance envelope
• New available Recaro® power seats
• Performance Package option for WRX models
• New EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology safety features
• Upgraded interior materials and quieter cabin

Subaru of America, Inc., which this month posted its eighth consecutive year of record-breaking sales, today introduced the 2018 WRX and WRX STI, each debuting performance, comfort, design and safety enhancements for a more rewarding driving experience. The new models reach Subaru retailers in spring.

A restyled front fascia WRX and WRX STI shows a sportier attitude, highlighted by a more pronounced grille design, along with a larger lower grille opening. 

The WRX Limited and all STI feature redesigned LED Steering Responsive Headlights that help illuminate curves in nighttime driving. For greater versatility, all WRX and STI models now feature new roof rack mounting brackets.

WRX for 2018

With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the high-performance AWD sport-compact segment. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic^® CVT with manual mode.

The WRX features new front and rear suspension tuning for improved steering stability and ride comfort, while retaining the car’s high cornering performance capability. Subaru significantly enhanced shifter feel for the 6-speed manual transmission, with a new synchro design and reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up. The WRX electric power steering (EPS) was revised to provide an even smoother, more natural feel, while integrating the steering motor and electronic control unit reduces weight.

A new optional Performance Package for the WRX Premium features Recaro 8-way power seats, red-painted brake calipers and upgraded JURID brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. The standard 18-inch wheels feature a bold new double-spoke design.

WRX STI for 2018

A comprehensive handling enhancement for the 2018 STI includes the revised suspension tuning as featured on the WRX, plus a revised DCCD AWD system, significantly upgraded brakes and this model’s first-ever 19-inch wheels. The DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response. The 19-inch alloy wheels feature a striking Y-shaped spoke design and carry 245/35R19 tires that help raise cornering performance while giving the STI an even more aggressive stance.

The yellow-painted brake calipers identify a significantly upgraded Brembo Performance Brake System that now uses stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and larger, drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. New brake pads provide significantly greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance. The STI also offers the Recaro seats (standard on STI Limited, optional for base trim).

Powered by a 305-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the WRX STI brings rally-bred performance technology to the road with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Standard handling technologies include Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.

Improved Usability with a Sporting Edge

The everyday usability that has contributed to WRX and STI popularity gets even better for 2018. All models feature upgraded interior materials, rear seat armrest with cup holders, redesigned interior door grips and faster remote trunk opening.

New measures that reduce unwanted noise include thicker door glass, revised door sealing and a foam-filled windshield header beam. A new, larger high-definition multi-function display (5.9-inch vs. 4.3-inch before) makes it easier to see vehicle functions at a glance. WRX Limited models feature power driver’s seat lumbar adjustment. The standard WRX adds heated exterior mirrors (already standard on others), while the WRX Premium upgrades to a SUBARU STARLINK™ 7.0” multimedia unit from the previous STARLINK 6.2” unit.

Safety

Subaru revised the front structure of the WRX and WRX STI for enhanced frontal collision performance. The WRX Limited, when equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now features Vehicle Hold (AVH), and a new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM). The EAM uses LED indicators to display EyeSight status and alerts on the windshield, allowing the driver to see them without diverting eyes from the road ahead. 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, and then can seamlessly transition to acceleration.

Subaru of America and Prodrive are going to attempt to take the course record at the Isle of Man TT again.

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that it will make another record attempt on the Isle of Man TT Course with rally driver Mark Higgins. Higgins will drive an all-new 2016 Subaru WRX STI time attack car that was jointly developed by Subaru of America, Inc., and Prodrive, with technical assistance provided by Subaru Tecnica International (STI). The new car is purpose built for the Isle of Man TT Course.

“We are excited to be back and running on the Isle of Man TT course,” said Dominick Infante, National Manager of Product Communications, Subaru of America. 

“This is one of the most amazing road courses in the world and the Isle of Man TT is one of the most exciting races of the year. We have previously run the TT Course in near-stock Subaru WRX STIs, but this year we set out to design the ultimate WRX STI for this circuit.”

For 2016, Subaru of America decided to create a purpose built car that could tackle the arduous TT Course, which is similar in style to both the Nürburgring Nordschleife and Le Mans in the demands it puts on suspension and engines. 

It called upon the joint expertise of Prodrive for the design and build, and Subaru Technica International for technical assistance. Both have an extensive history in building and designing winning cars. Prodrive and Subaru have won three World Rally Championship Manufacturer titles together and three World Rally Championship driver titles. 

Prodrive also has experience running team Aston Martin in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24-Hour race. STI has experience designing great road course cars, designing the class-winning 2015 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race winner.

