2022 Subaru WRX Official Announcement *Merged*

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by SoFlaRRRex

^ where'd you see no active suspension with the manual?

GT (automatic) gets all the good stuff:

https://media.subaru.com/pressreleas...l-new-2022-wrx

Also new for 2022, the WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.

Exclusive to GT, new Recaro® seats offer the driver and front passenger increased support for performance driving...

The GT also features exclusive 18-in aluminum alloy wheels in matte gray finish paired with 245/40 R18 summer performance tires.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[fredzy]

Motor trend mentions that the auto is a "traditional geared automatic." They just wrong?

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022...ok-review/amp/

" There's also a new available Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), which is a traditional geared automatic and replaces the previous WRX's Lineartronic CVT."

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by J_C_O

A little less (orange) bad:


Weird:

It looks worse single color.

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by fredzy

Motor trend mentions that the auto is a "traditional geared automatic." They just wrong?

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022...ok-review/amp/

Yes, they are wrong.

[aidanmurphy]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

What WRX direct competitor makes more than 300hp?

That's the thing, there is no "direct competitor" anymore. So Subaru doesn't have to try to keep up with anyone. But you can get a toyota camry with 300HP stock..

[blackseafleet]

rear end looking beautiful, subaru.

[StocktonBomb]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

What WRX direct competitor makes more than 300hp?

The Camry makes over 300 hp on the top few trims lol.

[WideBody]

Originally Posted by WallopingTuba

Lol showed the wife a picture of the orange one wan she said “oh it looks like a crosstrek” lololol

That's my first impression too - I've always wanted a Crosstrek XT/WRX or whatever you want to call it, but there's uhhhh one BIG glaring issue here...

This is a sedan. A fast wagon/hatch that's slightly lifted would go over a lot better. I had to go to the used market to get something I wanted that was similarly sized to a modern Crosstrek with some balls to it, and that is a 15 year old Outback with the H6...shame I can't get something similarly sized with similar power from Subaru...

[Dalessio]

This reveal felt a bit like a joke, especially when bringing up rally heritage and a return to that form. Compare this to the Z reveal a few weeks ago and it's really a shame.

I'm not a fan of the amount of black plastic, but the Motor Trend gallery makes it look better.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022...e-63b0dc592098

That said, it doesn't change the performance...+3 HP and the same TQ compared to the outgoing model is in line with Subaru's history of power increases, but still sad to see. Also, locking the adaptive suspension, drive modes, Recaros, and other features behind the GT trim with a CVT sucks - but at least those options should come standard on the STI.

The WRX is looking like a pass for me, we'll see about the STI next year.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by WideBody

I frankly don't know how it lasted that long, they must've sold what...a dozen of them? I really don't know how it can't be considered a failure when it was such a poor selling vehicle compared to the regular Outback. I'm guessing it was just left around because it was a cheap way to attract 5 sales from the real freaks who would actually buy one new. They don't exist on the used market and never have in any notable numbers, I don't think there's a way to separate them from actual sales since the naming scheme - but it certainly was a bizarre option that was a flop.

I don't know if this will be a record setting generation - I feel like this variety of car, especially sedan (albeit raised) is pretty much dead among consumers. If the die-hards hate it and the general population isn't interested in this category, I can see it being a poor seller. Of course, that all depends on chips...my local dealer has a grand total of ZERO new cars on the lot. Had to take my Outback in for yet another airbag recall last week and it was a ghost town there, just a few used cars on the lot and no new stock.

You don't know sales numbers; but, don't understand how it lasted soo long? You don't see them on used car websites. Maybe the owners keep them longer? I'm not saying it was some sort of raging success; but, wasn't a disaster overall either. Towards the end, it was just clear. People that looked at Legacy wagon, liked the easier entry height of an Outback and didn't mind the cost difference. Those still clinging to sedans, well, wanted a sedan and stayed with the lower version. There was a phase/time period the SUS/Outback Sedan hit several marks. Then it didn't. Simple as that. The only thing going to hold this WRX gen back, at least initially, is chip availability.


