What It Is: This camouflaged Subaru prototype is one of three things: a non-WRX, sporty Impreza variant; a thinly disguised, production-ready next-gen WRX or WRX STI; or a mixture of the two, created using an Impreza sedan to test the WRX’s powertrain and cooling. We think the final option is the most likely, combining a standard Impreza body with fascias previewed by the super-hot WRX concept. READ MORE ››
Tag Archives: WRX
Spy Shots: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI spotted at the Nürburgring
By Zach Bowman
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Subaru has been busy testing the next-generation WRX STI. Well, it may be the STI. The big wing out back lends some credence to that theory, but it could be that the basic WRX is getting new action in the back section. Time will tell.
In either case, spy photographers nabbed a few shots of the heavily camouflaged sedan running around the Nürburgring. Unfortunately, it looks as if Subaru has taken some of the sexy out of the WRX Concept we saw at the New York Auto Show, leaving this car looking more derivative of the current model than a revolution in design. The bold power bulge has disappeared from the vehicle’s hood and the lower fascia looks far more demure than the the wild concept. Likewise, the muscular rear fenders have been toned down substantially.
The result is a car that looks more like a mildly warmed over version of the current model than a production version of the WRX Concept. Still, engineers and designers may have a long way to go before the finished product hits the market, so we’ll reserve final judgement for now. After all, the early BRZ mules were nothing short of a travesty to look at, and we know how that turned out. Hope springs eternal.
Next-gen Subaru WRX STI spotted at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Continental: Design Talk, Powertrains from Europe, and Praise for Jaguar
By Jens Meiners
Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.
A Take on the WRX
Subaru is removing the WRX from the Impreza lineup, as further evidenced by the WRX concept that debuted at the New York auto show. It is shorter than the Impreza sedan, but features a far longer wheelbase and way more style. For me, though, the proportions don’t work. The heritage of the WRX is that of a rally car, not a long-distance cruiser, where directional stability takes precedence over agility. The ultra-low roof makes the fuselage look extra boxy, but at least it evokes the characteristic 1970s to 1990s Japanese hardtop sedans. Not that a WRX should really pander to that legacy. In fact, a large part of the car’s traditional appeal is that it’s a perfectly normal sedan, heavily modified and turned into a missile. The WRX has not only exposed the potential hidden in every Impreza, it also has kept the original model’s practicality. I think the new car is fine, but as a successor of the Impreza WRX, it is difficult to accept. Hopefully Mitsubishi sticks to the proven formula with the next iterations of the Lancer Evolution, but I am not holding my breath.
GM’s German subsidiary, Opel, is launching a major powertrain offensive. The company plans on launching three new engine families by 2016. One is a 1.6-liter diesel with 134 horsepower that replaces the current 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter turbodiesels. The second is a 1.6-liter, direct-injection gasoline engine that makes either 168 or 197 horsepower. And the third engine is a “small-displacement gasoline engine,” details of which will be unveiled later.
Opel also has a fresh transmission strategy, which includes replacing the current six-speed automatic with an eight-speed autobox. The expected gains in efficiency amount to a meager three percent. For the tiny Adam and Corsa, Opel will offer an automated single-clutch five-speed transmission—a decision I find surprising. This cheap solution has clear comfort disadvantages compared to a torque-converter or dual-clutch automatic.
Chinese-owned carmaker Volvo also is communicating new powertrain technologies. A new diesel four-cylinder diesel will replace its current five-cylinder engine. The diesel’s so-called “i-ART” technology features a computer on top of each injector; injection pressure is extremly high at 2500 bar (over 36,000 psi). Down the road, the brand is hedging its powertrain future solely on four-cylinder engines; currently, it offers a gasoline inline-five and a straight-six. Until recently, a nice Yamaha-supplied V-8 was offered as well. Says Derek Crabb, the brand’s chief powertrain engineer: “Our four-cylinder engines will offer higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than the current four-cylinder generation. On top of that, electrification will bring us up into power figures
From: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/_V6EPATqlYA/
Video: WRX Concept gets walkaround with Subaru design boss Osamu Namba
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The Subaru WRX Concept was the only concept car to be mentioned among our Editors’ Choice favorites for New York Auto Show debuts this year – snagging the No. 3 spot nonetheless – due to what it could mean to the future of Subaru if it indeed becomes a reality. Now that we’ve caught our breath from walking countless miles through the Javits Center, Subaru has released a brief video of design boss Osamu Namba describing some of the exterior styling elements of the sporty concept sedan.
