Powered by an all-new 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2012 Impreza comes with a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or the second-generation Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The 2012 Impreza will offer the highest fuel efficiency of any all-wheel drive car in North America with projected fuel efficiency ratings of 7.5 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway.  Every 2012 Impreza is also equipped with Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, which enhances the fun to drive experience as well as provides greater confidence in all weather conditions.

Built on a longer wheelbase, but with shorter overhangs, the 2012 Impreza provides a roomier interior in the same external footprint as the outgoing model. The new passenger cabin yields not only more room, but also a greater feeling of spaciousness and better visibility than before.

Bold Design Statement Also Enhances Functionality
The 2012 Subaru Impreza conveys a bolder, more confident design that emphasizes its sporty roots and standard All-Wheel Drive performance. In profile, the 2012 Impreza draws focus to its wheels with powerful arches, a theme that debuted on the 2010 Subaru Legacy. Prominent wheel arches are meant to give a design cue to the standard symmetrical full-time AWD system. The sleek silhouette incorporates a larger greenhouse, which also aids visibility, a Subaru design priority.

In front, the Subaru badge centres the new hexagonal grille, a keystone of all new Subaru designs. The hawk-eye headlights continue a theme introduced with the 2010 Legacy. A range of new 15-inch wheel covers and 16- or 17-inch alloy wheel designs also debut on the 2012 Impreza.

Numerous exterior and interior design elements combine to give the Impreza a sportier stance while also offering the driver and passengers a more commanding, confident view of the road. The windshield is more raked than in the previous model, with the bottom of the A-pillar moving forward by 200mm. This allows for a front door opening that is nearly 125mm longer for easier entry/exit, abetted by doorsills that are 20mm lower than before. The rear doors are also larger on both body styles.

To maximize driver visibility in the corners, the Impreza features thinner A-pillars and partitioned front-door side glass. This configuration allows for a slimmer secondary pillar – and therefore better visibility – compared to cars that use a pulled-forward windshield design and thicker secondary pillars. The top-of-door interior trim is also 60mm lower. These elements contribute to better visibility, which is also enhanced by higher hip points, both front and rear. The instrument panel is lower and flatter than before, resulting in a wider field of view and a feeling of greater spaciousness. Exterior side-view mirrors with 23 percent more surface area enhance visibility and driving safety, while relocating the mirrors from the A-pillars to the doors contributes to improved sight lines.

Improved Room and Refinement
The combination of a longer wheelbase and redesigned door, roof trim and front seats yield gains in passenger and cargo room, with additional details demonstrating Subaru’s mastery of smart vehicle packaging. This Impreza model’s wheelbase also grows to 2645mm as compared to 2620mm in the outgoing model. Vehicle length and width remain the same as before for both the sedan and 5-door models, yet – thanks to redesigned door panels – the 2012 Impreza offers increased hip and shoulder room.

Rear-seat passengers gain approximately 50mm of legroom, thanks to both the longer wheelbase and a new, scalloped-style front seat backrest design. Sedan trunk room and 5-door cargo room have both increased, and the 4-door now provides a completely flat load floor with the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded. Relocating the car’s electronic control units (ECUs), power window motors and fuel vapor charcoal canister are “behind the scenes” details that helped make the new gains possible within the same exterior package as the outgoing model.

The 2012 Impreza interior is not only more spacious than the outgoing model, but also delivers a major step up in refinement. The sporty instrument panel and 3-spoke steering wheel are augmented on all Impreza models by an information display or a 4.3-inch colour multi-function display (on Sport and Limited models) with trip computer located in the centre of the dashboard. Richer-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and centre console armrest. In the higher line models, the armrest features a slide adjustment for greater comfort and versatility.

Optimizing the shape of the cargo-area trim and nearby components enables the sedan to carry four golf bags. In the 5-door, it is easier to load and unload heavy objects, thanks to the removal of a stepped section under the opening. The cargo area cover can now be stored under the cargo floor, as on the Forester.

