Subaru says its goal when developing the 2009 Impreza WRX was called “Kyo-Ka,” which loosely means “strengthening” in Japanese. So to strengthen the car’s performance, engineers started off by fitting it with a bigger turbocharger, a larger-diameter exhaust, and low-density catalyst for reduced backpressure. Combined, these extras manage to boost the 2.5L turbo four’s output to an impressive 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 41 hp and 18 lb-ft over the 2008 model, respectively. This puts the standard WRX on par with a MazdaSpeed3 and closer to EVO territory (though with a 30-hp deficit that fight is still reserved for the STI), but more important, it blows the doors off the new Lancer Ralliart, which only manages 237 hp.
WRXs have always been willing partners for canyon carving, but Subaru’s ’08 redesign received a fair amount of criticism for making the car softer and less performance-oriented. To rectify this, Subaru gave the 2009 Impreza WRX a significant suspension retuning, increasing spring rates from 26.5 N/mm to 38 N/mm up front and to 34 N/mm from 24 N/mm in the rear. The car’s double-wishbone rear suspension and rigid chassis remain the same, but the front upper-strut mounts are now borrowed from the track-ready STI, the diameter of the stabilizer bars is greater in the front and rear, and a new damper valve on the steering gearbox helps turn-in feel smooth and sharp. Another problem called out by enthusiasts was the ’08 Impreza WRX’s choice of rubber — originally fitted with relatively narrow 17-inch all season wheels, this year the Rex comes standard with wider (225mm), lower-profile summer tires, though the overall size remains the same. Additionally, the automaker’s Vehicle Dynamics Control stability and traction control systems are now standard across the Impreza line.
