S
Sean Carson
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Subaru has long since severed ties with the World Rally Championship, but the brand is still associated with that image thanks to cars like the upcoming 2022 Subaru WRX, which we’ve caught testing in close-to-production spec.
From our spy shots we can see some typical WRX styling and performance cues, such as the bonnet-mounted air scoop that feeds the turbocharged engine’s intercooler. The deep grille and chunky front bumper are apparent behind the camouflage, while a pair of deeper side skirts hint at the car’s performance potential.
At the rear the WRX’s quad-exit exhaust makes a return, teamed with a small boot lip spoiler to improve aerodynamic performance. From the rear we can also see how the saloon’s boot lid spreads into a pair of flared rear wheel arches, housing a wider rear track.
It’s expected that the new WRX will use a flat-four Boxer engine with turbocharging to improve performance. However, it’s not clear if the new car will stick with the 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine in the current American-market WRX, which makes 264bhp and 350Nm of torque, or if it will inherit the WRX STi’s larger 2.5-litre unit in the pursuit of more performance. This engine currently makes 306bhp and 393Nm in the STi.
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX - front
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX rear
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX side
2022 Subaru WRX detail
Expect Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring to feature, as well as a choice of automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. However, it’s likely that the more advanced driver-controlled centre differential will be held for the more focused WRX STi.
The car’s styling will look a little sleeker and more futuristic. The next WRX’s design will be inspired by Subaru’s Viziv concept, which was unveiled at the 2018 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s expected that we’ll see the production-ready Subaru WRX this summer ahead of sales commencing in early 2022.
However, following a decision by Subaru to axe the previous WRX STi from its UK line-up, with the limited-run WRX STi Final Edition marking the end of the model line, and given Subaru’s focus on SUVs here, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the car imported officially. That means WRX enthusiasts might have to make their own arrangements to secure one.
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From our spy shots we can see some typical WRX styling and performance cues, such as the bonnet-mounted air scoop that feeds the turbocharged engine’s intercooler. The deep grille and chunky front bumper are apparent behind the camouflage, while a pair of deeper side skirts hint at the car’s performance potential.
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At the rear the WRX’s quad-exit exhaust makes a return, teamed with a small boot lip spoiler to improve aerodynamic performance. From the rear we can also see how the saloon’s boot lid spreads into a pair of flared rear wheel arches, housing a wider rear track.
It’s expected that the new WRX will use a flat-four Boxer engine with turbocharging to improve performance. However, it’s not clear if the new car will stick with the 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine in the current American-market WRX, which makes 264bhp and 350Nm of torque, or if it will inherit the WRX STi’s larger 2.5-litre unit in the pursuit of more performance. This engine currently makes 306bhp and 393Nm in the STi.
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX - front
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX rear
2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX side
2022 Subaru WRX detail
Expect Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring to feature, as well as a choice of automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. However, it’s likely that the more advanced driver-controlled centre differential will be held for the more focused WRX STi.
The car’s styling will look a little sleeker and more futuristic. The next WRX’s design will be inspired by Subaru’s Viziv concept, which was unveiled at the 2018 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s expected that we’ll see the production-ready Subaru WRX this summer ahead of sales commencing in early 2022.
However, following a decision by Subaru to axe the previous WRX STi from its UK line-up, with the limited-run WRX STi Final Edition marking the end of the model line, and given Subaru’s focus on SUVs here, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the car imported officially. That means WRX enthusiasts might have to make their own arrangements to secure one.
Tell us about your car in the Driver Power survey...
Continue reading...
