WRX STI LAUNCH EDITION includes base WRX STI key features and adds:

• Gold-painted 5-split-spoke 18-inch BBS^® forged aluminum-alloy wheels

• Keyless Access & Start

• STI short-throw shifter

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with blue stitching

• Black Alcantara^®/Carbon Black Leather upholstery with blue accents

Subaru Also provides a very insightful competitive comparison chart on Subaru.com, with the details includes below.

2015 SUBARU WRX STI vs. RIVALS.

	2015 WRX STI Sedan	2014 Mitsubishi EVO GSR Sedan	2014 VW Golf R 5-door	2014 Audi A4 2.0T Sedan	2014 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan
Engine	2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER®	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder	3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder
Horsepower	305 HP @ 6,000 rpm	291 HP @ 6,500 rpm	256 HP @ 6,000 rpm	220 HP @ 4,250 rpm	300 HP @ 5,800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	11.1 lbs/HP	12.1 lbs/HP	12.9 lbs/HP	16.4 lbs/HP	12.3 lbs/HP
Torque	290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	300 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	243 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm	300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
All-Wheel Drive	Symmetrical AWD with helical limited-slip front, Torsen limited slip rear and electronically controlled center differentials	S-AWC AWD with open front, electronically controlled center and rear differentials	4Motion® permanent AWD system with Haldex® center differential	quattro® AWD	xDrive® AWD
Manual Transmission	6-speed close-ratio	5-speed	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed
Electronic Torque Vectoring VDC	Standard	Standard (via Active Yaw Control)	N/A	N/A	N/A
Driver Control Systems	SI-DRIVE throttle control, DCCD center differential control	Active Center Differential Control (3 modes)	N/A	N/A	N/A
Steering	13.0:1 quick-ratio, hydraulic power-assist	13.3:1 ratio, hydraulic power-assist	15.6:1 ratio, electromechanical power-assist	15.9:1 ratio, electromechanical power-assist	Variable ratio, electrical power-assist
Front Suspension	Inverted strut, aluminum L-arm with pillowball joint mounts, 24mm stabilizer bar	MacPherson-type inverted strut with forged aluminum control arms, 25mm stabilizer bar	Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar	Five-link	Twin-tube front strut, aluminum L-arm
Rear Suspension	Double wishbone, lateral link with pillowball bushings, 20mm stabilizer bar	Multi-link type suspension with forged aluminum control arms (except for rear lower arms) and 23mm stabilizer bar	Multilink with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar	Trapezoidal-link	Five-link
Wheels/Tires	Standard: 18 x 8.5″ aluminum alloy Optional: 18 x 8.5″ BBS® forged alloy 245/40 R18 summer performance	18 x 8.5″ aluminum alloy 245/40 R18 asymmetrical performance	18 x 8.5″ aluminum alloy 225/40 R18 all-season	Standard: 18″ aluminum alloy Optional: 19″ 245/40 R18 all-season	Standard: 18″ aluminum alloy 225/45 R18 run-flat all-season
Passenger Volume	96.9 cu. ft.	93.2 cu. ft.	92.9 cu. ft	103.4 cu. ft.	96 cu. ft.
Rear-Vision Camera	Standard	N/A	N/A	Optional	Optional
Curb Weight	3,386 lbs	3,527 lbs	3,325 lbs	3,627 lbs	3,695 lbs

 

Exterior Gallery

Technical Gallery

Interior Gallery

 

• New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis for Subaru’s global performance flagship model
• Bold new sedan model with aero body design
• High-performance chassis with new Active Torque Vectoring
• 305 hp turbo BOXER engine; most powerful engine in the segment
• Driver Controlled Center Differential All-Wheel Drive
• STI Launch Edition limited to 1,000 available

DETROIT –  Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new 2015 WRX STI, Subaru’s iconic performance flagship model, at the North American International Auto Show. Subaru will offer a WRX STI Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 units and exclusively featuring WR Blue paint and gold BBS® forged alloy wheels and unique interior trim.

Powered by the legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design, built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. The WRX STI provides a rally-bred drivetrain and all-wheel drive handling that is unique to this model. Handling is enhanced with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio).

New for the 2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins an arsenal of the model’s proven handling technologies that includes Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

The 2015 WRX STI carries its bold personality inside, where new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching set the tone for the upgraded and roomier cabin. A driver-focused interior remains integral to the WRX STI performance character, with the new model debuting a motorsports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel and new whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints. A wide array of new user technologies include, for the first time in a WRX STI, availability of a harman/kardon® premium audio system.

Iconic STI Design Exclusively in Sedan Form
A bolder front design makes the 2015 WRX STI look ready to devour the road. The “nose-cone” configuration combines the grille and bumper cap into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower headlights, designed to evoke a raptor’s stare, flank the Subaru hexagonal grille. It’s a more powerful stare thanks to new standard LED low-beam headlights.

The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.

Other new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large trunk spoiler that has been a WRX STI signature feature. A rear diffuser, LED taillights and LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) leave a distinctive signature.

New, Stiffer Chassis for Greater Handling Agility
The 2015 WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile steel than the previous model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars. The 13.0:1 steering ratio provides a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock compared to 14.5:1 and 2.8 for the standard WRX model.

As on previous WRX STI models, the 2015 version uses an exclusive inverted-strut front suspension system that provides higher levels of cornering agility. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The STI-tuned suspension teams with standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 summer performance tires, with the WRX STI Launch Edition and WRX STI Limited models featuring BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels.

305-hp Turbo BOXER Engine
The 2015 WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder BOXER engine that employs the Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model, produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission, which includes an STI short-throw shifter in the Launch Edition model. Incline Start Assist can momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.

Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
The 2015 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This sophisticated system uses planetary-type center differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A mechanical limited-slip type center differential augments an electronically controlled center differential to enhance torque transfer performance.

Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM, lateral-g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side torque distribution.

The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes, each using varying degrees of center differential locking to match different driving situations. In manual mode, the driver can select one of six center differential locking levels to suit the driving situation.

Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The VDC system offers yet more driver choices, with three settings: “VDC Normal,” “Traction” and “Off.” Each provides respectively lesser degrees of system engagement, allowing the driver to tailor response for the driving situation. Active Torque Vectoring remains engaged for “Normal” and “Traction” modes.

Premium Cabin
A one-inch longer wheelbase than the previous WRX STI helps provide a roomier cabin in the new model. The windshield is more raked than before, with the A-pillar pulled forward nearly eight inches at the base for better forward visibility, aided by a lower dashboard and narrower A-pillars. Lower side sills and wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Rear seat legroom is increased by nearly two inches, and trunk capacity is now 12 cu. ft., up from 11.3 cu. ft. in the previous WRX STI sedan. A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat extends versatility. New available Welcome Lighting responds to the driver approaching the car.

In the 2015 WRX STI, the driver grips a new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel that integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel gets a new 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions, including low-level warnings for oil and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.

Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

Standard features for the 2015 WRX STI include dual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

An available touch-screen navigation system displays on a 6.1-inch LCD screen and offers voice controls. The WRX STI Limited model adds the luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, the harman/kardon premium audio system and a power moonroof that opens one inch farther than on the previous model.

http://www.subaru.com/auto-show/detroit-2014.html