Basically, it will be the same motor as the one in the current FXT. The FXT, while rated at only 210hp has been dynoed and showed around 240 hp at the flywheel. It's basically underrated so as to not mess with the WRX market. I am curious to see if the hp ratings on the new WRX/FXT is an actual improvement or simply a re-representation of the actual hp numbers.

For the 2.5L motor in the current XT to run like the one in the STi, you basically need the ECU, VF39, and TMIC from the STi. The fuel pump/injectors in the XT will work with these changes perfectly fine.

Keep in mind that even the new hp ratings are *only* 3hp more than the 227 in the current WRX, the torque curve is MUCH better. Turbo lag is virtually absent. This reminds me of another VERY important question:

Will the new WRX utilized the same transmission as the current model? If so, I'd question its ability to handle the newfound power and torque. I'd say the STi or the FXT's transmissions can handle the power the EJ257 can dish out better than the box in the Imprezas. Not only are they tougher, but the shorter gear ratios are better suited to track driving. This allows us to more easily access and make use of the power curve.

I took all of this into account when getting the Forester. I figured it would be easier/cheaper to make a Forester handle like an Impreza than it would to make an Impreza as quick/torquey as the FXT and have a transmission to handle it all as reliably.

 

Dude if the use the same 3.90 tranny with a 3.545 final drive, or whatever it is now I'm going to hit someone. I'm getting a ride in the '06 STi tomorrow and Sunday when Petter Solberg gets here. YEAH YEAH, WHAT? YEAH, SKEET SKEET SKEET! They really need to put the 4.111 XT tranny in, and put an option for a 4.444 tranny.

 

No replacement for displacement...it's the 2.5L engine...