2022 Subaru WRX

All-new Subaru WRX unveiled

Now based on the brand’s global platform, the new, larger Subaru WRX is powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor. However, seeing as the WRX badge no longer inspires shock and awe in the way it used to, is the newcomer too conservative, or merely a mild opening act for the upcoming WRX STI?

It’s fair to say the cult following garnered by early versions of the WRC-inspired, all-wheel-drive WRX and its WRX STI has waned dramatically; forget for a minute about Subaru’s controversial decision to produce the 3rd-gen Impreza in hatchback guise only (although it did later produce a 4-door variant); like other smaller Japanese manufacturers, Subaru lost steam when the global financial crisis hit in the late Noughties and, since then, WRX variants have become increasingly pricey and are rivalled by all-wheel-driven hyper hatches such as the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, Ford Focus RS and VW Golf R.

The current WRX and WRX STI were officially divorced from the Impreza range and not only in name – they were based on the previous-gen Impreza (GP) platform, while the current iteration Impreza (which arrived in SA in 2017) was based on the brand’s global platform. In fact, all Subaru models in the local market, apart from the WRX and WRX STI (VA), are based on those underpinnings.

 
All-new Subaru WRX revealed with crossover-inspired styling

The long-awaited fifth-generation Subaru WRX has finally been revealed to the world following delays related to the cancellation of the New York Auto Show.

But will Subaru WRX fans like what they see here? Built on the latest Subaru Global Platform, the new performance model has an edgier design that was previewed by the Viziv concept. That much was expected, however, we were not expecting it to come with large plastic wheel arch mouldings that make the sedan look somewhat SUV-like.

But what’s under the hood? As expected, the new Subaru WRX inherits the Japanese carmaker’s latest 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, but with 202kW on tap at 5600rpm and 350Nm from 2000rpm, it’s hardly any more powerful than its predecessor, which is good for 197kW.

Subaru WRX buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a new automatic gearbox with adaptive shift control that can quickly respond to perform rev-matching downshifts under braking.

 
The 2022 Subaru WRX Looks A Whole Lot Better In Person

Subaru's rally monster always been performance first, aesthetics second. For 2022, the looks have finally caught up.

By now, everyone’s seen press shots of the new 2022 Subaru WRX. Takes abound concerning the plastic fender cladding, the cheap-looking black rear bumper, and the CVT-only Recaro package. What most people haven’t done, however, is actually seen the thing in person. I did, at this year’s Wicked Big Meet, and let me tell you folks: it’s good.

There’s some important context to lay down in terms of Subaru design. Namely, function usually begets form rather than the other way around. A Blobeye isn’t classically beautiful in the same way as a Toyota 2000GT, but its performance still makes it appealing — despite the misshapen, melted-looking headlights.

The latest entry in the WRX line will likely outperform its previous counterparts. It’s grown in both displacement and horsepower, and Subaru is claiming substantial improvements in the rigidity of the chassis. If tradition follows, it should only need to be fast — not to look good doing it.

And yet, it does.


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Colin McRae’s 1996 Rally Car Is For Sale After 25 Years Locked In A Barn - Jalopnik​

After 25 years in storage, Colin McRae's Subaru Prodrive Group A rally car is going under the hammer

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There have been plenty of iconic race cars over the years, but the 555-branded Subaru that competed in the World Rally Championship in the mid 90s is one that holds a special place in many hearts.

The distinctive blue and yellow cars driven by Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz Sr won events in Greece, New Zealand and Great Britain, and helped the team finish second in the 1994 constructor’s competition.

Now, rally fans have a chance to own one of these cars, as a 1994 Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A rally car is heading for the auction block this weekend.

The example on offer was driven by McRae, Sainz and Possum Bourne between 1994 and 1996, after which it was retired from professional racing. Since then, it has sat untouched in long-term storage.

The unrestored 1994 Subaru Prodrive 555 was one of just 65 vehicles commissioned by Prodrive for the WRC. This model, chassis number 94.006, took first place at three stages of the 1994 Monte Carlo Rally with Sainz behind the wheel.

The car comes with its original Prodrive engine, a 2-liter petrol motor with a six-speed Prodrive gearbox. It also includes the original active front differential.

The engine, suspension, wheels and tires all carry Prodrive markings and 1993/1994 date codes.

 

Colin McRae’s 1996 Rally Car Is For Sale After 25 Years Locked In A Barn - Jalopnik​

After 25 years in storage, Colin McRae's Subaru Prodrive Group A rally car is going under the hammer

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Colin McRae’s 1996 Rally Car Is For Sale After 25 Years Locked In A Barn - Jalopnik​

After 25 years in storage, Colin McRae's Subaru Prodrive Group A rally car is going under the hammer

View attachment 1154142



Colin McRae's Subaru Sells At Auction For $360,000 In Bitcoin - Jalopnik​

The Subaru Prodrive Group A rally car was estimated to sell for up to $750,000.

