Rumormill: Subaru to split WRX from rest of Impreza line, make it smaller

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, Rumormill

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.

Subaru to split WRX from rest of Impreza line, make it smaller originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/subaru-to-split-wrx-from-rest-of-impreza-line-make-it-smaller/

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