The next generation WRX will distance itself still further from the regular Impreza when it appears in 2014, according to reports on the web. And it might even use the 'Toyobaru' Subaru-Toyota joint-venture coupe as its basis.
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."