2006 Impreza WRX

[freakray]

I see Subaru have put the 2.5 in the WRX for 2006, what a refreshing change

They haven't made any significant power increase though, rating it at 230hp as opposed to the 227hp we were being given by the 2.0 engine.

Regardless, it just creates that much more potential for the WRX and improves the aftermarket for both the WRX, RS and STI simultaneously.

I'll be at the dealership test driving my 2006 wagon.....

[nastyNater]

id say there is a downside too. even though it has more build potential im sure it gets worse mileage.

[freakray]

I'm sure it does get worse mileage than the 2.0 engine, but as long as it's getting better mileage than a gas-sucking V6 or V8 American cars require for the same power gains, who's crying?

[RightWingZionist]

That .5 litre is a 25% increase in litres. Since stock 2.5 (165 lb-torque) has more torque than a stock 2.0 non-turbo, then you need less PSI to get a 2.5 upto 235 lb torque. So what does that mean? More reliability, I believe. And maybe subaru also saved some money doing it since the 2.0 engine was mostly in the WRX non sti line and because they can install a cheaper turbo, I think.
06: Manual: 20/26 mpg
Automatic: 21/26 mpg (huh?)

05: 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 19 / 26 mpg
5-Speed Manual Overdrive 20 / 27 mpg

So it averages out the same.

[keita]

Yes, the torque did go up 18 lb-ft to 235, but there have been some other minor changes to note:

1) Bling Bling RED calipers
2) 17-inch wheeels
3) shorter-throw shifter
4) quicker steering ratio

they're also offering heated leather seat option. I'm still not sure if I like the new "nose".

source: October issue Car and Driver

[freakray]

Actually, having seen one in person and seen it aside a 2005, I can't believe I'm saying it buy I prefer the 2006.

As for the fuel mileage, not too worried about that as long as it's better than the 19mpg I'm getting right now with my truck.

[RightWingZionist]

I own a 95 honda accord ex v6. The EPA was 19/25. But it is 10 years old w/ 110k miles and seems to guzzle gas.
I'm in my third year of college now. I put 25g i saved in one year CD in May.
I'm really interested in buying a new base Impreza someday when I find a job.
I have like two newbie question.
I never drove a manual but I know how it works from racing sims, and reading online.
I was wondering If I just bought a manual from a dealer, would I be able to drive it?
Another newbie question is even though EPA shows like 20/27 for manual, can you get much more than that if you shift at lwer rpm? Or did the EPA guy already do that?

[nastyNater]

Originally Posted by RightWingZionist

I own a 95 honda accord ex v6. The EPA was 19/25. But it is 10 years old w/ 110k miles and seems to guzzle gas.
I'm in my third year of college now. I put 25g i saved in one year CD in May.
I'm really interested in buying a new base Impreza someday when I find a job.
I have like two newbie question.
I never drove a manual but I know how it works from racing sims, and reading online.
I was wondering If I just bought a manual from a dealer, would I be able to drive it?
Another newbie question is even though EPA shows like 20/27 for manual, can you get much more than that if you shift at lwer rpm? Or did the EPA guy already do that?

itd probably be better to learn manual on a beater car. If you got a new Subaru, itd be an easy car to learn how to drive stick on but you might mess the car up in the process.

[RightWingZionist]

That is a good idea, it's just damn stick lessons are so expensive here like 100$ for an hour. I just need to find someone I guess.

[keita]

It's not that hard to learn to drive a stick. Just spend a few hours in an empty parking lot and learn how to start rolling without stalling--that's about the only really important thing. When you're up and running, shifting is not a problem. It would be preferrable to learn on a beater car, but if you can't, just go ahead and get a standard anyway. I can definitely say that you will regret getting an AUTO after about a week. Also, if you have 25G saved up, just go buy a WRX instead of a base impreza. You'll regret buying a base model, really. ----manual tx WRX------ that's the only way to go.

[nastyNater]

Originally Posted by RightWingZionist

That is a good idea, it's just damn stick lessons are so expensive here like 100$ for an hour. I just need to find someone I guess.

yeah preferably a beater car. like i said.....the subaru would be easy to learn on but the WRX's transmission is like glass...and expensive to fix.

[freakray]

Originally Posted by nastyNater

....but the WRX's transmission is like glass....

Really? Are you sure?

Or do you spend all your time spreading misinformation?

[RightWingZionist]

Originally Posted by freakray

Really? Are you sure?

Or do you spend all your time spreading misinformation?

I think he means because people tried to rice burn their tires on an AWD car, they ruined their tranny not knowing all the torque goes on the tranny because you can't rice burn your tires on an AWD car.

[Right_LiRrr]

Does anyone have tips on the ideal rev range to be driving a WRX to have a nice trade-off between performance and fuel?

I know anything below 2500rpm feels like i'm driving a truck, especially in higher gears. So currently I drive between 2500-3500rpm.

[freakray]

Originally Posted by Right_LiRrr

Does anyone have tips on the ideal rev range to be driving a WRX to have a nice trade-off between performance and fuel?

I know anything below 2500rpm feels like i'm driving a truck, especially in higher gears. So currently I drive between 2500-3500rpm.

You're already drving in the best range if you're running where you say, if you were looking to optimise the boost though, you'd want to be running 3500rpm up.