New WRX Info/Pics

[SJ_GTI]

New info finally released. I am curious about it mainly because it seems like the default option to replace my Golf R.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2022-subaru-wrx-unfrozen-caveman-sports-car-440886/

Under the hood, the WRX is now powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder, an increase in displacement over the previous generation's turbo 2.0-liter (though not quite back to the days of the WRX's 2.5-liter four). That leads to an increase in horsepower, but only a modest one, up to 271 hp from the prior 268. Torque remains at 258 pounds-feet, but Subaru says the 2.4-liter's torque curve is broader than that of the outgoing 2.0-liter.

A six-speed manual transmission is still standard, but the gear ratios have been optimized and the shift quality improved, according to Subaru. As was the case before, a continuously variable automatic is available (and standard on the new GT, which we'll get to in a moment). Called the Subaru Performance Transmission, it purportedly offers improved performance as well as an eight-speed manual mode.

[CaminoRacer]

All the internet comments are complaining about it only getting 3 more HP. And how a Camry/Accord have more HP. Seems fine to me, the HP war is getting silly.

[SJ_GTI]

All the internet comments are complaining about it only getting 3 more HP. And how a Camry/Accord have more HP. Seems fine to me, the HP war is getting silly.

Meh, the power isn't an issue for me. ~270 HP is more than enough.

Main concern I see if that the GT trim model (which has the nicer seats, suspension, and other tech stuff) is automatic only. If that turns out to be the case I will be much disappoint.

[CaminoRacer]

Main concern I see if that the GT trim model (which has the nicer seats, suspension, and other tech stuff) is automatic only. If that turns out to be the case I will be much disappoint.

Yes, that would be dumb of them. I hate how they're using a CVT instead of a regular auto or DCT.

[SJ_GTI]

Yes, that would be dumb of them. I hate how they're using a CVT instead of a regular auto or DCT.

I think if it was a DCT I would be a little bit open to it, but really it will probably mean I just keep my Golf R longer (possibly until an EV that suits me comes out).

We'll see what happens. Adding a manual as a no-cost option to the GT trim option could be done mechanically. Or most/all the upgrades I want (nicer seats/suspension/sound system) are available options on the lower trim. Or there could be a new trim added that is a "sport" option instead of a "GT" option.

[r0tor]

Glad to see Subaru once again took a great concept car and threw it in the trash bin... LMAO

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-subaru-wrx-sti-fa24-engine-details-report/

[AutobahnSHO]

lol

[MX793]

Glad to see Subaru once again took a great concept car and threw it in the trash bin... LMAO

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-subaru-wrx-sti-fa24-engine-details-report/

This is, what, the 3rd time they've shown a stunning concept and then brought out a production model that looks very little like the concept?  Shouldn't be surprising to anyone at this point.  We won't get a sleek and stunning WRX unless Subie builds a stunning Impreza, and since Subie sells more Impreza Crosstreks than sedans, the styling language will never be sleek.

[GoCougs]

Glad to see Subaru once again took a great concept car and threw it in the trash bin... LMAO

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-subaru-wrx-sti-fa24-engine-details-report/

Nope.

Subaru delivered on the concept car, or as much as can be done since the "WRX" is a way less than the "WRX STi." Exactly how much of the wing and spoilers and flares of the STi concept car make to the production STi is TBD, esp. since at least some of what is on the concept car does not look street legal/practical (side skirts).

[MX793]

Nope.

Subaru delivered on the concept car, or as much as can be done since the "WRX" is a way less than the "WRX STi." Exactly how much of the wing and spoilers and flares of the STi concept car make to the production STi is TBD, esp. since at least some of what is on the concept car does not look street legal/practical (side skirts).

It's not the skirts and scoops and wings.  The entire shape of the profile/roofline and the proportions of the concept were much better.  But so long as the Crosstrek CUV is the hot seller of the Impreza line, Subaru is going to design the Impreza to look best as a crossover wagon with the sedan being an afterthought.  We aren't going to get a sleek, taut Impreza sedan, and thus we aren't going to get a sleek, taut WRX.

[r0tor]

It's not the skirts and scoops and wings.  The entire shape of the profile/roofline and the proportions of the concept were much better.  But so long as the Crosstrek CUV is the hot seller of the Impreza line, Subaru is going to design the Impreza to look best as a crossover wagon with the sedan being an afterthought.  We aren't going to get a sleek, taut Impreza sedan, and thus we aren't going to get a sleek, taut WRX.