In 2014, Subaru broke its own previous lap record around the fabled 37-mile course, with an average lap speed of 117.51mph and a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds. The previous record of 115.36mph was set in 2011 in a WRX STI.

Survey reveals 84% fewer rear-end collisions and 62% reduction in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes from Eyesight fitted Subaru's

• Survey of traffic accidents in Japan reveals 84% fewer rear-end collisions and 62% reduction in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes
• EyeSight safety technology fitted as standard to Subaru  in the UK

Subaru has released data from a survey of traffic accidents involving Subaru vehicles in Japan which reveals a 61% reduction in crashes for vehicles equipped with the company’s advanced EyeSight collision avoidance technology.

Subaru analysed a range of traffic accident data involving the company’s vehicles from 2010 to 2014*, and found that vehicles equipped with EyeSight had 84% fewer rear-end collisions than those without, when measured in terms of accidents per 10,000 vehicles. The adoption of EyeSight resulted in 62% fewer vehicle-to-vehicle collisions and a 49% reduction in vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes.

Fitted as standard to every Subaru Outback sold in the UK with a Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, EyeSight acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards. EyeSight’s two colour cameras are located either side of the rear view mirror to detect the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other hazards up to 110 metres in front.

EyeSight features six technologies to maximise safety: Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, Pre-collision Steering Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

EyeSight is a major contributing factor to the Outback’s maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating. The technology has also resulted in a ‘Top Safety Pick+’ rating by the USA’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the top ‘Advanced Safety Vehicle-Plus’ rating under the Japan NCAP safety test.

Fuji Heavy Industries announces it's 2016 forecast for sales and global production.

Subaru Automobiles’ parent company Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) has announced its global production and sales forecast for 2016.

Following another record in 2015 when the company sold 978,000 vehicles world-wide, the company has projected a sixth straight record again this year with a global forecast of 1,033,000 vehicle sales. If it reaches its target, it would be the first time in its history it has surpassed the million vehicle’s sold mark.

Subaru has been performing strongly in every region, but in particular the US and Canadian markets continue their upward trend unabated with growth of 13 and 14% respectively. Closer to home, Subaru UK saw an increase of 24% in 2015 with a volume of 3,455 registrations, and anticipates a further modest increase this year.

Global production is also set to increase and to be in excess of one million vehicles for the first time. The vast bulk of production remains in the home territory of Japan, which this year will build around 718,000 vehicles; overseas production will account for around 296,000 units, a total increase in production of 8% and the fifth year in succession it has risen.

USA - 2016 Subaru WRX/WRX STi now available with EyeSight safety system.

• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, now with Lane Keep Assist, available for WRX with Sport Lineartronic™ transmission
• Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available for some models
• Subaru STARLINK™ Multimedia Touch Screen Infotainment in all trim levels
• Standard 18-inch wheels and summer performance tires on WRX Premium and Limited
• WRX STI Limited now available with low-profile rear trunk spoiler
• WRX models begin at $26,595 and WRX STI at $34,695

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the 2016 WRX and WRX STI models, featuring new available safety technology, including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. In addition, new STARLINK™ touch screen infotainment systems offer a significantly enhanced user experience in all models. The 2016 models will arrive at Subaru dealerships this summer.

Subaru introduced the new-generation WRX and WRX STI for 2015 featuring a new wide-body sedan design with a significantly stiffer chassis resulting in an expanded performance envelope. The pair joined other Subaru models in posting record sales: WRX / WRX STI combined sales increased 42 percent in 2014.The 2016 WRX continues in standard, Premium and Limited trim lines, starting at an MSRP of $26,595. The 305-horsepower 2016 WRX STI, distinguished by exclusive performance components, is offered in standard and Limited trim lines starting at an MSRP of $34,695.

WRX: 268-hp Segment Launcher

With its 268-horsepower, 2.0-liter direct injection turbo BOXER engine and standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the high-performance AWD sport-compact segment. The 2016 WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic™ with manual mode.

The new-generation WRX’s stiffer structure and chassis greatly enhanced handling agility, and improvement continues for 2016 with the adoption of 18 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 summer tires on Premium and Limited trims.

New Safety Tech

The 2016 WRX joins other Subaru models in offering the company’s EyeSight system, one of the highest-rated front crash prevention systems by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). EyeSight, which is integrated with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure warning, uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology. Newly added to the 2016 WRX EyeSight system is Lane Keep Assist, which uses the vehicle’s electric power steering system to help the driver keep the vehicle within its lane when driving on the highway.

EyeSight is available for the WRX Limited (with Sport Lineartronic transmission) in a package that also includes Navigation and Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This comprehensive technology upgrade package also includes a harman/kardon® amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system plus Keyless Access and Push-Button Start with Pin Code Access.

Models equipped with EyeSight also come with Steering Responsive Fog lights. This feature (which works when the fog lights are turned off) activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on the vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners.

Today’s Most In-Demand Infotainment Technology

All WRX trim lines for 2016 feature significantly upgraded infotainment capability. The standard WRX receives a new Subaru STARLINK™ 6.2” Multimedia system featuring today’s most in-demand user technologies, including: 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display, AM/FM stereo, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD Radio®, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Subaru STARLINK connectivity with Aha™ and Pandora® smartphone integration, iHeart® Radio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. A rear vision camera is standard on all trims.

For the WRX Premium with 6-speed manual transmission, the upgraded Subaru STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system comes in a $2,100 package that also includes the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system.

The STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system includes all features of the STARLINK™ 6.2” Multimedia system and adds a high-resolution 7-inch LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls, much like a smartphone or tablet. In addition, this system includes SMS text messaging, iTunes® tagging capability and dual USB ports. SiriusXM NavWeather® and NavTraffic® are also available with a subscription. Also included with the navigation system are three years of complimentary map updates.

The top-of-line Limited trim builds on the Premium, bringing luxury to the WRX with leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat and Welcome Lighting. Exclusive to the WRX Limited, LED low-beam headlights provide a unique look and enhanced visibility. The high beams are multi-reflector halogen units, and the system includes automatic off/on. Pricing on the Limited trim begins at $30,395.

2016 Subaru WRX STI: Heart and Soul of a Rally Champion

The WRX STI is powered by the legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled BOXER engine. For the 2016 WRX STI Limited trim, a low-profile trunk spoiler is now available as a no-cost option in place of the standard large signature wing.

Standard features for the 2016 WRX STI also include dual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The standard trim WRX STI receives the same new Subaru STARLINK™ 6.2” Multimedia system as the WRX, and a rear vision camera is standard, as well. The standard trim STI can be upgraded with a Navigation option packaged with the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system along with Keyless Access and Push Button Start with PIN Code Access for $2,600.

The WRX STI Limited returns with the luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat and power moonroof. For 2016, Subaru equipped this top STI trim with significant new safety and infotainment technologies. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are both included, plus Keyless Access and Push Button Start with PIN Code Access. The Subaru STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system is standard and is combined with the harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system.

Exclusive STI Performance Engineering

The WRX STI features a rally-bred drivetrain and Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that is exclusive to this model. Standard handling technologies include Active Torque Vectoring, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

The WRX STI is equipped exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission. A flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel integrates a 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions such as windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.

The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system (also on the WRX Premium and Limited with automatic transmission) 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 center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.

Alcantara® seating surfaces, accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching, set the tone for the STI’s driver-focused interior. Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A multi-information central display with a 4.3-in. LCD screen provides displays for numerous vehicle system functions, including the standard rear camera, boost gauge, Bluetooth, climate control settings and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

2016 Subaru WRX and WRX STI
Model/Trim		Transmission	Applicable Option Code	MSRP	MSRP + destination and delivery ($795)
WRX		6MT	01	$26,595	$27,390
WRX Premium		6MT	11, 12	$28,895	$29,690
WRX Premium		CVT	11	$30,095	$30,890
WRX Limited		6MT	21, 22	$30,395	$31,190
WRX Limited		CVT	21, 23	$31,595	$32,390
WRX STI		6MT	02, 03	$34,695	$35,490
WRX STI Limited – Wing		6MT	21	$39,995	$40,790
WRX STI - Low Profile  Trunk Spoiler		6MT	21	$39,995	$40,790

CODE 01    Standard WRX Model	--
CODE 11    Standard WRX Premium Model	--
CODE 12     Navigation + harman/kardon amplifier and speakers	$2,100
CODE 21     Standard WRX Limited Model	--
CODE 22       Navigation System + harman/kardon amplifier & speakers + Keyless Access & Start + SRVD (Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert)	$3,100
CODE 23       Navigation System + Harman/kardon amplifier & speakers + Keyless Access & Start + SRVD (Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert) + EyeSight	$4,095
CODE 02       Standard WRX STI Model	--
CODE 03      Navigation System + harman/kardon amplifier & speakers + Keyless Access & Start	$2,600
CODE 21      Standard WRX STI Limited Model	--

Destination & Delivery (D&D) is $795 & includes handling & inland freight charges to dealer’s location and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NJ, RI, & VT. D&D to dealers in Alaska is $945.