While this video is just your basic walkaround that gives no mention of the concept’s inspiration or what we can expect from the next-generation WRX, it is still fun to watch Namba explain many of the car’s design elements including the more aggressive face, the quadruple exhaust outlets and the signature flared wheel arches and side outlet fender vents. If you liked the WRX Concept as much as we did, scroll down to watch this short video.
Continue reading WRX Concept gets walkaround with Subaru design boss Osamu Namba
WRX Concept gets walkaround with Subaru design boss Osamu Namba originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog
2013 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition: 1 Shade of Orange, 360 Degrees of Photos
The brightest spotlight at New York auto show may have been reserved for Subaru’s stunning WRX concept, an aggressively flared preview of the next-generation Rex and its high-performance STI stablemate. Those new cars, due sometime in the next year on their own platform, will succeed models that have repeatedly charmed us with their rally-bred dynamics and turbocharged flat-fours. But the clock hasn’t expired on the current-generation WRX and STI just yet, and Subaru decided to celebrate the duo with bright-orange 2013 Special Editions.
- Photos and Info: Subaru WRX Concept
- Instrumented Test: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX
- First Drive: Euro-Market Subaru Impreza WRX STI tS
We recently had one of the 100 special-edition STIs in our short-term fleet, and we managed to stop hooning it long enough to capture a full set of images—including 360-degree photography. While you might not be able to Scandinavian flick this one from behind your monitor, you can take it for a spin:
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver
New York: Subaru WRX Concept hints at big performance, offers few facts
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We’re looking at a design statement only at this point.
Subaru has dropped the curtain on its truly attractive WRX Concept and, as previewed a few days ago, we’re fast fans of the wide, low, muscular sedan. The concept car looks great, but there was a distinct lack of information being offered about the next-generation WRX that is sure to follow this concept – we’re looking at a design statement only at this point.
Still, Subaru’s press release does offer some more detail about both the concept and the car to come. You’ll be hard pressed not to notice that the car’s roof has been constructed entirely of carbon fiber, a move that designers have used to lower the center of gravity and reduce weight. Get past the gaping hood scoop and you’ll also notice that that the concept car has a rather prominent power bulge sticking out of its hood, better to accommodate a “new turbocharged engine and intercooler.”
In front, the massive hexagonal grill provides a strong full forward view, and the lower fascia incorporates sculpted air intakes that are said to help the engine breathe as well as providing downforce. In back, the standard-issue wing has been replaced with a subtly curved trunklid spoiler. Quad tailpipes also hint at the big power we hope will be packed into the car, when it takes production form. (No word at all on when we might expect a production-ready car.)
Clearly, the WRX Concept is styled anticipation of an all-wheel-drive vehicle, with four blistered wheel arches making that layout obvious. Huge 20-inch BBS wheels (not gold, but we like them) are wearing 245-section Dunlop tires, and look ready to grip and rip. Follow on for the full Subaru press release, once you’ve finished feasting your eyes on our image galleries.
Continue reading Subaru WRX Concept hints at big performance, offers few facts
Subaru WRX Concept hints at big performance, offers few facts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Subaru WRX Concept: The Next-Gen Rally Rocket Is Smokin’ Hot [2013 New York Auto Show]
Subaru has been teasing enthusiasts eager for any information on the next WRX for the past two years, promising that the new affordable, all-wheel-drive high-performance compact benchmark would drop the Impreza name and platform, boast at least 300 horsepower in STI trim, and get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. We even spied several WRX prototypes wearing current-gen Impreza bodies—but we haven’t had any hint as to what the next WRX would look like. Until now, that is, as Subaru finally has issued a preview of the car in the form of the WRX concept debuting at the 2013 New York auto show. READ MORE ››
Subaru’s Latest WRX Concept Leaked Ahead Of New York Reveal
By Kurt Ernst
2014 Subaru WRX Concept
Automakers are fond of embargoes, as they help to level the playing field and give all media outlets the ability to release information on new products at (more or less) the same time. Media outlets, on the other hand, hate embargoes, since every last one is scrambling to put as many eyes on page as possible. Breaking an embargo is the surest way to find yourself blacklisted by an automaker, unless you’re one of the big sites or (even better) glossy magazines, in which case manufacturers generally take a “boys will be boys” attitude and look the other way.
We’re not sure who broke the embargo on Subaru’s WRX Concept, which will make its official debut at this week’s New York Auto Show, but in a matter of hours the images were everywhere. And with good reason: if this is what the next Subaru WRX will look like, we suspect that the Japanese automaker will have a hard time keeping inventory on dealer showrooms.
2014 Subaru WRX Concept
The look is certainly more mature than we’ve seen from previous WRX models, and it banishes the ghosts of Impreza’s past. We’re sure that certain details (like the tiny side view mirrors, or the massive wheels and brake rotors) won’t see production, but if this is as “near production” as other outlets are reporting, the new WRX (which should drop by year end) will still be the best-looking variant to date.
2014 Subaru WRX Concept
Details on the car’s powertrain and output are still pending, but it’s a safe bet that Subaru will retain the flat-four “boxer” engine and all-wheel drive. Expect the next WRX to make more than the current version’s 265 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque, which should make the 0-60 mph trip even shorter than the current model’s 5.3 seconds.
![Image Leak! Again! Subaru’s Tasty WRX Concept Spills Forth [2013 New York Auto Show]](http://bd.summit.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/194636-thumb-320x38.jpg){kind=small}
Image Leak! Again! Subaru’s Tasty WRX Concept Spills Forth [2013 New York Auto Show]
Well, lookie here, another big New York auto show debutante has been leaked ahead of the show, and this time it’s the Subaru WRX concept. (Earlier this week we were given an early glimpse at the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan.) The images appear to have originated on the French site Blog Automobile, and show the WRX concept completely uncovered and in full blue glory.
Just as we suspected, the next WRX—shoul dit stay true to this concept version—makes a significant break visually from the Impreza, a model it’s previously been closely based upon. The concept features bodywork that shares nothing with Subaru’s compact car, and features a low, coupe-like roofline, sleek headlights, C-shaped taillights, and a low-set grille. Those beastly fender bulges aren’t far from what’s offered on today’s wide-body WRX, and they’re nicely integrated on the WRX concept’s four-door form.
- First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i / 2.0XT Turbo
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Subaru BRZ Automatic
Speaking of four-door, we hope the next WRX returns in both sedan and five-door hatchback forms, but we’ll have to wait and see what Subaru has up its sleeve in that regard. We do know that the car will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four, as will the uprated STI variant. (Blog Automobile’s report also mentioned an electrically powered turbo. If true, this could greatly minimize turbo lag by allowing the blower to spool up extra fast.) We’ll have full info and more photos of the WRX concept later this week following its official debut in New York, but until then, feast your eyes on the hot compact here.
Report: Are you the Subaru WRX Concept for New York?
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When Subaru dropped a hint about bringing an “all-new performance concept car” to the New York Auto Show this year, we immediately started hoping and praying that a conceptual iteration of the next WRX was in the offing. Looks like that might have paid off. While no official word has yet been written or uttered from Subaru, a French website called Blog Automobile has released a gallery of images that would seem to spill the beans about the WRX Concept.
If the leaked images are correct – and they look awfully complete and well done if they’re not – WRX styling is taking a turn for the handsome. The sleek sedan in these images has all of the cues that we’ve come to expect from our rally-ready Imprezas: a dominating hood scoop and very wide stance with beefy wheels, and seems to miss only the rear wing to fit the perfect WRX stereotype. (And, yes, it should have gold wheels.)
There’s no press release to be found, but the source is citing specifications as if it knows what it’s talking about. We’re told that 275 to 300 horsepower are the likely output of the turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, and that brakes with ventilated discs and six-piston calipers are there to haul the all-wheel-drive Scooby down from speed. If our earlier reporting is correct, we might expect to find an electric turbo under that imposing hood, too.
Stay tuned as we scan the web for confirmation about this WRX Concept. We expect that Subaru will have something to say about it, one way or the other, even before its press conference in New York.
Are you the Subaru WRX Concept for New York? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Subaru confirms performance concept, XV Crosstrek Hybrid for New York
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Subaru has made quite a name for itself as automaker that caters to the outdoorsy, green-leaning set. Now it’s stepping up to the plate for those customers – some might say “finally” stepping up – with its first-ever hybrid vehicle.
The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid will make its official debut next week at the New York Auto Show. And although there are no details about it just yet, we do have one, typically muddy, picture of the literally and figuratively green car to show.
The XV Crosstrek Hybrid will use a Subaru-developed hybrid system paired to the automaker’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. On the opposite end of the green scale, Subaru will also be showing off an “all-new performance concept car,” which we can only hope is our first look at the next-generation WRX, or better still the WRX STI. Here’s hoping.
Continue reading Subaru confirms performance concept, XV Crosstrek Hybrid for New York
Subaru confirms performance concept, XV Crosstrek Hybrid for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog
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Subaru to Debut XV Crosstrek Hybrid and New Performance Concept in New York [2013 New York Auto Show]
Subaru is set to make two major debuts at next week’s New York auto show: One we’re eagerly anticipating and one that granola nation likely is equally excited about. Our news first. The brand will debut a “performance concept car,” which we believe will preview the next-generation WRX, due later this year. Unfortunately, Subie wouldn’t reveal any further information on that front. As to what surely will have Portland in hysterics, Subaru’s first recipient of a hybridized powertrain will be the XV Crosstrek. The Japanese manufacturer didn’t provide further details, but it has left a trail of breadcrumbs for us to decipher what’s likely under the hood of the XV Crosstrek hybrid.
Some 18 months ago, Subaru confirmed future hybrid powertrains would center around the 2.0-liter offering of its FB family of engines. This 148-hp, 145–lb-ft boxer-four first debuted in the new-for-2012 Impreza—an example of which recently made it to the end of one of our grueling 40,000-mile long-term tests.
- First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i / 2.0XT Turbo
- Long-Term Road Test Intro: 2013 Subaru BRZ Premium
- Comparison Test: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI vs. 2011 Touareg Hybrid
Two of the brand’s recent hybrid concepts have featured drivetrains making use of multiple electric motors—one mounted up front to aid propulsion and to serve as a generator, and at least one electric motor out back to power the rear wheels. The Japanese marque’s Hybrid Tourer concept used a single electric motor to power the rears, while the Viziv concept that debuted at this month’s Geneva show used an electric motor to drive each wheel and provide toque vectoring. Considering this trend of development, we expect to see the XV Crosstrek hybrid’s rear wheels to be electrically powered.
COBB Tuning Introduces 300-hp Tanner Foust Edition Ford Focus ST
COBB Tuning has long been associated with modifying Subarus of the WRX and STI variety, but lately it has begun branching out to other brands. One of the latest objects of the firm’s attention is Ford’s Focus. The outfit brought a regular Focus modified for racing duty to the 2011 SEMA show, and now it is rolling out a slew of performance parts for the Focus ST and introducing a turn-key Tanner Foust Edition based on the ST. Tanner Foust, for those who don’t watch television or pay attention to Rallycross and drifting, is a race-car driver and one of the hosts of Top Gear USA.
If the Foust Edition Focus ST looks familiar, it’s because a very similar-looking car graced Ford’s show stand at the 2012 SEMA show. The production version is loaded with COBB parts, including a new intercooler, intake, exhaust, and suspension bits. There’s also an ECU upgrade, and COBB claims that total output rises from the stock car’s 252 horsepower to 300. Cosmetically, the Tanner Foust Edition is festooned with carbon-fiber aero pieces, a unique grille, Mustang GT–style hood vents, a racy graphics package, and a handsome set of black wheels.
- Comparison Test: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual
- Photos and Info: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST
The good news is that buyers won’t have to cough up a yet-undisclosed amount of money over a regular ST to step into the Tanner Foust Edition to get some COBB love. All of the upgrades will be available from COBB individually or bundled into stage upgrade kits. If the complete Tanner Foust Edition ST tickles your fancy, COBB will be selling them directly and will make them available for sale in select Ford dealerships later this year. If it were our money, we’d go for the performance goodies individually and keep our ST’s exterior as stock-looking as possible for the ultimate 300-hp hot-hatch sleeper.
Video: Subaru Impreza shows off 360-degree passing technique
By John Neff
Filed under:
Leave it to a Subaru WRX to find a new way to improve the art of passing. This dash cam vid shows a white WRX pirouetting past our recording car and somehow straightening out before either sliding off the road or slamming into the car ahead. If this were a standard move in rally racing, the WRC would be bigger than NASCAR.
Like most dash cam vids, we don’t know where it was shot (Russia‘s always a good bet) or what the circumstances were (did the driver spin on purpose or was the 360-degree slide accidental?), but the remarkable feat was caught on camera and uploaded to YouTube, preserving it for an Internet eternity. Scroll below to watch the twist yourself, and don’t try this at home!
Continue reading Subaru Impreza shows off 360-degree passing technique
Subaru Impreza shows off 360-degree passing technique originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Subaru mulling three-row utility, upscale versions of existing models
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Subaru was one of few automakers whose sales actually picked up during the recent recession. But now that auto sales are back on track (and expected to hit pre-recession numbers this year), Subaru is trying to come up with new products to fill voids in its current lineup. Wards Auto had a chance to talk to Subaru’s director-product manager Ken Lin, who indicated that the automaker is planning to introduce new models this year that will help it attract new buyers without alienating current ones.
