First Drive: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX
It's Baaaaaack
By Josh Jacquot
The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX just didn't have it. You know, it. That extra something that makes a car kick #$%^&.
After driving it for the first time last year, we fired up the poison pen. It was too soft, we wrote, understeered too much and its engine, once the class of the sport compact segment, ran out of steam well before redline. Frankly, we were pissed off. Subaru had blown it. But worse than that, we missed our old friend, the WRX — the one with immediate turn-in, a taut suspension and a redline-ripping boosted boxer engine.
Most car companies just get mad at us when we tell them their new car is crap. But not Subaru. Instead, Subaru listened. Then it fixed the car.
For 2009, only a single model year on, Subaru has returned the WRX to its proper place among sport compacts. Oh, it still shares its platform and the majority of its components with the 2008 model, but the 2009 WRX represents a complete attitude adjustment. It's more practical and refined than the first-generation car, but once again offers the original WRX's spirit, which not only offered enthusiastic all-wheel-drive handling and plenty of power for a reasonable price but gave the finger to convention.
The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX has it.
More Power, More Torque
Starting with more engine output, Subaru has given the WRX its soul back. For 2009, horsepower is bumped from 224 to 265 while torque climbs from 224 pound-feet to 244. As important, the otherwise similar 2.5-liter boxer engine now pulls hard all the way to its 6,500-rpm redline while still delivering adequate mid- and low-range punch.
The additional motivation comes courtesy of the WRX STI turbocharger (with a slightly different trim). A larger-diameter exhaust and more efficient catalytic converters reduce exhaust backpressure by 30 percent relative to the 2008 WRX. Peak boost is up to 13.3 psi from the '08 model's 11.4 psi. The ECU is reprogrammed to accommodate these changes.
More power is always a welcome change to any new model, but it often comes with compromises. The only one we've spotted so far is an EPA city fuel economy rating that is reduced from 19 to 18 mpg. The EPA highway rating remains 25 mpg.
Chassis Tweaks
To quell the car's floaty ride and floppy handling, Subaru's chassis engineers worked like dogs, ignoring their wives and kids for months at a time.
The result? Spring rates are up 43 percent in front and 42 percent in the rear, while roll stiffness increases 22 and 29 percent front and rear. Additional roll stiffness comes from larger antiroll bars — the front bar diameter increases from 20mm to 21mm and the rear bar diameter increases from 15mm to 16mm. New dampers and STI upper strut mounts are matched to the stiffer spring rates.
Wider 225/45R17 summer tires replace the 2008 WRX's 205/50R17 all-season rubber. Last year's 15:1 steering ratio remains the same but a damper valve was added to the 2009 WRX's steering to reduce kickback caused by the wider tires.
And now we're convinced every chassis engineer should be an absentee dad. On the wildly undulating, pothole-ridden roads of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the WRX's new attitude is immediately obvious.
Welcome Back, WRX
Pour the coals to the WRX and up to nine-tenths it rewards with much improved grip and cornering limits that will compete with its rivals from Mazda and Mitsubishi. We found it amply capable right up to the last few tenths of our own abilities, where heavier suspension damping would offer more control.
When pushed very hard over rough roads, there's still more body motion than we like — a problem it shares with the Mazdaspeed 3, which is slated for revised dampers sometime this year. Still, the stiffer suspension and new tires should elevate its limits beyond those of the Lancer Ralliart without a similar decrease in ride quality.
Brake hardware remains the same and the only improvement in stopping performance will come as a result of the wider, stickier tires. The last WRX we tested stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is strong for the class while leaving room for improvement.
The car's newfound sharper responses don't keep us from wishing the WRX had front and rear limited-slip differentials, which would give its driver even more control at corner exit but also add cost. Mitsubishi equips its Lancer Ralliart with such hardware and Subaru should meet that challenge head on. As it is, the 2009 WRX powers out of corners adequately, but limited-slip diffs, like Subie stuffs in the STI, would make it better, especially in limited grip situations.
Emphasizing the WRX's more focused performance is the fact that it's only available with a five-speed manual transmission. Ratios remain the same as the '08 model. Getting an automatic requires stepping down to the 224-hp Impreza 2.5GT that's new for 2009. Subaru hopes this lesser version of the Impreza — basically the same spec as the 2008 WRX but only available with an automatic transmission — will capture buyers who want a softer, less powerful WRX. You know, girls.
Subaru claims the added power will propel the 2009 WRX to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds. Our previous tests on the 2008 WRX showed 0-60 times ranging between 5.9 and 6.2 seconds. We expect the quarter-mile time to drop to the low 14-second range.
The 2009 Look
Subtle styling differences distinguish the 2009 WRX, but give the otherwise slab-sided machine a bit more personality. All 2009 WRXs will wear the aero kit that was an option on 2008 models, and an STI-style grille. Five-door models also get the STI's large rear spoiler and diffuser, while sedans use a low-profile trunk lid spoiler.
Also tweaked for the better are the Subie's exhaust tips. The sedan's dual-outlet exhaust has been redesigned and the five-door's single-outlet tip is larger (and stainless steel on cars equipped with the premium package).
The WRX is still not a broad-shouldered eye-catcher like the more powerful STI, but it now looks less like a small economy wagon from Korea and more like the antisocial performance machine it is. Even the sedan, which will never win any design awards, is now less offensive.
Inside, the WRX's high-back, integrated-headrest seats are carried over for 2009 but now include red embroidered WRX logos in the seatback. Red stitching is also present on the seat bolsters and steering wheel.
