1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Debuts at New York Show
8 April 1998
1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Makes World Debut At New York International Auto Show
NEW YORK, April 8 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed
the exciting new 1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS at the New York International Auto
Show. To capture the success Subaru has enjoyed in the FIA World Rally
Championship, the 1999 Impreza 2.5 RS now features an aggressive rally
inspired front-end treatment, an exciting new boxer engine and new interior
treatments to enhance its performance image.
"Subaru is the world champion in the highly competitive international WRC
series with an Impreza-based vehicle," according to George Muller, president
and chief operating officer of Subaru of America, Inc. "Not only are we the
current champion in the WRC but we have been champions for the last three
years in a row. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a company our size.
"While driving performance may be a newer story for Subaru, its roots come
from the same engineering that has allowed us to create products like the
Outback and Forester, car-based utility vehicles, which are redefining the
traditional definition for sport utility vehicles," continues Muller. The
Subaru All-Wheel Driving System features a compact boxer engine with a
longitudinally mounted transaxle and a long stroke low friction suspension
system. Combined, the engine and transmission have a much lower mass than the
competition and, therefore, a lower polar moment of inertia. In other words,
the Impreza is far more nimble and easier to drive than its direct competition
in the WRC.
The 1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS features new front bumper and fog lamps
that mirror those found on the rally car and a new multi-reflector headlight
system. These are the most obvious changes when first seeing the car. But in
true-to-Subaru form other changes become more evident upon closer examination.
One need only look at the large tailpipe to get a hint.
In engineering, complexity can be impressive but it can also be
impractical or even wasteful. There are many complex engine systems on the
market today. When building an engine, internal friction must be controlled
so the driver can use most of the power that an engine develops. Power loss
caused by internal friction negatively impacts horsepower, torque and fuel
economy.
A major source of internal friction is the valve mechanism: the valves,
camshafts, rocker arms, pivots, etc., which make the valves open and close.
Double Overhead Camshafts are the accepted norm when building a "traditional"
performance engine. The DOHC concept works very well. In fact, Subaru uses
DOHC-equipped engines in many of its vehicles, including its competition rally
cars. But sometimes, the same results or even better results can be obtained
with less complexity. And that's the beauty of the new Single Overhead
Camshaft 2.5 liter engine that is being introduced in the 1999 Subaru Impreza
2.5 RS.
For 1999 the 2.5-liter SOHC boxer engine has a completely new valvetrain
with less friction than the previous 2.5-liter DOHC engine. A high lift
single camshaft actuates roller rocker arms.
And the included valve angle has been increased to allow for a straighter
intake passage with a tumble home design. Combined the changes in the valve
and intake systems give the 2.5-liter boxer greater torque in the actual
driving range -- low to mid range of the engine RPM scale.
Other changes to the 1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS include a redesigned
manual transmission with new synchronizers, and a new internal linkage system
for more positive shifts. A new four-speed automatic transmission is also
being introduced that is more efficient with new electronic solenoids taking
the place of more complex hydraulic valves. And both transmissions are now
bolted to the engine with eight bolts instead of four to further increase the
structural rigidity of the driveline.
Completing the new look on the outside: Aspen White (replaces Glacier
White) and Silverthorn Metallic are new external colors for the Impreza. And
the interior receives a new checkered flag style woven cloth treatment, a
leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob with red stitching, and
white-faced instrument gauges for a sportier look and feel. The seats are
aggressively bolstered for comfort and excellent lateral support.
On sale later this summer, the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS is built at Fuji
Heavy Industries Ltd. in its highly rated Gunma plant in Japan and will be
available through a network of over 610 Subaru dealers nationwide. All Subaru
vehicles sold in the United States -- Impreza, Legacy, Forester and the entire
Outback line -- feature the Subaru All-Wheel Driving System. Subaru sells
more all-wheel drive passenger cars than all other manufacturers combined in
the United States.
SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.