The biggest void, of course, is a competitive three-row crossover, a role the Tribeca does not fill in one a very popular segment. Lin said that while there’s no current plan to kill off the Tribeca, Subaru is looking at creating a larger three-row CUV with more interior space. In addition to to something big, Subaru is getting ready to bring its customers more luxury with new touring models, but does not anticipate going toe-to-toe with Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
By the end of this year, Subaru will be introducing a new hybrid model, although we don’t yet know on which model it will be based. What we do seem to know is that the car will get its power from a nickel metal hydride battery rather than a more modern lithium-ion pack for the sake of simplicity. Finally, Lin mentioned a new product being brought into the sports car segment, but while the article takes this as a hint toward a possible BRZ Turbo, it could also be a reference to the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI.
Subaru mulling three-row utility, upscale versions of existing models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog
Subaru Prices 2013 WRX and WRX STI Special Editions, We Suddenly Want Pumpkin Pie
Subaru has released MSRPs for the quite-orange WRX and WRX STI special editions it announced last November. The WRX sedan is set at $29,565, the STI sedan at $35,565. Both represent an increase of $500 over the standard-issue rally weapons.
Unveiled at the automotive sideshow known as SEMA, this pair of harvest-hued Subies will be limited to a total production run of 300 units. The split: 200 WRXs, 100 STIs. The mods are purely cosmetic, with both cars powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-four as their less-pumpkinish brethren, which means 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque in the WRX and 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft in STI tune.
- First Drive: 2013 Ford Focus ST
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
- Long-Term Road Test Wrap-Up: 2010 Mazdaspeed 3
The WRX channels its might through a five-speed manual and on to all four wheels; the STI version employs a six-speed manual and adds a driver-controlled center diff to the AWD setup and a track performance-optimized mode for the stability control.
We’re guessing a large chunk of these were already spoken for even before pricing was announced, so you’ll want to get on the horn to your local dealer right now if you’re interested. You’ll likely have to beat Linus van Pelt to the punch, after all.
Subaru Impreza
The smaller of Subaru’s two main car lines, the Impreza compact four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models range from rather plain models up through the hot-rod WRX and WRX STI performance models. Since 1997, all of them feature standard all-wheel drive and horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines, both longtime Subaru engineering…
Source: FULL ARTICLE at The Car Connection
Quick Spin: 2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru, Quick Spins
Two months ago, I was carving pumpkins in a canyon – last week I was carving canyons in a pumpkin. I genuinely prefer the latter.
It’s hard to miss the 2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition. The twins (the automaker is offering the package on both the WRX and its higher-performing STI sibling – just 300 copies in total) arrive in Tangerine Orange paint with Jet Black wheels, black exterior mirrors and black front fender badges. The purely cosmetic upgrades are carried inside the cabin with black cloth upholstery contrasted with orange stitching on the seats, doors, shift boot and piping on the floor mats.
After a day, I completely forgot about the controversial orange paint (you either love or hate its burnt pumpkin color) and focused on the simple joy of driving Subaru’s rally-inspired WRX.
The turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four is a gem of an engine. It pulls soundly from the low end of the tachometer yet willingly runs to fuel cutoff at redline. Unfortunately, the note coming from the quad exhaust pipes resonates and booms from within the cabin. I liked it, but many of my passengers complained.
While the industry has moved to six-speed manual transmissions (as has the STI), few realize just how wonderful a competent five-speed gearbox really is. Despite giving up a bit in acceleration and fuel economy (the 6MT has a lower first gear, and a taller six gear), the 5MT will easily run to 60 miles per hour without a shift to second gear. This also translates to less clutch work around town.
During a spirited run up Decker Canyon and Mulholland Highway, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive kicked serious tail in the corners. It absolutely refused to let go of the pavement, regardless of how much power was going to the wheels.
The suspension of the WRX is a bit softer than I expected. While it translated to a much more comfortable highway ride, it came across a too squishy for really hardcore flogging. For upgraded suspension, brakes and a more capable all-wheel drive system, consumers need to look at the STI.
The cloth bucket seats are comfortable, supportive during aggressive driving maneuvers and heated. What more can one ask for?
The WRX won’t let anyone forget its Impreza roots. The cabin appointments are budget-oriented, with no-frills hard plastic on the dashboard and doors, minimal digital instrumentation (no trip computer or fuel distance-to-empty display) and a lackluster audio system (one of the worst I have experienced in years).
Keep in mind that Subaru has already replaced its Impreza with an all-new fourth-generation model – the WRX (and STI) are still on the third-generation platform – expect their high-performance replacements to emerge within a year.
2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: Autoblog