2022 Subaru WRX Official Announcement *Merged*

[Pre]

Originally Posted by murrdogg24

In my 1994 Legacy my alternator died while driving down from Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains. I lost power steering, power brakes luckily I was only doing about 45 mph and was able to slow the car down by pumping the brakes and pulling up the ebrake handle and pulling off in a parking lot. Not sure how that would have worked in a car with an electronic ebrake.

Manus are no longer thinking like this with design. They are making cars like phones now. Long term use? Not a chance in hell.

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[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by dwf137

Nostalgia. Not sure if you think I'm like 12 or something, but I learned manual driving without all of those things. Had my golfR for 2 years and never once missed a hand brake.

I'm not here to get into a pissing match about winter driving. Cool that you like to use the ebrake. But it's going to go away in all cars eventually. Just like manual transmissions. I'm just saying that the manual means more to me than the hand ebrake, and I think that 99.9% of other drivers would agree.

It's not Nostalgia if you are currently experiencing a thing & it's still available. Nostalgia would be if I were on here waxing poetic about buying a car with a carburetor and a time before seatbelt laws. Mechanical handbrakes are still available in modern cars, as are manual transmission, yes both are going away, manual trans will likely outlive the mechanical handbrake. ICE is going away too, but you're not being nostalgic by buying one instead of an EV.

The winter driving example wasn't to initial a crossing of the streams, it was just a timely example from like ~2 weeks ago; mechanical handbrakes are still relevant, so are manual transmissions. I will continue to seek them out until I can no longer find them. I don't care about, nor did I make a reference to your age. to your 99.9% "statistic" - 97.6% of people don't care enough to drive a car with a manual (or purchase vehicles where it isn't a option) as only 2.4% of sales in the US are cars equipped with a manual transmission.

[ultrashin]

I don't like having a manual hand brake when E-brake exists. E-brake is much easier to use IMO. Some manual cars needed them because of roll-back.

[Bluefoton]

Originally Posted by Pre

Manus are no longer thinking like this with design. They are making cars like phones now. Long term use? Not a chance in hell.

True. And to be fair, the MTFB of a lot of components increased drastically. But some key systems should remain de-coupled from the power supply. Steering works w/o engine or electrical power; so should all brakes without reverting to a default "brake on" switch.

The large infotaiment/HVAC dash is also a mistake IMHO. Single point of failure for a critical system - defogging and defrosting. Anecodtal occurence, but there is a local Legacy here where the screen/system froze (reboot tentatives failed), on a winter morning. The owner couldn't go to work because the car was unsafe to drive.

[Kostamojen]

YouTube (Short URL)

YouTube (Short URL)

[4S-TURBO]

You can't hide the rally heritage with darker colors.

[samagon]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

This is my personal pet-peeve. That roll-back is cringe worthy. I hate it when people I know do it, and I hate it on TV/Movies when you see the actor didn't apply the parking brake. You are always supposed to set it. Don't ask the parking gear to hold the car in place.

Originally Posted by KC

I always use (mechanical) Ebrake on my CVT in my subaru. Don't want pressure on the gear/belt.

guys, there's such a thing as a parking pawl in an automatic transmission.

they are going to be on the output shaft of the transmission.

if you're parking on a SF style incline, sure, use your parking brake.

if you're parking in the street and expect someone to rear end you hard enough to move your vehicle, sure, use your parking brake.

Ford Transmission Tips: #1 Parking Pawls- What They Are & How They Work - YouTube

Ford Transmission Tips: #1 Parking Pawls- What They Are & How They Work - YouTube

they are more than adequate at holding a vehicle in 90% of parking situations. certainly on flat and level ground in a parking lot, or driveway.

granted it's been nearly 25 years at this point, but I was a transmission tech at a Ford dealership, so I was highly specialized in automatic transmissions, which I guess gives me a bit more insight on the subject than most might have, and by all means, you do you, but it's just not a necessary thing to do with the parking brake in an automatic transmission.

[ultrashin]

Originally Posted by samagon

guys, there's such a thing as a parking pawl in an automatic transmission.

they are going to be on the output shaft of the transmission.

if you're parking on a SF style incline, sure, use your parking brake.

if you're parking in the street and expect someone to rear end you hard enough to move your vehicle, sure, use your parking brake.

