In LA last week, Subaru revealed the next generation WRX, with more power, less displacement, a CVT gearbox, and what they promise to be far better dynamics.
The next chapter in the WRX, which sadly doesn’t look as impressive as the WRX Concept we saw earlier in the year, now features a 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer motor with 197kW @ 5600RPM and 350Nm between 2000-5200RPM. The motor is essentially a revised BRZ/Toyota 86 motor with a twin-scroll turbocharger, which forms part of the new DIT (Direct Injection Turbo) engine range. Performance figures have not been released, but fuel consumption is said to be 7.8l/100km while the 0-100km/h sprint is supposedly accomplished in “a little over 5 seconds”.
Power is relayed to all 4 wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, via either a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or a sport CVT automatic (This is the one you don’t want to buy). The AWD system now features torque vectoring for enhanced stability and cornering ability, while the performance tuned suspension and stiffer chassis are also said to improve the sporting feel of the WRX.
Outside, the new WRX features many visual cues from the WRX concept, such as the LED headlights, wide body stance, deep front spoiler, and unique grille. The design also encompasses a new rear end with LED tail-lights, boot-lip spoiler and quad exhausts. The standard 17-inch alloys are also new, designed to be highly aerodynamic, and wear 235/45 R17 94W Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT rubber.
Internally, the new WRX benefits from a re-design and yields greater space for all occupants. With a 25mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the WRX gives rear passengers nearly 50mm extra legroom. The A-pillars have been redesigned for greater visibility, as has the seating position and dash design.
Interior trim has been upgraded, with soft touch dash, high grip fabric sport seats as standard (Leather and an 8-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat are available as optional extras). A 4.3-inch LCD centre console screen shows all vehicle functions, including reverse camera, boost gauge, climate control data, and media data. Standard kit includes automatic climate control, a sunroof which opens 25mm more than the previous WRX, keyless entry and start, heated front seats, and a 440-watt, 9 speaker Harman/kardon audio system with built in navigation and Smartphone integration.
The rest of the details – juicy performance details included – are yet to be announced, but the WRX should arrive towards the middle of 2014 if we’re lucky. We’ll have more details as and when they arrive, but for now, it’s only pretty pictures below.
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Subaru North America have released a video guiding us through the new WRX, take a look:
