Subaru unveils 2015 WRX and Legacy Concept
Subaru has unveiled the all-new Subaru WRX and the Legacy concept simultaneously  at the Los Angeles and Tokyo motor shows.
The Japanese carmaker teased an image of the production-ready 2015 WRX edition last week. The 2015 WRX made its debut at the auto shows armed with Subaru's famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and hallmark Boxer engine. The new Subaru WRX will go on sale in North America and Japan later in 2014.
At the heart of the car, is a 2.0-litre horizontally opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine. It delivers 268PS of power and 258Nm of peak torque. The rig is completed with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional newly developed 8-speed Sport Lineartronic CVT. Subaru claims better environmental efficiency too. The suspensions have been tweaked for performance handling. The stiffer body reduces body roll and ups the cornering ability and response to driver inputs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Active Torque Vectoring and more rigid steering mounts has further improved handling and also fuel efficiency, claims the brand. Use of high-tensile steel has also cut the weight of the car, while safety structures in the hood, bulkhead and bay have improved crash safety and pedestrian protection.
On the outside, the WRX seems aggressively styled. The front gets Subaru's unified design motif, hexagonal grille, 'hawkeye' lamps and a low stance. The vehicle gets a sleeker feel owing to the repositioned A-pillar. The rear gets a diffuser and twin exhausts integrated into the bumper while a lip spoiler is designed to enhance aerodynamic performance. Front and rear lamp assemblies get LEDs, and the US models get 17 inch alloys.
On the inside, the wheelbase is up by 25mm. This has expanded rear legroom, elbow and shoulder room. Door openings have been enlarged for easier ingress and egress, while boot space has also been increased. The cabin gets carbon and metal inserts, flat-bottomed steering, silver 'WRX' logos, red stitching, red lighting and a new 3.5-inch LCD colour display.
The Legacy ConceptAlso sharing the stage was Subaru's Legacy Concept. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, and currently in its fifth generation, the Legacy is the brand's flagship. Not surprisingly, the design language is like the WRX.
The concept is sleek, with a coupe-like roof. The interior gets a smartphone-like central console and brown leather upholstery with blue accents. It also features the latest version of Subaru's driver assist system, 'EyeSight', which monitors the road ahead and recognises potentially dangerous driving situations.