📰 Auto News Subaru to split WRX from rest of Impreza line, make it smaller

[Mook]

Subaru unveiled its 2012 Impreza at the New York Auto Show in April, and upon seeing the new car's new shape, we instantly started to picture it with all of the hardcore WRX and STI bits (including gold wheels, of course). However, it might not be as simple as slapping on some bits and pieces to the Impreza body anymore. According to Motor Trend, a source within Subaru says that the next-generation WRX will be very different from its Impreza kin.

First and foremost, the name "Impreza WRX" as we know it may soon be defunct. Since Subaru is planning for the new 'Rex to be a greater departure from the Impreza-based cars that came before it, the car's nomenclature may simply change to solely "WRX" and "WRX STI." Fine, since that's what 90 percent of people call it, anyway.

In speaking to Motor Trend, a Subaru spokesperson said that, "Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body." From there, the source stated that while the WRX will use a version of the Impreza's platform, it will be "radically modified and significantly shortened." How short? A little bigger than a Toyota Yaris, Motor Trend reports. Yikes!

What's more, it looks like the WRX's turbocharged Boxer engine may lose some displacement, with the new car using a 1.6-liter unit capable of producing somewhere around 270 horsepower. A twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged) version is also said to be under development.

Look for the next-generation WRX to land in 2014.

smaller than a yaris?

Click to read more...

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

That sounds stupid. When the ugly ass new impreza came out they said they were keeping the Wrx/Sti exterior the same for 2012 as it is for 2011 and hinted at them splitting from each other. Yaris size? F that

 

[Krash7051]

The size change doesn't sound good at all. However, twincharged? I'm intrigued.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

The 1.6L making 270hp sounds good. Twin charged sounds dumb and a waste.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Fuck

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Yaris sedan

Wheelbase 2,550*mm (100.4*in)
Length 4,300*mm (169.3*in)
Width 1,695*mm (66.7*in)
Height 1,460*mm (57.5*in)

Yaris hatch

Wheelbase 2,460*mm (96.9*in)
Length 2005–2008: 3,750*mm (147.6*in)
2008–2010: 3,785*mm (149.0*in)
Width 1,695*mm (66.7*in)
Height 1,530*mm (60.2*in)

First gen impreza (GC)

Wheelbase 2520 mm (99.2*in)
Length 4375 mm (172.2*in)
Width 1705 mm (67.1*in)
Height 1410 mm (55.5*in)

Fourth gen impreza

Wheelbase 103.1*in (2620*mm)
Length sedan: 180.3*in (4580*mm)
hatchback: 173.8*in (4415*mm)
Width 68.5*in (1740*mm)
Height 58.1*in (1475*mm)

 

[Intel]

So are we still going to be able to get a turbo impreza? Or are we stuck with the WRX that is super mini? Seems like an odd choice as it would kind of compete with the 2 seater Toyoabaru.

Already killed the forester for me with the new models this just seems like icing on the cake.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

So are we still going to be able to get a turbo impreza? Or are we stuck with the WRX that is super mini? Seems like an odd choice as it would kind of compete with the 2 seater Toyoabaru.

Already killed the forester for me with the new models this just seems like icing on the cake.

I would say it'll be similar to the first gen GC chassis. That's not a 2 seater.....

Also you cannot get a turbo impreza currently...you have to step up to the impreza Wrx so I'm not sure what you're talking about.

 

[esteinmaier]

Sounds good to me. The smaller the car, the more it feels like a go-kart. I like go-karts.

 

[Intel]

I would say it'll be similar to the first gen GC chassis. That's not a 2 seater.....

Also you cannot get a turbo impreza currently...you have to step up to the impreza Wrx so I'm not sure what you're talking about.

Sorry I meant it wouldn't be possible for me to get a 4 door WRX. If it is the same size as the 2.5rs's then great although the rear seats are just for show in my opinion going based on trying to fit in one of those a while back.

 

[THEHKP7M13]

This seems like a natural progression as the WRX people (what FoMoCo refers to as market drivers, as they recommend cars to non-car guys/gals) demand more extreme performance, while the Toyota buyers of the world (the volume buyers, sadly) want nice bland fluffy appliances that roll down the street.