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Subaru Introduces Impreza 2.5 RS Performance Sedan For 2000
New All-Wheel Drive Model Melds Rally-Inspired Fun with Practicality Even In The Snow.
Subaru of America, Inc., the leading marketer of All-Wheel Drive passenger cars in the United States, has introduced a new rally-inspired Impreza 2.5 RS sedan for model-year 2000. Melding high-performance driving pleasure with four-door practicality, the 2.5 RS sedan joins the Impreza 2.5 RS sport coupe that Subaru introduced for model-year 1998.
These fortified performance models arrive in the showroom with a true racing pedigree. Subaru captured the grueling World Rally Championship three years in a row with a specially prepared All-Wheel Drive Impreza, and continues to chalk up wins in the series. This type of rallying encompasses high-speed driving on pavement, hard-packed gravel, snow and mud. The Impreza 2.5 RS models bring a rally-winning spirit to the street with an impressive array of standard performance features:
• Aluminum 2.5-liter SOHC (boxer) engine
• 165 horsepower; 166 lb.-ft of torque
• All-Wheel Drive
• Viscous limited-slip rear differential
• Sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension
• 4-wheel disc brakes with twin-piston front calipers
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
• 16-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires
The Impreza 2.5 RS coupe and sedan offer the double performance advantages of All-Wheel Drive and more horsepower and torque over competitors such as the Honda civic Si. Among small sporty coupes and sedans, the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS alone comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
Looks Marvelous, Feels Marvelous
The Impreza 2.5 RS looks the rally performance part with exclusive exterior trim, including aerodynamic ground-effects, a rear spoiler and a hood scoop. The 2.5 RS coupe features a spoiler patterned after the Impreza rally car, while the 2.5 RS sedan features a low-profile spoiler. Inside, Subaru gave both Impreza 2.5 RS models a competition look and feel with bolstered sport seats, checkered flag upholstery and white-faced gauges.
Both Impreza 2.5 RS models come equipped with a comprehensive slate of standard equipment, including dual front airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power sideview mirrors, sunroof, cruise control and an 80-Watt AM/FM stereo with cassette players.
Subaru boxer Out-Muscles the Competition
Subaru has continually improved the Impreza 2.5 RS since its introduction. For model-year 1999, Subaru redesigned its aluminum 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine to produce more low-end and midrange torque, and to improve throttle response at all speeds. This compact, inherently well balanced engine provides the power of a heavier six-cylinder engine: 165 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Sequential multi-port fuel infection ensures quick response and efficient, reliable operation. Several key features help boost torque at low-and midrange engine speeds - especially at part throttle, where drivers can use it the most.
The biggest change - switching from a double overhead-cam to single overhead-cam cylinder head design- made room for larger, straighter tumble intake ports and larger valves. All model-year 2000 Subaru vehicles are certified as 5-=state Low-Emissions Vehicles (LEV).
Just as significant as its impressive power output, the Subaru boxer engine concentrates torque at low and midrange engine speeds, especially at part-throttle. The Impreza 2.5 RS driver experiences this kind of performance as quick response and acceleration in any gear. In contrast, the smaller-displacement engines that power many competitors produce "peaky" power delivery, requiring high engine speeds and more shifting to keep the engine in its "sweep spot.".
Exclusively All-Wheel Drive
Like every Subaru sold in North America, the Impreza 2.5 RS models come equipped exclusively with the Subaru All-Wheel Driving System, which includes:
(1) a compact horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engine,
(2) the All-Wheel Drive components and
(3) a long-travel, low-friction four-wheel independent suspension system.
Early this week while others were struggling in the snow, the Outback moved quite well!!
The Subaru boxer engine contributes to a low center of gravity and quick steering response because it concentrates mass in a package that's lower and wider than inline or "V" engines. (The "boxer" nickname comes from the way the motion of the pistons resembles a boxer throwing punches.)
The long-travel suspension helps keep the tires in contact with a variety of road surfaces, ensuring both responsive handling and comfortable ride quality.
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