Yup

[GoCougs]

It's not the skirts and scoops and wings.  The entire shape of the profile/roofline and the proportions of the concept were much better.  But so long as the Crosstrek CUV is the hot seller of the Impreza line, Subaru is going to design the Impreza to look best as a crossover wagon with the sedan being an afterthought.  We aren't going to get a sleek, taut Impreza sedan, and thus we aren't going to get a sleek, taut WRX.

Good rule of thumb IME is if it doesn't have door handles it'll never see production - IOW, you guys were expecting way too much - the proportions were on but notably proportion-distorting accoutrements were not streetable.

[MX793]

Good rule of thumb IME is if it doesn't have door handles it'll never see production - IOW, you guys were expecting way too much - the proportion-distorting accoutrements were not streetable.

But we're not talking small details like door handles.  Door handles aren't going to ruin the overall profile or proportions (or roofline) of the concept.  Plenty of handle-less concepts were adapted into production form looking much closer to the concept. 

For example, 2006 Camaro Concept


Production 2010 Camaro


The roofline on the STI concept is totally streetable.  The fender flares are a bit large for a compact sedan, particularly the rears, but there are production cars in the same price tier with similarly swoopy fenders (Mustang, Camaro).  It's not a cost prohibitive styling choice.  But none of these details would work in a tall wagon or crossover, which is the body style that most Imprezas sell in.

[Soup DeVille]

That concept has door handles though.

[MX793]

That concept has door handles though.

Hardly.  I think they were Aston Martin style pop-outs.  Certainly not the larger, practical handles of the production version.  Point is, while a few subtle details changed (like door handles, or larger mirrors, or ride height and stance) between the 2006 Camaro concept and the 2010 production version, it's pretty darn true to the concept in overall profile and proportions.

[Soup DeVille]

Hardly.  I think they were Aston Martin style pop-outs.  Certainly not the larger, practical handles of the production version.  Point is, while a few subtle details changed (like door handles, or larger mirrors, or ride height and stance) between the 2006 Camaro concept and the 2010 production version, it's pretty darn true to the concept in overall profile and proportions.

I mean; Cougs's one-liner was simple enough.

Concepts cars with door handles tend to be more realistic than those without. Posting a concept with door handles and was realistic kinda proves his point. Does it matter that the handles changed? No.

[SJ_GTI]

I thought about this car (in relation to replacing my Golf) a bit over the weekend and I think I have landed on just keeping my Golf for a few more years. Unless there is something revelatory when this is finalized or unless my Golf starts having mechanical issues I just don't see anything worth spending the money on.

[r0tor]

I'm not one to really judge a car on infotainment and I could really care less for the most part... But this is just dreadful

[CaminoRacer]

Is that the base level screen?

[Submariner]

God that is embarrassing lol.

[r0tor]

Is that the base level screen?

From what I read - yup... and similar to the outback and legacy I guess 

[Rich]

Yeah. The same one that the base legacy and outback get. I wouldn't mind if if there could be an aftermarket head unit solution.

[MX793]

I'm not one to really judge a car on infotainment and I could really care less for the most part... But this is just dreadful

And I thought the base radio unit in my Mustang looked bad...

[SJ_GTI]

When I was checking it out I actually preferred that version, because it left more physical buttons. I don't hate the huge screen trend but I don't particularly like it either. I drove my brother's new Forester last weekend and it had a standard layout for AC and radio controls. I guess that is the older system and they are all converting to the newer system. The Legacy he had before the Forester had a big screen like the new WRX IIRC.

[r0tor]

I prefer physical buttons as well... But that design is just atrocious

[SJ_GTI]

I prefer physical buttons as well... But that design is just atrocious

I think it would look better if it had more buttons. 

[Laconian]

That type of plastic reminds me of the Saab 9-3..

[MX793]

It honestly looks like a pre-production mock-up solution for mounting the controls.  Something cheap and quick to facilitate I&T.

[MrH]

I can't imagine base models make up more than a percentage point or 2 of all Outback production.

[Submariner]

I prefer physical buttons as well... But that design is just atrocious

As do I.  I prefer E38 BMW 7-series number of buttons lol. 

This is just bargain-basement-quality execution.  It gets worse every time I look at it.