The company said that the 2009 Impreza WRX is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and, like all Subarus, symmetrical all-wheel drive.

With a larger turbocharger and a new low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust back pressure, the WRX engine now produces 265HP at 6,000rpm and 244lb-ft of peak torque at 4,000rpm.

The company also said that, to supplement the increased power, it has re-tuned the WRX's suspension, increasing spring rates and adding thicker... // Trading Markets

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/NETH046 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )

The project team developing the 2009 WRX had a clear aim, summed up as "Kyo-Ka" (translated from Japanese as "strengthening"). To reach their goal, the 2009 WRX, Subaru engineers thoroughly revamped the car's performance character. With a larger turbocharger, increased boost and a new low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust backpressure, the WRX engine now produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm (vs. 224 hp and 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 model.)

To supplement the increased power, Subaru re-tuned the WRX suspension, increasing spring rates and adding thicker stabilizer bars. Standard 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wear... // PR Newswire

Jalopnik (Enlarge photo)

Jalopnik Snap Judgement : If the current WRX just doesn't quite do it for you, but the power (or the insurance rates) on the Subaru WRX STI frightens you, this is a perfect option. As we mentioned, the new 'Rex gets 265 HP, 244 lb-ft of torque, that's a 41 HP and 18 lb-ft bump from each figure. Along with the power, the WRX gets an upgraded suspension with bigger anti-roll bars front and rear, tighter spring rates, and wider tires. It also gets the STI's grille and the 5 door gets that whopping big hatch spoiler as well. If you're a fan of the WRX, all of this will probably be welcome options. SUBARU BOOSTS 2009 IMPREZA WRX TO 265 HORSEPOWER

* "Kyo-Ka" Goal Delivers Quicker, Sharper-Handling WRX

* Re-tuned Suspension and 17-inch Summer Performance Tires

* New Impreza 2.5GT Model... // Jalopnik

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. The Impreza WRX moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/NETH046 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )

The project team developing the 2009 WRX had a clear aim, summed up as "Kyo-Ka" (translated from Japanese as "strengthening"). To reach their goal, the 2009 WRX, Subaru engineers thoroughly revamped the car's... // StreetInsider.com

Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. The Impreza WRX moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/NETH046 )

The project team developing the 2009 WRX had a clear aim, summed up as "Kyo-Ka" (translated from Japanese as "strengthening"). To reach their goal, the 2009 WRX, Subaru engineers thoroughly revamped the car's performance character. With a larger turbocharger, increased boost and a new low-density catalyst for reduced... // SunHerald.com