After the separation between Skyline and GT-R, at the debut of the car in 2007, we are now witnessing another devastating decision for the car’s fans world-wide.
Subaru will be dropping the Impreza tag from the name of its new WRX to convey that the car will be its own model, distinct enough to stand alone. There’s even a chance that it won’t even be called a WRX.
The WRX, on the other hand, will employ the very best from Subaru’s parts bin, starting with an updated version of the company’s rally-proven AWD system and a turbocharged boxer engine.
The car is being designed from the ground up to be unique, getting its own bodywork, interior and drivetrain. The key reason is that previous Imprezas were over-engineered to be suitable for the WRX model. This drove up costs and wasn’t appreciated by the mainstream customers looking at buying the entry-level Impreza.
The symmetrical all-wheel drive system and turbocharged boxer engine will remain however.
According to the car manufacturer, the next WRX will take a new path of development and it will not be launched until 2014, while the new Impreza will debut this year at the New York Auto Show.
However, next year Subaru is set to launch its version of the new rear-wheel drive sports car that is jointly developing with Toyota.
Subaru bosses see the new WRX initially competing in domestic rallies and gymkhanas, but they are also targeting Europe’s World Touring Car Championships as well as the long-awaited return to the WRC.
In the End result get used to saying Subaru WRX. Expect unprecedented levels of AWD handling and performance at a bargain price — The new Subaru WRX should be landing in showrooms in roughly two years in the $26,000-$29,000 range.
