2009 Subaru WRX - more power and priced under $25,000

Subaru has announced that the 2009 Impreza WRX will go on sale at a price under $25,000; meaning that the price will remain relatively unchanged considering the 2008 model is priced at $24,995.

The 2009 WRX features a new STI-type grille that carries the WRX badge. Both models -sedan and five-doors- get a sharpened new look from the standard Aero Package, which was formerly part of the optional WRX Premium Package. Both body styles also feature front and rear under-bumper spoilers and aerodynamic side ground effects. The sedan has a low-profile rear trunk spoiler, while the 5-Door adopts the WRX STI rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. The rear garnish panel between the light clusters is body color on the 5-Door and chrome on the sedan.

One of the most important updates to the WRX is a new, more powerful engine. One of the biggest criticisms of the new WRX when it debuted last year was that it had the same engine as the previous model. The new engine now produces 265 hp at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm – significant increases from the 224 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 version.