The WRX's Future: a separate model line from the Impreza?
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The WRX's Future: a separate model line from the Impreza?
http://www.leftlanenews.com/could-su...rformance.html
Subaru’s unprecedented growth reportedly has the automaker planning to make its WRX line into a more dedicated performance family.
With the latest Impreza, which goes on sale this fall, expected to be a significantly higher volume model than any of its predecessors, Subaru thinks that the time is now to separate the WRX model for the first time in nearly 20 years.
“We will launch a new sporty car in 2014,” Subaru president Ikuo Mori told Motor Trend, which speculates that the new performance model will actually be the next-generation WRX. With more global volume now than Subaru has ever had, the automaker can dedicate more resources to designing a purpose-built performance car.
“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,” an unnamed source told the magazine.
The magazine says that the new car might boast a 1.6-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that, with substantial turbo boost, might crank out as much as 270 horsepower, although a supercharger is also being considered. Sized more like a subcompact, the new car would nonetheless feature extra-wide tires. In many ways, it seems like a return to the homologated specials of the 1970s through 1990s, when deep-pocketed automakers fielded cars like the Ford RS200 and the Renault 5 Turbo.
Subaru is said to be seriously considering a return to competitive rallying, like the Word Rally Championship from which the Impreza WRX derives its name. Citing the economic downturn, Subaru pulled out of the series in 2008 and hasn’t made a serious move to return.
Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Left Lane News
Subaru’s unprecedented growth reportedly has the automaker planning to make its WRX line into a more dedicated performance family.
With the latest Impreza, which goes on sale this fall, expected to be a significantly higher volume model than any of its predecessors, Subaru thinks that the time is now to separate the WRX model for the first time in nearly 20 years.
“We will launch a new sporty car in 2014,” Subaru president Ikuo Mori told Motor Trend, which speculates that the new performance model will actually be the next-generation WRX. With more global volume now than Subaru has ever had, the automaker can dedicate more resources to designing a purpose-built performance car.
“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,” an unnamed source told the magazine.
The magazine says that the new car might boast a 1.6-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that, with substantial turbo boost, might crank out as much as 270 horsepower, although a supercharger is also being considered. Sized more like a subcompact, the new car would nonetheless feature extra-wide tires. In many ways, it seems like a return to the homologated specials of the 1970s through 1990s, when deep-pocketed automakers fielded cars like the Ford RS200 and the Renault 5 Turbo.
Subaru is said to be seriously considering a return to competitive rallying, like the Word Rally Championship from which the Impreza WRX derives its name. Citing the economic downturn, Subaru pulled out of the series in 2008 and hasn’t made a serious move to return.
Thoughts?
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will be radically modified and significantly shortened
In many ways, it seems like a return to the homologated specials of the 1970s through 1990s, when deep-pocketed automakers fielded cars like the Ford RS200 and the Renault 5 Turbo.
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Hmmmm....
1.6L
Same size as a Yaris???
What does that remind you of?
Wishful thinking...maybe, but why else would they drop it to 1.6L randomly?
-Brian
1.6L
Same size as a Yaris???
What does that remind you of?
Wishful thinking...maybe, but why else would they drop it to 1.6L randomly?
-Brian
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I've been curious about how long the two cars (wrx and STi) would co-exist. My thoughts are, eventually the wrx would fizzle to make way for a single model. Either branded as the Subaru STi, or as the Subaru WRX STi. The differences between the impreza and wrx are much greater than the differences between wrx and STi. I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome of this. I've been holding off replacing my second car with a suby until i see what 2012-2013 brings. I really enjoyed the 02-07 compatibility as it provided a wealth of available parts. +08 up seems to get much more complex in the after market world. We know about the new power plant for the impreza in 2012 but we have no clue if the 2012 wrx or sti will have the same one or if they will even share the same body. I find it interesting that in no way has subaru represented the concept impreza as a base model for the wrx and STi. Wish i had some inside info. They must forecast for at least 2-3 years when developing a roadmap.. /rant
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Not according to the Autoblog article:
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/s...ke-it-smaller/
"the car's nomenclature may simply change to solely "WRX" and "WRX STI." Fine, since that's what 90 percent of people call it, anyway."
-Brian
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/s...ke-it-smaller/
"the car's nomenclature may simply change to solely "WRX" and "WRX STI." Fine, since that's what 90 percent of people call it, anyway."
-Brian