In the sedan, trunk functionality is improved with support arms that are reshaped and enclosed within the trunk interior trim, ensuring that they do not make contact with stored items when the trunk is closed. When the trunk release is activated, from within the car or via the remote control, the trunk lid opens wider than before. Subaru designers paid special attention to increase not only cargo area and trunk room in the 2012 Impreza, but also carrying space and utility throughout the vehicle. Larger door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold all manner of personal items such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players. For those who still prefer to listen to music on CDs, the console compartments provide ample storage for jewel cases.

Highest Level of Comfort, Convenience and Luxury Ever Offered in a Subaru Impreza
More spacious than before, the 2012 Impreza also offers greater comfort, versatility and more advanced technology. The front seats are newly redesigned with long-distance comfort in mind and feature higher seatbacks, increased lumbar support and cushions that more effectively distribute pressure. As in the 2010 Legacy, the seats are optimized for a rear-end collision. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard on all 2012 Impreza models.

Standard comfort and available amenities have increased across the Impreza line for 2012. The 2.0i entry model, for example, features power windows, door locks and side mirrors, a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat, outside temperature gauge, heated body-colour exterior mirrors, cruise control, a multi-function display with fuel economy information, remote keyless entry system, security system with engine immobilizer, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers and a low windshield washer fluid warning light.

Impreza 2.0i Touring models add more amenities, including 16-inch alloy wheels, an advanced AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with six speakers, voice-activated Bluetooth® hands-free system, steering wheel-integrated hands-free and audio controls, a MediaHub for iPod®/USB audio integration with Bluetooth streaming audio, a rear stabilizer bar for crisper handling, heated front seats, automatic headlights and a front windshield wiper de-icer among others.

The Impreza Sport Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, upgraded gauges, automatic climate control, aerodynamic side ground effects, front fog lights, rear spoiler and a stainless steel exhaust tip on 4-door models. A 4.3-inch multi-function display, which is a fully bilingual system that is not available in any other North American market aside from Canada, offers a wide array of fuel consumption data as well as maintenance reminders. Also included in this system is a Vehicle Dynamics Control monitor, which displays All-Wheel Drive in action on slippery surfaces.  

At the top of the Impreza range for 2012, the Limited Package delivers the highest level of comfort and convenience ever offered in a Subaru Impreza. Building upon the Sport Package content, the Limited Package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, HID headlights, leather seating surfaces, outside mirror-integrated LED turn signals, a Pioneer® display audio system and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription as well as chrome trim on the truck lid and exterior door handles.

All-New Boxer Engine with Newly Available Lineartronic CVT
The 2012 Impreza is powered by an all-new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed to a five-speed manual transmission or the available, new Lineartronic CVT. With either transmission, the 2012 Impreza delivers significantly higher fuel economy than the car it replaces.

The new 2.0-litre engine produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. This new Subaru engine family, which debuted in the 2011 Forester in 2.5-litre form, uses a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) design, compared to the previous Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) configuration. The Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. The 2012 Impreza employs a more efficient exhaust system that allows an improved catalyst placement for faster heat-up to reduce emissions immediately after engine startup.

Compared to the outgoing Impreza model’s 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, the new-generation 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER features a longer stroke to maximize low- and mid-range torque as well as environmental friendliness. The new engine is even more responsive than the 2.5-litre engine it replaces, thanks to lighter vehicle weight – and especially when equipped with the new CVT.

Subaru first introduced its Lineartronic CVT in the 2010 Legacy and Outback models, and now the 2012 Impreza debuts a lighter, quieter and more compact version that delivers both enhanced driving performance and environmental friendliness. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Compared to CVTs used in other brands, the Lineartronic CVT provides wider ratio coverage, due to a larger difference between the largest and smaller pulley diameters.

Subaru refined the CVT in the 2012 Impreza to deliver smooth, linear acceleration, closer to a conventional automatic transmission while still delivering the efficiency benefits of a CVT. Low-speed acceleration in particular is even stronger than a comparison of performance figures alone might suggest. The engine now also supports standing-starts in the pre-selected “second gear” ratio to reduce the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

Impreza Touring, Sport and Limited Package models with the CVT also feature steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The driver can engage manual mode with the console shift lever or, when in “D” mode, temporarily access manual mode by operating an up or downshift shift paddle. In that case, the transmission will return to automatic mode once the vehicle is travelling at a constant speed.

New Technology for Better Fuel Efficiency
In addition to the new engine’s greater efficiency, the Impreza adopts additional technologies to maximize fuel economy. Among these is the new electric power steering system, which by itself contributes a two-percent efficiency increase. The tires, in 15, 16- or 17-inch sizes, exhibit lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy without compromising braking distance or other performance parameters. A further efficiency gain comes from reducing disc brake drag by using a spring-type pad return mechanism.

Because the 2012 Impreza offers such a significant increase in fuel economy over the outgoing vehicle, Subaru was able to use a smaller capacity fuel tank (now 55 litres compared to 64 litres before) while also increasing driving range. The smaller fuel tank, in turn, enabled Subaru to relocate the charcoal vapor canister, which helped increase cargo room.

Confident, Agile Handling and Safety for any Road
Strengthened suspension components in front and rear – some inherited from the Legacy – enhance agility, while new liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts help to dampen out vibration. A new front support connecting the front cross member and rear bushing section of the front arm enhances stability, agility and ride quality. The double-wishbone rear suspension features new, strengthened components and pillow ball bushings for improved ride, straight-line stability, handling and vehicle response. Touring, Sport and Limited Package models add special rebound springs in the front dampers, as well as a rear stabilizer bar, for even more responsive handling. The enhancement of body rigidity and the new suspension design help to reduce levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The stiffened rear subframe ensures greater resistance to twisting, also contributing to enhanced stability and handling. New sound insulators in the toe board and around the floor tunnel also contribute to interior quietness.

Continued Safety Leadership
Subaru’s advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, again forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the new-generation 2012 Impreza. Building on Subaru’s renowned safety leadership (all 2011 Subaru model lines are IIHS Top Safety Picks), the 2012 Impreza was designed to excel under the more stringent NHTSA testing regimen. The new body structure makes greater use of high-tensile strength steel and features special stiffening elements at key locations.

As standard equipment, the 2012 Impreza includes front seat side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. The new driver’s front air bag offers added protection for drivers who position themselves close to the steering wheel. Immediately after deployment, the driver’s air bag spreads thin and wide, then thickens as deployment reaches completion. The passenger-seat front air bag features a shell-type design with a centre groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment. All 2012 Impreza models add a new driver’s knee air bag to the roster of safety features.

All Impreza models for 2012 are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control functions. Likewise, all 2012 Impreza models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system. The 2012 Impreza also features a new brake override feature, which lowers engine output when both the brake and the throttle pedal are depressed simultaneously, ensuring a drama-free stop.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2012 Impreza. In models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Impreza models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the electronically controlled Multi-plate Transfer Clutch (MPT) AWD system that uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under normal driving conditions.

The WRX STI has been continuously improved since its introduction. Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.

“The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,” said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. “The 2011 WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts.”

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer.

Performance Evolution
The 2011 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305 horsepower turbocharged/intercooled Subaru Boxer engine teamed with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive.

The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, including Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system that features a track performance-optimized mode. Hill Holder, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

All-New 4-Door Wide-Body Design for 2011
The new WRX STI 4-door design is based on a “wide and low” concept that gives the car an aggressive road presence. Like the wide-body design already used for the 5-door WRX STI, the new 4-door WRX STI features widened front and rear track dimensions and wider, more pronounced front fenders and rear quarter panels. The design maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability.

In front, the 2011 WRX STI features sharpened bumper corners to accentuate the “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent and the headlights now have a silver-painted inner housing. A newly designed front grille with a black inset and blacked-out Subaru floating wing set off the headlights’ shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance.  

For the WRX STI 4-door sedan, new wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, and this accentuates a look of stability. A striking larger rear spoiler was exclusively designed for the STI 4-door. The new details contribute to an improved drag coefficient, and the rear spoiler design contributes to stable high-speed handling and achievement of zero lift. STI sedan also features its own version of Subaru’s polished stainless steel quad-tailpipe exhaust, with tailpipe diameter enlarged to three inches.

New WRX STI Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Changes in chassis tuning for 2011 reflect both feedback from owners and enthusiasts, and the brand’s commitment to keeping this model at the peak of the segment’s performance offerings. The fundamentals remain the same as before, but specific tuning results in reduced body roll, more neutral handling response and higher lateral-G capability.

The WRX STI delivers ultra-crisp handling along with everyday ride compliance. High-tensile-strength steel is used at key structural points and the suspension-mounting areas. Inverted struts used for the front suspension provide high bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight.

Major changes to suspension tuning for the 2011 WRX STI include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front as well as stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension—these improve camber and toe stiffness. Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm versus 20 mm in front and 19 mm versus 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.

New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 8 kg less than the previous standard wheels. These wheels further reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 summer performance tires are used with the standard and optional wheels.

SI-DRIVE Gives WRX STI Driver More Control
Exclusive to the WRX STI models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes—Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp—using a rotary dial on the centre console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the Engine Control Module (ECM) and by fine-tuning the Electronic Throttle Control system. For example, with Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic.

Sport mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration, making it ideal for everyday sporty driving. In Sport Sharp mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver super-quick throttle response and put down the power sooner.

Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
As before, the 2011 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive. The system employs planetary-type differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A mechanical limited-slip centre differential augments an electronically controlled centre differential to enhance torque transfer performance. A steering sensor input enhances torque transfer response by accurately relaying the car’s cornering situation. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side power distribution, helping to prevent the inside wheels from slipping during cornering.

The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes. Auto mode provides the best all-around performance for most drivers and circumstances, varying the front/rear torque distribution automatically in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle, cornering force and wheel slippage. The Auto (-) mode makes less use of the centre limited-slip differential (less locking factor) and holds the torque bias to the rear more frequently, which yields more handling-oriented steering characteristics. For driving on slippery surfaces, such as gravel or snow, the Auto (+) setting tightens the LSD. In manual mode, DCCD offers six levels of centre differential locking, allowing the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution (up to 50:50 maximum) to optimize AWD performance for varying driving conditions.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all Subaru models for 2010. It is important to note that, in Subaru vehicles, traction control plays a second line of defense against wheel slip after AWD torque distribution. In contrast, some other all-wheel drive systems lack the performance advantage of a locking centre differential and rely solely on traction control to redistribute torque away from slipping wheels.

Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Multi-Mode VDC system offers the driver three settings: VDC Normal, Traction and Off. The Normal setting provides the highest level of system engagement, using traction control (TCS) and VDC.  The Traction setting is more performance-oriented, employing less-restrictive VDC and disengaging the engine torque-reduction control. The Off setting disengages the VDC and the traction control functions.

Also exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Front discs measure 326 mm in diameter and use 4-piston, fixed-position callipers; the 316 mm rear discs use 2-piston, fixed-position callipers. Taking input from a lateral g-sensor, a steering angle sensor, a yaw sensor and a brake pressure sensor, Super Sport ABS can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, which optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.  In contrast, conventional ABS systems control the rear wheels as a pair, reducing the braking force to both rear wheels equally.

Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. The colour of each metallic part was unified to dark metallic and sharp silver. Trim panels, steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.

The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a 3-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo. The wheel features control switches for Bluetooth hands-free phone function. The WRX STI models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver’s footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. The instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.

The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In 5-door models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door sedan, which is 165 mm longer than the 5-door, the extra space provides for a larger, deeper trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience, and the 4-door also features a rear seat fold-down centre armrest.

Standard amenities that help make the WRX STI an excellent everyday driver include an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player that features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, a 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack and SIRIUS satellite radio capability. A vehicle security system with engine immobilizer is standard, as well. All WRX STI models come pre-wired for SIRIUS satellite radio.

Subaru Safety
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) provides precise control of braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to improve stability and stopping distances. Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.

Every Impreza is built around the proven Subaru Advanced Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones, and all feature standard side-curtain airbags. The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) includes front seat side impact air bags. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight—first determining if the seat is occupied, and if so by a child or adult—to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features an “Airbag” indicator light. There are 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, including front height-adjustable seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters.