Perhaps even more so than the BRZ, the WRX is considered Subaru’s ultimate tastemaker. There is a new Subaru WRX in the barrel, a sporty four-wheel drive sedan that has now appeared in production form for the first time.
With the Viziv Performance Concept, Subaru already anticipated a new WRX in 2017, a car that should eventually succeed the model presented in 2014. That car is still not there, but it now really seems that the new Subaru WRX will not be long in coming. These spy photos show the new WRX, a car that remains faithful to the Impreza model that was loosened on paper in 2014.
Although, let loose … The Subaru WRX is officially no longer Impreza since 2014, but the outgoing generation uses a modified platform and chassis from the previous generation Impreza. That generation Impreza was replaced in 2016 by the Impreza that you can now find at dealers. It remains to be seen which base is hiding under the Impreza carriage, although we are aiming for it to be a heavily modified variant of the Impreza. Where the WRX presented in 2014 actually looks like a fiercely reworked Impreza Sedan with the nose of the Levorg, that now seems to be the case again. The packed test sample in the photos has the same front as the new Levorg presented last year. The window line of the pictured WRX, however, differs this time from that of the Impreza Sedan of the current generation and that may indicate that the new WRX will be a little further away from the Impreza.
The WRX-characteristic rear spoiler is not present on the packed test model, although the WRX betrays its true nature with its two sets of twin-barrel tailpipes. Also, the openings near the front wheel arches and the spoiler work at both the front and rear indicate the presence of WRX genes. It remains to be seen which undoubtedly mighty machine is hiding in the Levorg nose of the new WRX. The outgoing WRX kicked it to 300 hp and 408 Nm, but it is said that this new cracking sedan rolls over it with a 400 hp and almost 500 Nm strong 2.4-liter boxer engine. We expect an official unveiling later this year. The question is whether the new Subaru WRX will also come to the Netherlands. After all, the Subaru BRZ, which was refreshed last year, will not get any European asphalt under its wheels.