Ford Transmission Tips: #1 Parking Pawls- What They Are & How They Work - YouTube

they are more than adequate at holding a vehicle in 90% of parking situations. certainly on flat and level ground in a parking lot, or driveway.

granted it's been nearly 25 years at this point, but I was a transmission tech at a Ford dealership, so I was highly specialized in automatic transmissions, which I guess gives me a bit more insight on the subject than most might have, and by all means, you do you, but it's just not a necessary thing to do with the parking brake in an automatic transmission.

Sounds about right. My dad drives 12'Sienna and 15'Odyssey vans since he bought new, and he never actually used manual parking brake.
Manual cars do not have a parking gear, so the parking brake is needed on them.

[KC]

Originally Posted by samagon

guys, there's such a thing as a parking pawl in an automatic transmission.

they are going to be on the output shaft of the transmission.

if you're parking on a SF style incline, sure, use your parking brake.

if you're parking in the street and expect someone to rear end you hard enough to move your vehicle, sure, use your parking brake.

Ford Transmission Tips: #1 Parking Pawls- What They Are & How They Work - YouTube

they are more than adequate at holding a vehicle in 90% of parking situations. certainly on flat and level ground in a parking lot, or driveway.

granted it's been nearly 25 years at this point, but I was a transmission tech at a Ford dealership, so I was highly specialized in automatic transmissions, which I guess gives me a bit more insight on the subject than most might have, and by all means, you do you, but it's just not a necessary thing to do with the parking brake in an automatic transmission.

2017 Subaru Impreza owners manual
Page 7-39 - "Parking your vehicle"

In the section right after "Parking brake"....

"Parking tips

When parking your vehicle, always perform the following items.

. Apply the parking brake firmly.
. For MT models, put the shift lever in the "1" (1st) for upgrade or "R" (Reverse) for a downgrade.
. For CVT models, put the select lever in the "P" (Park) position.

Never rely on the mechanical friction of the transmission alone to hold the vehicle."

Emphasis added by me.

And my uncle? Owner of a transmission shop servicing all types and models of transmissions for 50+ years? "Just do it." I'll actually listen to him because he's seen it all and I've learned more about transmissions from him than I needed (or, sometimes wanted) to know. LOL

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by samagon

guys, there's such a thing as a parking pawl in an automatic transmission.

they are going to be on the output shaft of the transmission.

if you're parking on a SF style incline, sure, use your parking brake.

if you're parking in the street and expect someone to rear end you hard enough to move your vehicle, sure, use your parking brake.

Ford Transmission Tips: #1 Parking Pawls- What They Are & How They Work - YouTube

they are more than adequate at holding a vehicle in 90% of parking situations. certainly on flat and level ground in a parking lot, or driveway.

granted it's been nearly 25 years at this point, but I was a transmission tech at a Ford dealership, so I was highly specialized in automatic transmissions, which I guess gives me a bit more insight on the subject than most might have, and by all means, you do you, but it's just not a necessary thing to do with the parking brake in an automatic transmission.

It exists for a reason. It is not a steep-hill-only handle. The rocking alone on flat surfaces is enough to show that the pawl allows too much freedom of movement for me.

[samagon]

yup, you guys do what you guys gotta do.

[Scooby-Doode]

Originally Posted by Kostamojen

http://youtu.be/Lv60VipSjnA

To summarize:

-Plastic cladding blends in on darker colors
-Aggressive spring rages, jarring ride on city streets. Sharp ride on canyon roads.
-Spongy brakes
-Crappy shifter feel
-Tinny/econobox feeling
-Feels roomy for 4 adults
-Seating position is too high, feeling of sitting on top rather than sitting in.

However.... It does everything well.

^^^All these things are pretty much standard issue on Subaru's and fall well within "clunkiness" factor Subaru's are known for.

Welp folks there you have it. Subaru has a big hit on their hands. Certainly record setting sales are on the horizon for the 2022 WRX.

I predict nothing will change on the STI,

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doode

To summarize:

-Plastic cladding blends in on darker colors
-Aggressive spring rages, jarring ride on city streets. Sharp ride on canyon roads.
-Spongy brakes
-Crappy shifter feel
-Tinny/econobox feeling
-Feels roomy for 4 adults
-Seating position is too high, feeling of sitting on top rather than sitting in.

However.... It does everything well.

^^^All these things are pretty much standard issue on Subaru's and fall well within "clunkiness" factor Subaru's are known for.

Welp folks there you have it. Subaru has a big hit on their hands. Certainly record setting sales are on the horizon for the 2022 WRX.

I predict nothing will change on the STI,

Agreed, it sounds like every WRX I have owned (except I've never had the cable shifter). This will sell like hot cakes. The passenger seat has always been on stilts. I wonder if the brakes are any different than before? I've always preferred the WRX extra-travel vs. super hard brake pedal that has no modulation or feedback.

[Calamity Jesus]

Originally Posted by samagon

yup, you guys do what you guys gotta do.

Parking pawls are awesomely sturdy, and all.. but rust belters can attest to handbrake failure from disuse. You bought it, use it. Keep it working for when you need it. The tiny drum brakes inside the rear rotors of cars like Subarus are especially prone to falling apart when they remain static all winter long while being soaked in salt brine.

I use the brake all the time, even in automatics. My PHEV Clarity moves significantly in Park in my sloped driveway without the brake, and I know this because the E-ebrake switch is the only button in the cabin that sometimes fails to register. My wife likes to jump out the moment I put the car in Park and then gets mad at me when the car rolls back a few inches.

Anyway, the e-brake handle is a pretty silly point of contention with the WRX. The "I need all the manual control" folks are yanking an e-brake against a center diff with a viscous locker that sends a shuddering braking action to the front axle. The auto (VTD) and STI can at least open the center locker when you pull the e-brake. Maybe seek your e-brake jollies with a drivetrain that isn't still related to 1960s farm equipment. At least with actual farm equipment you can get the fun kind of differential braking.

[KC]

Originally Posted by Calamity Jesus

Parking pawls are awesomely sturdy, and all.. but rust belters can attest to handbrake failure from disuse. You bought it, use it. Keep it working for when you need it.

I tell that to fellow rust belters in their selectable 4WD vehicles that never see 4WD that primarily drive in 2WD...

"You know, you should drive it in 4WD every month or so to keep everything working/lubed, right?"

*blank stare*

/And knowing is half the battle!

[porusski]

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doode

To summarize:

-Plastic cladding blends in on darker colors
-Aggressive spring rages, jarring ride on city streets. Sharp ride on canyon roads.
-Spongy brakes
-Crappy shifter feel
-Tinny/econobox feeling
-Feels roomy for 4 adults
-Seating position is too high, feeling of sitting on top rather than sitting in.

However.... It does everything well.

^^^All these things are pretty much standard issue on Subaru's and fall well within "clunkiness" factor Subaru's are known for.

Welp folks there you have it. Subaru has a big hit on their hands. Certainly record setting sales are on the horizon for the 2022 WRX.

I predict nothing will change on the STI,

Some of those things can be fixed simply by getting the GT model.

[Scooby-Doode]

Originally Posted by porusski

Some of those things can be fixed simply by getting the GT model.

You must really want that SPT CVT on the GT Trim . But I see what you did there. Let's evaluate then shall we:

Couch position (on the Fatty Recaros), likely not to change on the GT Trim
Crappy shifter, likely not to change on the GT Trim
Tinny/Econobox feeling, likely not to change on the GT Trim
Spongy brakes, likely not to change on the GT Trim

Yah no, I gotta disagree

Adjustable dampers, no thanks. I'd rather go KW V2 route or something.

[neg_matnik]

Brake sponginess aside, I think 12.4" front rotors is on the smaller side for the class.
Don't get me wrong, going to 12.4" on the VA coming from puny 11.6" on the GR/GV was a huge upgrade; but, the much lighter Civic Si gets 12.3", both GLI and GTI get 13.4" and Elantra N gets 14.2" up front (straight from the Genesis G80 3.5T).
An obvious and inexpensive factory upgrade, IMO, would be the 13.1" rotors from the Ascent...

