What is There to Know About the New Subaru WRX?

Posted by Jim Stunt on February 1st, 2021

Rally-inspired performance compact cars are on the brink of extinction, but the next-generation Subaru WRX seeks to reinvigorate the popularity of this enthusiast-focused style. With the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo's demise years earlier than the more recent departure of the Ford Focus RS, the WRX and the higher-performance WRX STI are now the only surviving options for fans of the World Rally Championship – at least until the arrival of next-generation VW Golf R. While we've just seen a camouflaged example of modern WRX, its large hooded scoop and bulging fenders were fully evident and they were quite enough to satisfy everyone's enthusiasm. With the implementation of a modern platform to boost driving dynamics, the prospect of a much stronger turbocharged flat-four engine, and the chance of a better interior, the 2022 WRX aims to be a significant upgrade over the ousted version.

What's fresh around 2022?

It seems like Subaru will announce the next generation of WRX and WRX STI for the 2022 year.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

It is not entirely sure which engine would fuel the new WRX, but it can be assumed that it might be the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine that has inspired other Subaru versions, including the three-row Ascend. It would be tuned to make far more than the present 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque with the new WRX exhaust. There are also some heard reports that it might make up to 400 horses and 361 lb-ft of high-performance STI. Of course, the standard WRX will be less potent than that but it would also have to pack more than just the new engine, which makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. What can be claimed with certainty is that the company's iconic all-wheel-drive system will prove to be same as expected. It is also likely that Subaru will deliver the WRX again, either with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or perhaps a manual gearbox.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

Subaru is not expected to alter the interior architecture of the next WRX fundamentally. It is still anticipated to be modified with more superior fabrics and, hopefully, improved sound deadening and new types of WRX rims. Of course, there will be no lack of attractive features that come from the new century. It is also expected the next WRX to provide a selection of comfortable and secure front seats, comparable to the alternative Recaro centres found on the outgoing model. However, one can only assume that Subaru retains the previous model's outstanding exterior vision and a large trunk.

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Jim Stunt

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Jim Stunt
Joined: February 1st, 2021
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