Subaru unveiled the next-generation 2012 Subaru Impreza at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, but did not unveil the WRX version of the new model. According to the latest sources, the reason we haven't seen the next WRX is because Subaru is planning on separating the WRX from the compact Impreza.
A source recently spoke to Motor Trend and said, "Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body. Obviously the WRX's platform will be inherited from the new Impreza, but it will be radically modified and significantly shortened."
The past generation Impreza and WRX models shared many common parts, which drove up the cost of the Impreza, Subaru's entry-level model. For the next WRX, Subaru is developing it from the ground up to win in motorsports events and will use an updated version of Subaru's all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged boxer engine.
Motor Trend's source claims that the next WRX will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6L boxer engine with around 270 horsepower, while the STI version will put out around 300 horsepower from the same 1.6L engine. The WRX will use a heavily modified version of the Impreza's platform, but it will be significantly shortened.
Unfortunately the next WRX is not coming until around 2014.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
MINI makes a conservative 214bhp from its 1.6L JCW model. Turn up the boost a bit and it will put down 30-40hp more with no problem.
Hell....look at the supercharged Triton based 1.6L in my old MINI. It put down 240whp...about 270 at the crank. big valve cylinder head, slightly smaller pulley and long tube headers. There are guys pulling the Eaton M45 off that motor and putting Rotrex blowers on and they're getting about 280whp.
1.6L and 270-300hp isn't as crazy as it seems if you consider forced induction, direct injection and proper management of IAT's through clever packaging.
2013 BMW 328i M Sport with 8sp in Estoril Blue II
2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Always bet on black
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Edition, otherwise known as the MW3 (and badass)
If they drop 50lbs from this, I'll be shocked. But, as you said, anything helps!
Another interesting tid-bit: 270 vs 300 for the WRX/STI? Them be getting mighty close to warrant the extra $$$. Even now it's hard to justify the price difference. The STI 6SPD is pretty though.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
The current Subaru 1.5l makes 107hp and 106lb. The current EJ20 makes 300-320hp and 300-311lb.
If you turbo a 1.6l, it doesn't seem far fetched to make big numbers. I will be very surprised if any of this comes to fruition though.
Why the change now? Why didn't they change back in 08-09 for the WRC? This doesn't really seem like it is a competition driven evolution. It seems more like an eco, mileage, technology evolution. Much like the new Impreza going back to a 2.0l. Maybe this will all get wrapped up into a nice FTish package?
That is built in on purpose. Most cars are built that way actually. People consider it "safer", although I've never understood that. A rear sway takes care of that in a hurry!
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
the contention that a 1.6L can't produce torque is false. With modern turbos, high compression motors and direct injection....you have a powerful coctail
2013 BMW 328i M Sport with 8sp in Estoril Blue II
2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Always bet on black
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Edition, otherwise known as the MW3 (and badass)
I suspect that the reason we are not going to see an updated WRX/STi update until 2014 is because the entire platform may be moving to a modified FT-86 chassis.
I really hope so. Sounds like it's lighter and stronger. Best of both worlds! I can has cake?
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
Subaru has stated several times that the FT86 chassis isn't designed for AWD, and I wouldn't underestimate Subaru's ability to confound their enthusiast fans.
/sadpanda
though.