[Scooby-Doode]

Originally Posted by neg_matnik

Brake sponginess aside, I think 12.4" front rotors is on the smaller side for the class.
Don't get me wrong, going to 12.4" on the VA coming from puny 11.6" on the GR/GV was a huge upgrade; but, the much lighter Civic Si gets 12.3", both GLI and GTI get 13.4" and Elantra N gets 14.2" up front (straight from the Genesis G80 3.5T).
An obvious and inexpensive factory upgrade, IMO, would be the 13.1" rotors from the Ascent...

I wanted to say that but didn't want to point out the obvious.

The Si has 12.3" Vented discs in the front, 11.1" Solid discs at the rear. But the Si is appox 400lbs lighter.

The Elantra N has nice sized brakes.

And agreed, at least a 13" Rotor would be ideal with upsized calipers.

[porusski]

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doode

You must really want that SPT CVT on the GT Trim . But I see what you did there. Let's evaluate then shall we:

Couch position (on the Fatty Recaros), likely not to change on the GT Trim
Crappy shifter, likely not to change on the GT Trim
Tinny/Econobox feeling, likely not to change on the GT Trim
Spongy brakes, likely not to change on the GT Trim

Yah no, I gotta disagree

Adjustable dampers, no thanks. I'd rather go KW V2 route or something.

I think you’re mistaken.

I’ve sat in the Recaro’s on the GT trim, they didn’t have a weird position but I didn’t drive the car. They were just really tight on the side of your legs. I don’t believe the Limited trim they drove are even Recaro seats. From what I recall, Recaro branded seats are on GT only.

You can’t get a crappy shifter, because it can’t come with a manual.

Adjustable dampers are one of the biggest things I’m looking forward to.

And like it was said in the video, the spongey brakes might be from a bad previous driver. We will know once we have buyers actually giving reviews on brand new cars.

The tinny feeling is one reason I would like to go with the Golf R. But, the interior plastics and everything feels less tinny than my 2014 BRZ. So it’d be an upgrade for me.

[Straight6]

So their main complaints were the spongy brake feel, stiff ride and shifter feel, however he did note they just came from reviewing the Blackwing and Si and according to him those have the two best shifters on the market. Car felt quick and handled great at speed. Ton of interior room and great visibility. Very easy fixes when it comes to the complaints. I am sure we will see upgraded pads, SPT short shifter option and DCC with a manual soon enough. Subaru has a winner on their hands, these will sell like hot cakes.

[carsebuco]

Originally Posted by Straight6

So their main complaints were the spongy brake feel, stiff ride and shifter feel, however he did note they just came from reviewing the Blackwing and Si and according to him those have the two best shifters on the market. Car felt quick and handled great at speed. Ton of interior room and great visibility. Very easy fixes when it comes to the complaints. I am sure we will see upgraded pads, SPT short shifter option and DCC with a manual soon enough. Subaru has a winner on their hands, these will sell like hot cakes.

Except that 90% of their buyers purchase these cars based on how they look, so they'll sell like hot cakes that have been defrosted and microwaved 5x in the last hour and are used as display items.

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by carsebuco

Except that 90% of their buyers purchase these cars based on how they look, so they'll sell like hot cakes that have been defrosted and microwaved 5x in the last hour and are used as display items.

Most of the buyers purchase these cars because they offer AWD, space, utility and excellent performance at this price point. It looks great too.

[vapore0n]

Originally Posted by Straight6

Most of the buyers purchase these cars because they offer AWD, space, utility and excellent performance at this price point. It looks great too. Nobody buys these cars because they are good looking

ftfy

[samagon]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Agreed, it sounds like every WRX I have owned (except I've never had the cable shifter). This will sell like hot cakes. The passenger seat has always been on stilts. I wonder if the brakes are any different than before? I've always preferred the WRX extra-travel vs. super hard brake pedal that has no modulation or feedback.

Subaru's attempt at a cable shift in the previous gen is uninspiring and feels like moving a stick through mud.

cable shift doesn't have to feel that bad.

it sounds like the new one isn't any better.