The changes to Subaru’s turbo Impreza line-up for 2009 were briefly touched upon earlier this month, but now we’ve got official photos and more information to bring you — including expected pricing. Basically, Subaru took the WRX and spiffed it up with more power, better handling and sportier looks, while adding an automatic-only 2.5GT that retains the 2008 WRX’s engine but looks decidedly more pedestrian.

Just one year after launching the new WRX, Subaru is already making significant changes to the model. But that’s nothing new for the Japanese brand, as the previous-generation car saw three facelifts over its six-year lifetime. As reported earlier, the new WRX gets a 41-horsepower bump to 265hp at 6,000rpm and 244lb-ft at 4,000rpm. What we didn’t know then is that Subaru achieved this power boost thanks to fitting a larger turbocharger, larger-diameter exhaust and low-density catalytic converter. The newly-created Impreza 2.5GT makes do with the 2008 WRX 2.5-liter flat-four, rated at the same 224hp at 5,200rpm and 226lb-ft at 3,200rpm. The new WRX will be exclusively offered with a carried-over five-speed manual, while the 2.5GT will put power down via the trusty 4-speed auto.

Subaru’s Kyo-Ka (strengthening in Japanese) upgrade approach to the 2009 WRX also resulted in upgrades to its handling capabilities. These start with lower-profile summer performance tires, that are wider too, now sized at 225/40-17 versus the outgoing model and 2.5GT’s 205/50-17 all-seasons. A heavier-duty valve was installed in the steering box to help deal with the larger tires’ added grip. Subaru addressed the one main issue those who drove the 2008 WRX had, which was the soft suspension. The concerns were addressed with 43 percent stiffer springs up front and 42 percent stiffer in the back, as well as 1mm larger stabilizer bars front and rear, now at 21mm and 16mm, respectively. Shock damping has been changed to suit.

From the outside, the new WRX can be recognized thanks to an STI-type grille, standard aero package and gunmetal finished wheels. The hatch gets an STI-style spoiler and rear diffuser.

In the cockpit, the upholstery is now a checkered carbon black with red stitching. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also gets the red thread. A sunroof is also available for the first time on the Impreza, part of the Premium Package.

Despite the long list of upgrades, the 2009 will have a starting price under $25,000, according to Edmunds. That’s an impressive price point considering the outgoing model retailed from $24,995 including a $645 delivery charge. Moreover, the new 2.5GT model is also expected to hold the line, with a starting price very close to the current WRX.

Subaru is expected to release official pricing for the 2009 Impreza lineup next week.

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