Last month, one of Colin McRae’s old rally cars hit the auction block — specifically, his 1994 Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A machine, which was used until 1996 and then spent the following 25 years in storage.

And whoever bought this machine spent $360,000 in bitcoin, CNBC reports.

There’s something a little cursed about paying for a classic piece of motorsport history with cryptocurrency, but I digress. Lloyds Classic Car Auctions decided to start accepting bitcoin as a viable form of currency back in June, so this is likely not the last classic we’re going to see paid for with crypto.

 
The Subaru WRX Sportwagon is Back

The 5-door Subaru WRX sportwagon returns!

Nobody dislikes a high-performance station wagon.

Audi’s RS4/6. Volvo’s 850T-R. BMW’s M5 estate. The pending M3 Touring. All deeply cherished and desirable vehicles.

The high-performance station wagon remains a rarity, so when a new one is revealed, there is cause for celebration. And this is now the case as one of the great Japanese high-performance wagon nameplates has been revived.

Subaru’s WRX Sportwagon lives again as part of the company’s second-generation Levorg platform.

Revealed as part of Subaru Australia’s new model plans, this new WRX Sportwagon is the more practical version of the company’s current-generation WRX sedan.

The design changes aren’t too radical. There is a larger hood scoop to cool that 2.4-litre horizontally opposed engine and some go-faster detailing around the rear.

At the back of this new WRX Sportwagon, you’ll find large-diameter exhaust ends, a tailgate spoiler and reshaped bumper.

The side profile is quite odd, with 18-inch wheels, which look a touch undersized. That said, these wheels should roll generously-sized tyres, with adequate sidewalls delivering good ride quality – especially when laden. And a station wagon is more likely to be laden than a sedan, right?


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Subaru WRX Sportswagon under serious consideration for South Africa

Earlier last week, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon was unveiled for consumers that want to experience the Japanese performance car with a more generous cabin packaging. Our local arm of the brand has announced that this product may find its way to South Africa next year, along with the sedan.

According to Subaru Marketing Lead Nteo Nkoli, the local division is “strongly considering bringing the Subaru WRX Sportswagon to SA next year. We are currently doing studies to establish whether it would be viable to bring this model to SA and if we do, whether we can bring it in at an appealing price. For the moment [we] do not have much with regards to specs and pricing. We do know that it will have the same engine and power as the WRX,”

Like the sedan, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon will sport the brand’s turbocharged 2,4-litre four-cylinder engine which delivers 202 kW and 350 N.m of torque. This is set to a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system via a six-speed manual or eight-speed Subaru Performance Transmission, the latter of which boasts paddle shifters with Sport Lineartronic, Variable Torque Distribution and Sports Shifting Control for faster shifting and downshift blipping control.


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New 2022 Subaru WRX touches down at LA motor show

Rally-honed hero is back for 2022 with all-new mechanicals and a rugged overhaul, but no UK sale planned

The rally-honed Subaru WRX has been reborn for 2022 with a new platform, overhauled interior and heavily upgraded chassis – but it still uses a turbocharged boxer engine and offers a manual gearbox.

On show at the Los Angeles motor show ahead of sales getting underway, the fifth-generation WRX, which has been marketed separately from the Impreza on which it is based since 2015, arrives three years after its predecessor was pulled from the UK. And, like its closely related BRZ sibling, it will not be sold in the UK. Subaru’s UK managing director, John Hurtig, told Autocar last year this decision was taken to allow the brand to focus on its more mainstream SUV line-up.


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What Do You Want To Know About The 2022 Subaru WRX?

I'm about to drive the new WRX, so hit me with some questions.

Not long ago, we got our first look at the new 2022 Subaru WRX, and the internet was not happy. The turbocharged flat-four may make 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but did that matter? Not at all. Not when there were wheel arches with black body cladding to complain about.

Reportedly, the new WRX’s design looks better in person, but I still haven’t seen it with my own eyes, so I can’t say for sure yet either way. But that will change this week when I finally get the chance to drive the new WRX. Will my eyeballs hate how it looks? Will the black cladding grow on me?

I suspect the answer to both questions will probably be “no,” but I’d like to think the driving experience will make it easier to look past that particular design decision. Then again, just like with the Hyundai Elantra N, I guess black paint would make the plastic around the wheel arches harder to see.

Really, I think the thing I’m most interested in learning about is the CVT. That doesn’t necessarily mean I’m not interested in the manual, though. At the very worst, it will probably be fine. But the CVT? There’s no telling how frustrating an experience that will be to drive.

 
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