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MileOne Automotive Launches MileOneService.com; Integrates Online Service Scheduling
MileOne has announced the official release of the first, service only website and the integration of online service scheduling into nearly all-Maryland and Pennsylvania dealership websites.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) October 1, 2008 -- Today, MileOne Automotive is pleased to announce the first ever service-only website by an automotive retail dealership group. The new site features service specials, educational service videos, vehicle maintenance tips for new and used cars, and will help customers better understand the care required to maintain and extend the life of their vehicles. From both MileOneService.com and individual dealership new and used car websites, customers will also be able to schedule confirmed service appointments, monitor the progress of their service and eventually pay for their visit directly through the website, allowing them to expedite their servicing visits.
"We know our customers want to do business with us on their terms and as an automotive group, we have been very diligent about giving our customers the ability to find, research, watch videos and buy new and used cars through our websites, but it was time we provided the same services for our most loyal customers - our service customers. We believe this site, which will continue to expand, will change the way customers service with our dealerships and increase their awareness of proper car and truck maintenance," says David Metter, Chief Marketing Officer for MileOne Automotive.
MileOne Automotive is known as a technology leader in the automotive retail space and with their service site, they have once again stepped out in front of the competition with resources to add value to their customer experience. Future plans for the site include full customer portals, where users can access personalized coupons and maintenance tips based on their vehicle servicing and purchase history, discussion forums to answer their servicing questions, customer video reviews and the latest recall information with an RSS feed. Their goal is to revolutionize the way customers think about vehicle maintenance and service with a proactive approach to taking care of their car or truck and MileOneService.com is the engine for creating this transformation.
Mike Zalowski, Service Director of Heritage Honda in Parkville and Towson, MD has been eagerly awaiting the launch of the site, "I have been in the automotive servicing business for 20 years and with Honda for 10 of those years and I have seen the industry change drastically on the sales side and lag behind in service when it comes to how our customers interact with our service teams. Sure, we have top of the line diagnostics equipment and master trained technicians that can diagnose just about any vehicle issue, but until now we couldn't even allow our customers to truly schedule a confirmed service appointment online. Some customers who used the site when it was in BETA have already raved about how user-friendly and easy it was to get the service information they needed and to then schedule the appropriate service appointment for anything from tire rotations, to express oil changes, to major services and even reserve their loaner car. Our customers will love this new way to service with us. "
Go to www.mileonservice.com to learn how to take proper care of your car or truck, watch service maintenance videos, view great service specials, print coupons for discount service and schedule your appointment for service. Scheduling is as easy as 1, 2, 3 by first picking your location, registering for your account and then selecting your advisor and date/time for your appointment.
About MileOne Automotive (www.mileone.com)
MileOne Automotive operates 65 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas. MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories, play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones. For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.
Tailgating Tips From The Pros
From Jim Walczak
Here are the best tips from professional tailgaters on how to throw the perfect tailgate party yourself, as well as tips to help you become the ultimate tailgater:
Make a Tailgating Checklist
To ensure nothing gets left at home, make a list of things you need to take to the tailgate party. Be sure to put your game tickets on the list too!
Have a Tailgating Theme
Think up a creative theme for your tailgate. If it's Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If it's Christmas, bring a tree. Or, base your theme and decorations on the opponent. For example, you might have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheese steaks against the Eagles, or fish against the Dolphins.
Dress for the Occasion
Dress appropriately for several hours outdoors -- and be prepared for drastic temperature changes. And don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Show Some Tailgating Team Spirit
Show your team spirit... Wear team colors. Tailgaters are usually the biggest and best fans! After all, to become the ultimate tailgater, you'll want to stir up some tailgater's envy!
Timing is Everything
Get there early. You'll want to arrive 3-4 hours before game time to beat the crowd and claim your turf. And, plan to stay late so as to not miss a moment of the post-game enthusiasm.
Location, Location, Location
Set up your tailgate party near a grassy area, or bring a roll of Astroturf to set up at the end of the row -- for a more comfortable atmosphere with lots of room to socialize. Parking at the end of a row can also give you more partying space.
Tailgating in Parking Lots
Serious tailgaters choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available. Since the stadium is your Mecca, you need to be able to see it so you can bow to it occasionally.
Mark Your Spot At The Tailgating Party
A flag or team pennant on a tall pole helps people locate the party and makes a statement of team spirit.
Seating Arrangements
Don't worry about bringing chairs for everyone. Those who want to sit will bring their own chairs.
Generating Power
Serious tailgaters bring a small generator for powering a TV, stereo system or electric space heater during cold weather games.
Timing the Eats
Make sure your food is ready 1 to 2 hours before game time, so you have enough time to eat, clean up and find your seat in the stadium.
Put out the Fire
If you're using a charcoal grill, bring along extra water to douse the embers and a plastic garbage bag to put the cold coals in.
Be Smokey's Best Friend
Make sure that you have some way of extinguishing and throwing away your hot coals. Whatever you do, dispose of firewood or charcoal briquettes properly. Some stadiums have a designated place for hot ashes, but do not dump them in the grass or in trash bins.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Bring your own lawn-size trash bags, because there never seem to be enough garbage receptacles on hand.
Maryland’s state tree is the:
Answer:
(Two Words)
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
Fall Car Care Tips
After summer's heat but before winter's chill, the months of autumn present an ideal time for car service and maintenance.
The following tips from the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) should give you a road map to fall car care. According to officials at ASE, "Cold weather will only make existing problems worse. A breakdown, while never pleasant, can be deadly in the winter."
First things first -- Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
Engine Performance -- Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at your MileOne dealer. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.).
Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that's kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.
Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual; more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling System -- The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) D-I-Y-ers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent -- you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Battery -- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment.
Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks.
Tires -- Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Mile One Service Center.
Maryland's state tree is the White Oak.
