Subaru is threading a pretty small needle with the WRX. If they make it too good, suddenly no one has a reason to buy a STI. If they make it too soupy, they alienate the enthusiasts. But somehow Subaru has managed pretty much exactly the right balance with the WRX - it's not too soupy and it's not too hardcore. Pricing for the WRX has been announced at a starting price of $24,995 for a base four-door and that should help it compete keenly against cars like the front-drive Mazdaspeed3 and the serious challenge that is the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Meanwhile for those of you who just love the 2008 WRX, that car is still for sale in 2009 as the new "2.5GT", which comes only with an automatic transmission. Soupy though it is, it's there.
'09 Subaru Impreza WRX
Engine Displacement/Type/Valvetrain: 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four, aluminum block and heads, DOHC, turbocharged and intercooled
Claimed Crank HP: 265bhp @ 6000 rpm
Claimed Crank Torque: 244lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Drivetrain/Layout/Transmission: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive, five-speed manual
Suspension (Front): MacPherson strut - STI upper mounts, 217lb/inch springs, 21mm swaybar
Suspension (Rear): Double wishbone - 194lb/inch springs, 16mm swaybar
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated front discs, dual-piston sliding calipers/Solid rear discs, single-piston sliding calipers
Wheels (Front/Rear): 17x7-inch aluminum
Tires (Front/Rear): 225/45/17