2009 Impreza WRX 5-door SPT at SEMA 2008

Subaru used the SEMA motor show to highlight the potential owners can get when they use parts from the Subaru Genuine Accessory and Subaru Performance Tuning catalogs.

Meant to showcase what is possible for anyone to easily duplicate, the company selected a series of parts in order to maximize the Impreza WRX's style and performance. Exterior modifications are relatively modest but include a new front lip spoiler by STI and fog light protectors. In order to enhance the car's handling the suspension has been outfitted with STI performance springs and a lower chassis brace and strut tower brace.

The WRX's already powerful 2.5-liter Boxer engine which produces 265 hp and 244 lb.-ft of torque has been raised to 275 hp and 250 lb.-ft of torque thanks to a new cat-back exhaust. Other changes include a short-throw shifter, 19x8-in. wheels by OZ Racing, and a turbo heat shield.

Press Release

How far can you take an Impreza WRX using parts from the Subaru Genuine Accessory and SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning) catalogs? Pretty far, it turns out. Subaru mined both catalogs to come up with a combination of performance, styling and user technology that any enthusiast could easily duplicate -- all at once or by adding parts over time. The resulting car makes a unique performance and design statement while remaining true to the WRX's everyday drivability character and value.

The 2009 Impreza WRX already comes with a standard factory Aero Body Kit, so external mods were limited to a front lip spoiler by STI and Subaru genuine Accessory fog light protectors.

The more hunkered-down stance is courtesy of STI performance springs and Botticelli III 19x8-in. wheels by OZ Racing. A lower chassis brace and strut tower brace from the SPT catalog round out the chassis mods.

Subaru boosted the WRX's 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine to 265 hp 244 lb.-ft. for 2009; this special WRX raises that to 275 hp and 250 lb.-ft. with a SPT cat-back exhaust. The driver can make the most of the power with the help of an STI short-throw shifter. The under-hood area gets a visual boost with an SPT oil cap, turbo heat shield and battery hold-down.