Subaru WRX 2014 News

Twenty years after the first WRX STI Impreza appeared, Subaru has unveiled the all-new latest car, promising more refinement and agility.See the 2014 Subaru WRX STI in action on our desktop site. 

In Russia, drift and rally fans don’t need big power to finesse their skills thanks to the Federation’s near perennial abundance of snow and ice.As a result, any old Lada Riva or Samara can be slewed sideways through the snow and slush, or even a GAZelle commercial van – if you’ve got one handy.The above video captures all of these in super slow-mo, with a dash of Ford Fiesta and Sierra, Subaru WRX and Toyota Celica GT-Four to showcase the yaw potential of front, rear, or all-wheel drive. Watch the desktop version of the budget Russian drift video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Subaru plans to take the wraps off the new WRX STI on January 14 at the Detroit motor show, but it's just been given an early unwrapping with images from just about every angle leaking onto the internet.Posted by a Mexican website, the photo set has the WRX STI in its WRC hero blue livery and shows the visual differences that set it apart from the standard WRX -- the signature STI cue being the massive rear wing.It also gets the gold-toned STI wheels -- behind which we expect will be upgraded brakes -- and more aggressive bodykit treatment, likely to be matched by a similarly firmer-dealing suspension set-up and vehicle dynamics technology.We'll have to wait until the show (or another leak) to find out what's under that World Rally Blue bonnet. But chances are it will either be a revised version of the carryover  turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder -- with outputs squeezed above the current 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque -- mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a higher-tuned version of the new WRX's 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder.That possible four was seen in the Levorg concept at Tokyo show in November with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm, a rise of 21kW and 50Nm over the 2014 WRX revealed at LA show the same month and test-driven in December.As we've previously reported, the sedan body you're seeing here is the only one we'll get for the WRX and STI, with Subaru deciding to discontinue hatch versions as the buyer market dwindled against the sedan variants.

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSMini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family. The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)Lexus CT 200h: Lexus will complete the spindle grill-ification of its Australian lineup when it launches the mid-cycle refresh of the CT 200h hybrid hatch before July. Along with the stylistic alignment with the rest of the range, the new CT will feature revised suspension tuning and interior trim, with the possibility of sharpened pricing in the pursuit of sales volume. (Approximately $40,000-$58,000)Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Subaru Impreza WRX: Underwhelming or otherwise, Subaru’s new WRX performance sedan is due in late March, ahead of a hotter-again STI version by mid-year. (Approximately $40,000)Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance: The upgraded Golf GTI Performance pack will complete the GTI lineup during 2014, with an extra 7kW, bigger brakes, tricky diff, plus xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19 inch wheels, and alcantara added to the tartan cloth interior trim. (Approximately $47,990)Volkswagen Golf R: The all-wheel drive Golf R performance flagship is also expected in 2014, with 206kW and 380Nm promising performance to trump all before it. (Approximately $50,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. Approximately 37,000-56,000Infiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Skoda Octavia RS: The Czech brand will launch the hot Octavia RS in the second quarter, with the petrol version matching the new Volkswagen Golf GTI mechanically, and the diesel version is expected to continue with the same spec as the Golf GTD available overseas. (Approximately from $40,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)PEOPLE MOVERSHonda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDBMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will also score similar SYNC-inclusive revisions at around the same time, ahead of the same 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Isuzu MU-X: Isuzu will introduce the seven-seat MU-X in January, with the company’s first SUV sharing much of its design with the D-Max ute and Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 models. The MU-X will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the D-Max, and offer family 4WD toughness for a lot less than Toyota’s Prado. (Approximately $40,500-$53,500)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Mercedes-Benz GLA: Mercedes will bring the new A-Class-based GLA SUV to our shores in May, with the all-new model taking the fight to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the premium compact SUV segment. Priced from about $45,000, the GLA will be available in front or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and engines from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre GLA200 and 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre GLA250 petrols, and 100kW/300Nm 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI and 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre GLA220 CDI turbodiesel options. (Approximately from $45,000)Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Mitsubishi will introduce its first hybrid model in April, in the form of the plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV. Priced from about $50,000, the Outlander PHEV promises Holden Volt-rivalling efficiency for about $10,000 less, and wrapped within a more practical SUV body. (Approximately from $50,000)Nissan Pathfinder hybrid: Nissan will complete its new Pathfinder SUV lineup in the second quarter, with the addition of a new petrol-electric hybrid variant to help silence the naysayers lamenting the lack of a diesel option in the new model. The 187kW/329Nm hybrid drivetrain uses a 15kW electric motor paired with a supercharged 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine, resulting in a claimed 25 per cent fuel efficiency gain. (Approximately $55,000-$60,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Skoda Octavia Scout: The Octavia RS will be followed by the jacked-up Scout AWD variant in about mid-year. (Approximately $40,000-$45,000)Toyota Kluger: Toyota will introduce the third-generation of its Kluger large SUV in the first quarter, with the all-new larger model promising improved seating for seven and fresh styling, but its continued reliance on a petrol V6 might threaten its sales success next to the diesel and hybrid options offered by most rivals. (Approximately $40,000-$60,000)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000) 

Subaru has launched an online ordering process for the new 2014 WRX sedan, months away from its arrival on local soil, and even before nailing down Australian-market pricing. In the meantime, Subaru has put together this video of the new WRX being put through its paces over both gravel and tarmac surfaces. Watch the desktop version of the official 2014 Subaru WRX video here.  2014 Subaru WRXPrice: $39,990 (estimated)Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder boxer turbo; 200kW/250Nm Transmission: six-speed manual, CVT autoThirst: 9.8L/100km (manual, 11.2L/100km (auto)  RIVALS Price: from $38,290 Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 184kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed manual (no auto), FWDThirst: 7.4L/100km, 172g/km CO2   Price: from $49,900Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDThirst: 6.6L/100km, 152g/km CO2   Price: from $41,490Engine: 2.0L turbo four, 162kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or DSG auto, FWDThirst: 6.2L/100km, 144g/km CO2  

Revealed at the LA motor show, the 2014 Subaru WRX has a smaller engine and will be available in sedan body only due to weak hatch sales.A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with 199kW of power and 349Nm of torque will replace the current 2.5-litre engine. But the WRX STi will continue to have a 2.5-litre. There will be a choice of a six-speed manual or CVT transmission.Prices, specs and official performance data should be announced closer to the WRX's local arrival in March 2014.Watch the desktop version of the 2014 Subaru WRX video here. _______________________________________ 

The fourth-generation Subaru WRX has made its global debut in LA, severing the ties to its Impreza lineage and becoming an independent model that shares only a couple of body panels with the Impreza.It will be offered only as a sedan, with hatch sales not strong enough -- even here in the car's third-biggest market -- to warrant another five-door body. As we reported earlier this week, the current 2.5-litre engine has been ditched in favour of the WRX's first turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine since 2005 -- although the WRX STi will continue to carry a 2.5-litre.The WRX also gets new transmissions and technology, and sleeker styling -- although, as predicted, far more conservative than the WRX concept from New York motor show earlier this year.The 2.0-litre mill is related to the one used in the Forester XT and Subaru BRZ, and for the WRX delivers 199kW of power at 5600rpm and 349Nm of torque between 2000-5200rpm – not a big lift on the current model's 195kW and 343Nm -- and peak power arrives 800rpm later. But manual transmission fans will applaud the addition of an extra cog to raise the count to six, although there may be some dissension over the automatic getting a continuously variable transmission, although Subaru says the CVT with it's Sports mode eight faux gears is more responsive and sports-oriented than the garden variety boxes.There were suggestions earlier this week from leaked information that there could be an acceleration penalty, with leaked figures reporting the new manual WRX getting to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds compared to the current 5.3, and the CVT auto in 6.1. However Subaru has not released official performance data, but is promising the new car will slice time off the outgoing model -- and be more efficient than the current 8.1L/100km fuel economy.The manual car's all-wheel drive will have a centre differential with 50:50 default torque split, while the auto gets Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution with 45:55 default front-to-rear split. The new WRX has better torsional rigidity, firmer suspension and bigger brakes and tyres (235/45 17-inch) plus faster-tuned electric power steering.The car is slightly longer and has a bigger wheelbase, with a promise of more rear and luggage space -- the latter enhanced by a split rear seatback. The cabin has been given an airier treatment with more glass, and gets a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, large central screen -- and smaller one with boost data -- premium HarmanKardon nine-speaker audio, carbon-fibre look and red-stitched trim. On the safety list are seven airbags (including driver's kneebag) and reversing camera.Prices and local specification are yet to be confirmed, and more information will be available closer to March next year, when the WRX rolls into Australian showrooms with its new looks and smaller engine. Let the arguments begin...

We've seen a trickle of leaked Subaru WRX info -- including renderings claiming to be official images of the car -- ahead of its debut next week at Los Angeles motor show. The latest reveals the specifications of the sports sedan, broken via pages from Car and Driver magazine and a dealer sheet posted by Jalopnik.The spec sheet confirms the WRX's 2.5-litre engine has been replaced by its first turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine since 2005, while the STi continues with a 2.5-litre. The 2.0-litre unit is related to the one used in the Forester XT and Subaru BRZ, on this job developing 200kW of power at 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque at 4800rpm, with a 6700rpm redline. The outputs are not a huge lift on the current model's 195kW and 343Nm -- and peaks arrive 800rpm and 700rpm later respectively.  But the bigger news is how they're delivered to the WRX's all-wheel drive system: with a six-speed manual replacing the current five-speed, and markets with an automatic getting a CVT. However there's an acceleration penalty, with the new manual WRX getting to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds compared to the current 5.3, and the CVT auto in 6.1.The manual car's all-wheel drive will have a centre differential with 50:50 default torque split, while the auto gets Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution with 45:55 default front-to-rear split. The new WRX is reportedly also has 41 per cent better torsional rigidity, firmer suspension and bigger brakes and tyres (235/45 17-inch) plus electric power steering.The 2015 WRX STi is expected to have power pushed up to 227kW or more, with the performance improved by a lighter weight, better aerodynamics and retuned suspension.

There's nothing like leaving it to the last minute to maintain suspense. From the moment Subaru announced the new Impreza WRX STI last year we've been on the edge of our seats

That their idol has been defiled by marketing executives.