Subaru WRX News

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.

We're still a week out from the Los Angeles motor show, and Subaru has teased a photo of the 2015 WRX that will be unveiled there -- which was followed by renderings claiming to be leaked images.Certainly, the latter artwork pretty closely follows the cues of the Subaru one, which is our first official look at the car, and shows some of the nose details previewed on the concept at the New York motor show earlier this year.There's the signature bonnet scoop flanked by prominent creases, and a black mesh lower fascia intake and hexagonal grille with lines flowing to sharp, elongated headlights integrated into the swelling wheel arches.Subaru hasn't yet confirmed details of the all-wheel drive cars, but the WRX is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder -- closely related to the engine in the BRZ but with Subaru’s own direct-injection system (rather than the BRZ's Toyota-sourced one) and a turbocharger to lift the output of the current model’s 198kW and 330Nm.The 2015 WRX STi also being unveiled at the show will carry the same engine but with power squeezed up to 227kW or more, with the performance improved by a lighter weight, better aerodynamics and retuned suspension.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Australian Subaru boss Nick Senior says he would support a production-based race series in Australia that would pit his company's WRX against the likes of VW's Golf GTi, the Renault Megane RS265, Benz A250 Sport and the Ford Focus ST.Senior says he would like the race series to encompass sprint events of six or more laps and also endurance events up to 12 hours duration. He says the mix was already there for a solid production series involving a range of sporty hatches and sedans.He said the Subaru WRX's all-wheel drive was not an issue on the racetrack with the sophisticated two wheel drive technology available these days. "We have a slight weight penalty with all-wheel drive and the two wheel drives don’t have as much outright grip which evens things out."Senior went on to say that many car manufacturers were disenfranchised with motor sport due to the dominance of the V8 Supercar series. "Not everyone has a V8," he said.He added that he would like determine what interest there was in his proposed race series with other manufacturers, many of whom are seeking new ways to spark (declining) interest in cars from younger consumers fixated with phones and multi-media technology.

That might sound like a silly answer to a serious question, but it's the best solution for optimum shopping in the back end of 2013. You see, Korea now makes better Japanese cars than the Japanese. And that's a fact.There are some exceptions, and some categories where the Koreans are still getting a foothold, but a Hyundai i30 or a Kia Cerato is a far better choice than a Mitsubishi Lancer, a Kia Sportage makes more sense than a Honda CR-V, and a Hyundai Santa Fe is much better buying than a Toyota Kluger.This Korean tide has been rising for a while, but it's now filled showrooms with quality cars that are backed by industry-leading five-year warranties with capped-price servicing costs. The two Korean juggernauts are also serious about tuning their cars for Australian drivers and roads, which is becoming a serious selling point and also a battlefield for bragging rights between Hyundai and Kia.Even Daewoo, which was absorbed into the Holden empire to provide cut-price cars such as the Barina and Captiva, is now doing a better job as the engineering and design expertise from Fishermans Bend is absorbed deeply into the Korean content on the cars. And don't forget that the Aussie-made Cruze compact, despite its local tweaking and assembly in Adelaide, began its life at the GM Daewoo division in Korea.Without getting into a history lesson, the seismic shift between Japan and Korea comes down to three things. First is the deep-seated rivalry between the two countries, second is the well-lit path to success blazed by Japanese makers including Honda and Toyota, and third is the Global Financial Crisis. How's that?Well, nothing makes a Korean businessman happier than beating a Japanese rival, even though the Japanese were the first Asian companies to achieve success in motoring thanks to cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and the classy machines that followed. These days, the Nissan GT-R is a legend and the Toyota LandCruiser is an icon.So the Koreans assimilated the Japanese business model for cheap, reliable and sensible cars - think of the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Rio - and then found a way to build them with similar quality at a lower price. There was a time when the cabins of Korean cars stank - because of the 'release agent' applied to plastic parts - and the assembly was slipshod and downmarket, but not today. They also have aircon with Japanese efficiency, always a pointer to intelligent engineering in Australian weather.But it's the GFC which has made the biggest difference. While the Japanese brands panicked, cutting costs and stretching the lifetimes of their cars, the Koreans accelerated their development plans, brought new models, and invested in their dealerships in Australia.The results are obvious now as many Japanese cars - we're talking about the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza - have lost their previous edge, while others - think Mitsubishi Pajero and Subaru WRX - are way overdue for a remake.In the meantime, Hyundai is now plotting a move upmarket with its luxury Genesis models and Kia is setting a global standard for quality styling thanks to its recruiting of design genius Peter Schreyer. Best of all, when you're buying, it's the driveaway pricing that's been a Korean signature since Hyundai blazed that trail in the 1990s to get nervous shoppers over the line.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

We’ve been spying prototypes for Subaru’s next-generation WRX for months -- and also got a close look at the Subaru WRX Concept when it visited Australia recently --  but soon the wraps will be coming off the production version in its global reveal. That debut will reportedly take place at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, where Subaru is confirmed to make a world premiere. According to Automotive News, we’ll see simultaneous debuts of the new WRX and its more extreme STI variant in LA. Both cars will then go on sale in the first half of next year, as 2015 models. It’s likely we’ll also see the cars at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, as this year's press days for the shows in LA and the Japanese capital take place on the same date: November 20. Though Subaru previewed its 2015 WRX with an aggressively styled concept at this year’s New York Auto Show, the production version will be considerably tamer, as confirmed by our spy shots. We hear the hatchback body will also be dropped. Look for the 2015 WRX to come with a conventional sedan body with a taller roof and narrower fenders than those found on the concept. The lower air intakes and rear diffuser will also be much smaller than those on the concept. Thankfully, the WRX’s signature hood scoop will remain. Power in the 2015 WRX is expected to come from a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder engine. The engine is closely related to the unit in the BRZ but will come with Subaru’s own direct-injection system and a turbocharger to match or surpass the output of the outgoing model’s 198 kilowatts and 330 Newton Metres of torque. The 2015 WRX STI will feature the same engine but with output dialed up to 227 kilowatss or more. While power levels aren’t expected to deviate much from current levels, performance of the new cars will be improved thanks to a lighter curb weight, improved suspension tuning and a more aerodynamic body. www.motorauthority.com  

In its 40th anniversary year and 20 years since the original turbocharged "pocket rocket" WRX went on sale in Japan, Subaru Australia has launched the last of its current generation WRX special editions, the RS40. Priced at $44,490 the all-wheel drive WRX RS40 adds more than $7000 of value-packed features that pay tribute to Subaru's motorsport heritage. The Subaru WRX RS40 will be in showrooms from the end of August, with a host of extra kit. The list includes Recaro seats with blue coloured Alcantara inserts, STI rear spoiler, STI front lip spoiler, STI short shift gear assembly, STI flexible tower strut brace, Gold-coloured 17" WRX alloy wheels, exclusive RS40 decals, and numbered RS40 internal badge. It's only available in sedan and is strictly limited to 300 units, all in WR Blue Mica paint.  

The edgy WRX Concept car revealed at the New York auto show last month has landed in Australia, although the details of its visit are still unclear.It is definitely headed for public showings but Subaru Australia refuses to reveal its plan for the car following the cancellation of the Australian International Motor Show in June.The WRX was originally booked for a down under visit to star at the show in Melbourne and is spotted this week being unloaded at the Melbourne docks. The timing of its arrival suggests it was shipped from the USA as soon as the show closed in the Big Apple.Its local destination is unclear, although the Japanese brand's flagship dealership - Subaru Interactive@Docklands, in the Victorian capital - has just been given a major facelift.It could easily host the WRX Concept for the coming month, although visits to Sydney and Brisbane are also likely to spread the message on the renewal and revival of Subaru's turbocharged, all-wheel drive signature car."No comment," is the trademark answer to Carsguide from the managing director of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, to any and all questions on the WRX Concept's visit.However, Subaru admits it is looking at alternatives to traditional motor shows and - unlike most of its showroom rivals - is prepared to pay to test the reaction to new ideas. Most brands are looking closely at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain, where cars are driven in front of a sellout audience on a closed hill climb course.The WRX Concept will only be a static display, however, as the NYC standout does not have a finished cabin or proper running gear.Any showing is likely to re-ignite Australian speculation about the new WRX, which has also been caught testing with heavy camouflage at the Nurburgring test course in Germany.There is no question that the car will be quick and confident, but there are doubts about the final styling and how closely it will reflect the work on the WRX Concept. There has been widespread condemnation of the Nurburgring test car, even though the New York WRX was praised for its edgy looks and an overdue move away from the basic four-door bodywork of Subaru's mainstream Impreza.This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover

This heavily disguised Subaru prototype has been spotted lapping the Nurburgring in Germany and has raised far more questions than it answers. It's definitely more clunky looking than the edgy WRX concept car unveiled recently at the New York auto show, and the mis-mash of body bits -- and even an STI rear wing -- raise some doubts about its relationship to the final WRX production car that will be ready for the road later this year. It's also hard to balance Subaru's claims that the new WRX moves away from a body shared with the four-door Impreza against the sedan-like look of the test car. But Subaru Australia is already planning for the arrival of the new WRX and company boss, Nick Senior, makes one promise. “The critical component of the WRX – and it has been since day one – is that it provides an exhilarating drive. That was and always has been in the brief and we’ve never failed to deliver on that,” he tells Carsguide after seeing the WRX production car at Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan. Senior is unusually guarded on the look of the upcoming hero, and the car lapping the Nurburgring. “FHI’s intention has always been to differentiate new-generation WRX from Impreza, and the new generation car will reflect that intention,” he says. “As with any new interpretation of an iconic product, it must continue to appeal to those that contributed to the success. For us, that means a vehicle that will continue to resonate with the more than 25,000 passionate and enthusiastic customers. Our core.” Senior continues his riddles with his assessment of the new car's role. “It is important that we grow our customer base and appeal to a broader audience,” he says. “The new generation WRX and STI tick both those boxes. I cannot imagine any of the current owners being disappointed. I do imagine it appealing to more.” But the Carparazzi crew that caught the Subaru in Germany is strong on their interpretation of the new look. “The styling of the car isn’t as dramatic as what we saw on the New York concept, although there are clear similarities between the two, particularly in regards to the lights and elements such as the fender vents, grille and the aforementioned diffuser. If you squint a little there's even a resemblance to the legendary WRX models of the 1990s,” Carparazzi. “Sadly, the production version gets a conventional sedan body with a taller roof and narrower fenders than that found on the concept, and its side mirrors are mounted to the doors instead of on the A-pillar. Finally, the lower air intakes are also much smaller than those on the concept.” But there is some hope for WRX tragics. “Look a little closer and there are some elements that suggest that this may in fact be a prototype for the even more extreme STI version of the new 2014 WRX. The most obvious sign is the giant rear wing, which shares a design with wings found on past WRX STI models including the current 2013 one. There’s also a slightly toned-down version of the aggressive rear diffuser we saw on the WRX concept as well as wheels that almost completely fill out their arches.” Senior tells Carsguide that Subaru is maintaining absolute security on the WRX until it is ready to go public with the production car, but admits there is already plenty of interest in early deliveries in 2014. This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover