Posts by Motor

Motor · Jun 12, 2010

Impreza STi to go diesel

The Evo’s old rival, Subaru’s Impreza STi, is also set to offer a diesel model in its next generation — but it’s still likely to have a petrol-powered variant too.

Due in 2012, the next-gen STi will get an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel offered in the current Impreza. Its flat four layout should make it easier for Subaru to maintain the STi’s reputation for fine handling, while delivering better fuel economy.

Subaru isn’t about to drop turbocharged petrol engines just yet, though. Insiders say a downsized four-cylinder petrol unit, possibly based on the 1.5-litre flat four that powers base-model Imprezas, is under consideration.

Subaru is one step behind Mitsubishi on the hybrid front, though. Although the company has this technology planned for the hot Impreza, it’s unlikely to appear until at least halfway through the next-gen model’s lifecycle.

As with the Evo, the Impreza’s revisions will mean a shake-up of the car’s motorsport activities. Instead of rallying, the Impreza is likely to switch to circuit racing.

Motor · Oct 14, 2010

2013 Subaru Impreza WRX

Rendered: 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX

Last month, we brought you the first photos of the next-generation 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX in disguise. It was caught testing in Europe and even though it was covered from nose to tail in black camouflage, the Subaru Impreza prototype revealed a few details about the styling direction of the redesigned hatchback.

Up front, the test mule looks like it had a few design elements borrowed directly from the Hybrid Tourer Concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The angular lines of the grille and front fascia are certainly different from the current Impreza and they point toward an even more aggressive look for the all-wheel-drive hatchback.

The grille no longer blends cleanly into the hood line, as you can clearly see two notches on each side that sharply define the opening. Separate headlights also appear to be part of the new design along with a new lower airdam and small front quarter windows just ahead of the side mirrors.

The changes out back are less dramatic. New taillights that are a little shorter and wider appear to be the most noticeable change, while the overall shape of the rear window looks much the same as the current WRX hatchback. Hard to tell what's going on with the tailpipes as the test mule had its exhaust tucked tightly under the bodywork. We can only hope that the production WRX gets a proper set of exhaust pipes when it arrives in production form.

It's a start.

Motor · Dec 22, 2010

Update!

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Rendering

There are a lot of rumors surrounding the next Subaru Impreza WRX STI, with some reports suggesting it will go diesel, while others point to a hybrid version. And while we don’t yet know what the decided powerplant will be, we can guarantee it will include AWD, go like stink and look awesome!

OK, so we don’t know that last one either, but thanks to the creative genius of artist Jon Sibal we can share a creative peak at what the next STI might look like.

Based on the Impreza Design Concept unveiled at the LA Auto Show, the STI model gets the requisite fender flares, top-mount intercooler and, of course, a massive wing on the back. The concept car has actually received a significant level of criticism from the Subaru faithful, although it’s easy to see how the handsome compact car shape works perfectly in a more aggressive form.

That looks damn good.

Motor · Apr 8, 2011

Update!

New Subaru Impreza STi rendering

NASIOC having fun with Photoshop.

Motor · Apr 27, 2011

Damn...Subaru should've done that a long time ago.

Motor · Jul 28, 2011

Update!

2012 Subaru WRX STI

The product general manager of the Impreza, Akihide Takeuchi, said that although he can’t comment on the progress of the car, it would be safe for all of us to have very high expectations.

The STI’s launch is still about a year away—we hear that it’s scheduled to reach dealer showrooms in the summer of 2012. The car will first appear as a 5-door hatchback, with perhaps a sedan version to follow. It seems that Subaru has plans to compete in various motorsports events with the WRX STI, so expect to see the hatchback at rally events, with the sedan competing in touring-car races.

We’re still unsure how the U.S.-spec WRX STI will differ from the home-market version, but we do know that both will produce more than 300 bhp. The Japanese model will come powered by a new version of the FB flat-4 with a turbocharger. Our sources say that the 2.0-liter engine will produce 330 bhp and 324 lb.-ft. of torque, which is 8 bhp and 12 lb.-ft. more than the current domestic model. Despite the additional power, we expect fuel economy to improve.

The price is expected to be around $35,000, but we’re hoping Subaru will be able to bring that down to the $30,000 mark. With the high value of the Japanese yen to the American dollar, however, that might prove impossible. But we do know that the car will be one potent machine. The product general manager of the Impreza, Akihide Takeuchi, said that although he can’t comment on the progress of the car, it would be safe for all of us to have very high expectations.

Motor · Oct 25, 2011

Subaru to separate WRX / STI performance models from Impreza

Subaru separates WRX / STI performance models from Impreza, Get Own Platform by 2013

Later this year, Subaru will officially remove the "Impreza" name from the WRX and STI. The thought process here is that focusing the Impreza line on fuel economy (30 mpg combined) and interior space (2 inches more leg room) is more important these days than associating the newly redesigned sedan with the high-performance WRX and STI versions.

On the other side of the equation, this will allow Subaru to add features and tailor marketing more appropriately for a car in this price range.

The division of Impreza and WRX/STI will grow in 2013 when the WRX/STI will split off from the Impreza platform onto one designed for the performance variants.

HA! BMW won't even allow their ///M division to do this.

Motor · Dec 8, 2011

Update!

Next-Gen Subaru WRX to Get Turbo 2.0-Liter Targeting 270 hp

A spokesperson at Subaru of America just confirmed that the next generation Subaru WRX will receive a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine with a targeted output of 270 horsepower. This engine will be a turbocharged variant of the FA20 engine found in the recently-released 2013 Subaru BRZ we just drove in Japan. Although half a liter smaller in displacement than the current WRX’s 2.5-liter 265-horsepower engine, it looks as though the all new FA20 will make slightly more power. The FA20 turbo is a return to the car’s roots, of sorts; when the WRX made its American debut in 2001, it had a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four under the hood.

Why the downsizing? We can only assume fuel economy has something to do with it. The current WRX manages 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway on the EPA cycle. Subaru recently announced the naturally aspirated FA20 should achieve 30 mpg highway.

The announcement of this new engine is also in line with statements the company made at the launch of the 2012 Impreza sedan and 5-door, the vehicle upon which the WRX should be based. At that time, Subaru said that it was planning for greater separation between Impreza and WRX models. Currently the Impreza uses a 2.0-liter flat four from the FB family of engines found in the Forester SUV and other models. This engine does not feature the same compact dimensions, 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke, or complex D4S port/direct injection technology as the FA20 engine.

:eatpop:

Motor · Feb 27, 2012

Update!

Next Subaru WRX Details Being Decided

We already know that Subaru plans to market the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI as standalone vehicles, allowing the go-fast models to move upmarket. We are now back on the subject, as Subaru is deciding the fate of the models these days.

As for what’s under the hood, the vehicles could use a refreshed, turbocharged version of the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine, with earlier reports indicating a hp rating of 300. Subaru could also introduce a CVT gearbox - a less than desirable move, if you ask us - as the carmaker’s CVT has recently been adapted to handle the torque of diesel engines, so it could face this challenge.

Motor · May 4, 2012

Update!

Electric turbo for next WRX?

Subaru’s performance hero could pioneer ground-breaking turbo technology.

A ground-breaking new electrically-powered turbocharger could feature on the next edition of Subaru's hero performance car, the WRX, when it finally arrives towards the end of next year.

Respected US website motortrend.com says Subaru took out a patent on an electrically-operated turbo in 2007. An unnamed source has told the website that Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, is working to trap heat energy from exhaust gases, generating electricity to power the turbo.

It is believed this would eradicate complicated piping traditionally associated with turbocharging and create power more efficiently with less turbo lag.

Subaru Australia spokesman David Rowley says it is the latest of many rumours swirling around the company's much-anticipated hero cars, the WRX and WRX STi.

Motor · Aug 25, 2012

Update!

2014 Subaru WRX Caught Hot-Weather Testing

Judging by the spy photos you see above, those shoes will be planted under bodywork that's not particularly different from that of the standard Impreza. We'd be lying if we said we weren't hoping for a bit more pizazz from this fourth-gen WRX, but most of its tepid styling – assuming these images are indeed indicative of the 2014 WRX – would be forgiven if the machine boasts more turbocharged performance than ever before.

As you can see, Subaru's engineering team brought along a current third-gen WRX hatchback for testing alongside the new model, and a brief comparison shows how much more restrained the styling of the latest Impreza is when compared to its forebear. We also note what appears to be an intercooler sticking further up into the hood scoop than the third-gen model, which could mean a turbocharged version of Subie's new FA engine is underhood. We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, peruse the images above and carry on speculating.

Motor · Mar 29, 2013

Motor · Apr 5, 2013

Motor · Apr 26, 2013

Motor · May 10, 2013

Motor · Sep 12, 2013

Motor · Nov 11, 2013

Motor · Nov 13, 2013

^ Nice.

Motor · Nov 14, 2013

Update!

2015 Subaru WRX STI Rendered

Although an allegedly leaked photo revealed some of the 2015 Subaru WRX’s design, we still have to wait for the Los Angeles Auto Show to kick in in order to find out more about the new sedan.

However, until Subaru spills the beans and provides us with photos and details, we’ve stumbled upon the 2015 WRX STI. As you might have already guessed, we’re talking about a rendering and not the actual car. The high-performance sedan was photoshopped by the guys over at Autofans.be, who made use of the STI’s classic recipe - WR Blue Mica with gold wheels.

Motor · Nov 20, 2013

Posts by Motor

Top Contributors this Month