Let's see if we can get some discussion going here again. There's some good things, it gets the giant screen/console from the Outback, which I like. I find it odd they dropped in the FA24 but seemingly lower torque than the OBXT and Ascent? Hope the STI looks better.



And the obvious comparison that is already out there, first thing I though too

 

That was going to be what i was going to say.. starting to look way too much like a civic or corolla.
Differences between WRX and STi seem to be getting smaller and smaller now too.

 

The differences are fewer I think, but those few things make about as much difference as before. When you look at the VA, on paper they look close, but on the STI lap times were definitely faster stock vs. stock. This new one has the 2.4L from the Ascent, yet has slightly less power and a fair amount less torque than the Ascent or even the OBXT (same motor). That seems odd to me. Guess we will have to see how it is in the real world.

 

My assumption to less hp/trq would be the difference in the weight of the cars.. dont need AS much in the lighter wrx.. just a guess. But you know the motor can output more, so in a non-california state, you could slap an AP on and get a big jump in numbers with a stage 2 I would think.


Cant find weights on the 22 WRX yet, but SURELY has to be less than the Ascent

 

Well the 2021 is for sure less. 22 is new, so probably a little different and maybe sliiiightly heavier than the previous gen.

 

The VA looks smaller, but I think it is actually the same size, if not larger than the GV/GR. The chassis feels pretty solid too. It will be interesting to check out the 2022 because what matters is how it drives, though it seems we may not actually see it in person until very late this year or early next year.

I was thinking about that side cladding and if it comes off easily. Flares! Carbon!

Someone posted a JDM mag photoshop, looks better:

 

Yeah, I also see all the comparisons between the new WRX and the XV Crosstrek...as soon as I heard that, and saw an XV in the real world, I couldn't "unsee" it.

In regards the engine, so the Ascent is rated at 260HP/277lb-ft @ 2000 - 4800RPM, and the WRX at 271/258 @ 2000 - 5200 RPM...guessing that's a slightly smaller turbo, running higher boost on the WRX? Or is this simply a function of the electronically limited wastegate programming holding the same engine/turbo combo keeping boost on longer? I suppose all will be told soon what the hardware differences are.

Being the global platform for the new WRX, the reviews (and the press release) mention a more rigid body, so that should end up being a plus. Let's see when/how the STi model gets released!

 

The VA was already pretty solid chassis and they're saying the new one is even better, so that could be good. As for the power, I am guessing plumbing differences, like intake, exhaust, emissions, account for the difference, but I though it was a little odd when I noticed it. I like what they did with TMIC, but not sure how they did it. It must be rigidly mounted to the motor now so it moves together. There seems to be no more flexible coupler, it gets funneled directly into the throttle body; I never noticed that on the Ascent.

 

I just can't get pass those stupid raw plastic fender arches and how much it look like some Bushwacker fender flares

 

Outback, Crosstrek and Forester all have it. Not sure why they felt the WRX needed it though.

 

I think it looks pretty damn good. Black fender flares are a bit awkward, but they'll surely be painted (and wider?) in the STi.

-Brian

 

I don't mind the front end. I do not like the back end. I would say they did get it pretty close to the concept car, but some of the details didn't quite transfer the same way to production. The obvious ones, the cladding is all carbon (show car, that would never make it lol) or gloss, not just unpainted. The sculpted doors are there, the haunch on the rear quarter is there, sort of the headlight styling. I know we'll soon see aftermarket parts that will make it look better IMO.




They need to make this:

 

I foresee everyone is gonna remove it and have it paint matched lol.

 

Japan getting a STI variant, but it looks like a WRX with some STI bits for that market only.