Next Subaru WRX 'Goes It Alone'
New fast Subaru, due in 2014, will separate from Impreza
In the UK, the WRX STI has already dropped the Impreza label, but this is little more than an omission of a badge - the next car will be a very different matter: "Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body," a source told US website Motor Trend. "Obviously the WRX's platform will be inherited from the new Impreza, but it will be radically modified and significantly shortened."
That's interesting in itself, but what's really fascinating is that the separation of the two models could signal a return to the motorsports arena. The base Impreza will no longer be constrained by the need to be over-engineered for motorsports purposes (which has historically driven up costs), while the WRX focuses on competition.
Motor Trend's source again: "The first thing you must understand about our all-new WRX is that we have developed it from the ground up to win in motorsports events. That's why we have focused so heavily on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. Marry that to our proven AWD system, and we think we have a winner."
But while that's fascinating, what's really, really, really intriguing is that the next WRX and STI models might just be part of the 'Toyobaru' coupe collaboration with Toyota. "If the truth be known," says Motor Trend's enigmatic insider, "we were able to focus so deeply on the motorsports element with the new WRX because we developed a sister car with the Toyota FT-86. Bosses gave us permission to go all out because that car exists."
The latest offereings have lost their way in both styling and positioning in the market.
They seem to have been caught out in seeing if they are going to be performance chasing or Golf chasing and really doing neither to well.
Hopefully this will let them do both.
The local dealer here has had the same stock sat outside for months in the hatchback - his older saloon stock rotates regularly.
Be interested to see this developing.
Perhaps a return to the P1 days?
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ked an RX8.
http://www.subaruimprezacars.com/wp-content/upload...
But more importantly, the SWRT wasn't really a Subaru team at all. It was a Prodrive rally team using Subaru cars as the shell. The current Mini team is basically Prodrive using Mini as the base instead of a Subaru. So, it... just doesn't make sense... having Prodrive putting forward two different shells to compete against each other.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that is the impression I was under back when SWRT was around (oh, the glory days!).
That, and I'm not sure Subaru even has the desire to get back in WRC.
-Matt
But more importantly, the SWRT wasn't really a Subaru team at all. It was a Prodrive rally team using Subaru cars as the shell. The current Mini team is basically Prodrive using Mini as the base instead of a Subaru. So, it... just doesn't make sense... having Prodrive putting forward two different shells to compete against each other.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that is the impression I was under back when SWRT was around (oh, the glory days!).
That, and I'm not sure Subaru even has the desire to get back in WRC.
-Matt
I doubt resource is an issue with Prodrive as they wanted to go into F1.
Understand your points though.
Still, I hope this new car is good. Subaru really need to get back in touch with what made the older cars so incredible.
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