Yeah. I think we had one new on the ground yesterday.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doode

-2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine.
-271 horsepower and features a twin-scroll turbocharger with an electronic wastegate.
-258 pound-feet of peak torque with a broad, flat power band.

Is this actually correct? A 3hp gain and zero torque improvement despite .4L displacement?

[ShadowIMg]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

What WRX direct competitor makes more than 300hp?

I'd guess the Civic Type-R would be the main one. Maybe also the Kia Stinger GT and the 370Z. Depends mostly on what the criteria are for you as a direct competitor. These all seem like cars that shoppers would likely be cross-shopping though.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Comes with a swim platform so you don't hit the propellers...

Seriously, no cap. This is similar to my Yamaha Waverunner (FX SVHO). I should go take a pic of it and upload it.

Edit: I had to, wow!



Holy sheet, look at the resemblance. This is the most pathetic WRX yet. Way to go Subaru, setting new lows. 6000 RPM redline, my truck has a higher redline.

Is it not obvious to everyone yet? Subaru cheaped out, big time. They wanted to spend the least possible amount of money on R&D on this car. Same engine as other units, almost unchanged anything. Cheap plastic cladding. I mean even the adjustable dampers, those were developed for the STI and don't be surprised if this same "GT" transmission is offered on the STI also. This is THE bean counters WRX of them all.

Toyota, please save us all with your GR Corolla, because Subaru has lost their got damn minds!

[WRXnick16]

At least they improved the lower bolstering on the Recaros? That's all I've got..

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

What WRX direct competitor makes more than 300hp?

the new golf R.

Call me crazy, but yes, the Golf R is a direct competitor to the WRX. Especially when we consider that the GT trim, which will get things like adaptive dampers and automatic braking that come standard on the golf R, will likely be in the upper 30's...

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by ShadowIMg

I'd guess the Civic Type-R would be the main one. Maybe also the Kia Stinger GT and the 370Z. Depends mostly on what the criteria are for you as a direct competitor. These all seem like cars that shoppers would likely be cross-shopping though.

Those are NOT direct competitors...Direct competitors to the WRX are a Jetta GLI with a whopping 228 hp and Civic Si sedan with earth shattering 205 hp. The WRX remains the most powerful car in this class.

[Subie Gal]

Originally Posted by rallly 4

Mods your gonna let this guy talk to me like this? Someone’s mad about uncle Joe’s gas prices but it ain’t my fault

Enjoy being muted....

Next up is a ban.... I haven't banned anyone in a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG TIME

[Kostamojen]

Originally Posted by WRXnick16

At least they improved the lower bolstering on the Recaros? That's all I've got..

But they only come with the CVT... WHAT THE HELL WAS EVEN THE POINT OF THE RECAROS THEN!?

[dcsti]

Originally Posted by mcarb002

I think the quirkiest thing is that rear bumper overhang...it's my least favorite thing even though I overall like the back more than current gen.


Well that plus the fact that it only got a 3hp bump and torque remained the same are the biggest wtfs to me. Can't wrap my head around it no matter how much improved power response they did.

The decision to use the orange color for the reveal is... interesting.

Rather than just bitching about the looks, I'll offer detailed criticism:
1. What is the point of the anus on the back bumper? It looked stupid on the Viziv concept, and it still looks stupid. At least they didn't outline it with a ring of red LEDs; Subaru must have discovered the equivalent of automotive Preparation H to calm the case of hemorrhoids the concept apparently had. On the other hand, the LEDs could have been a rear fog light, but the implementation here is completely useless. Maybe Cobb, Perrin, et al. will come out with a plastic butt plug that fills the hole.

2. There are angles of the front where the body creases and "character lines" greatly accent the grille of the car, making it look like it sticks out even further than it actually does. On a Subaru, already blessed (cursed?) with prodigious front overhang, this is a curious decision. Maybe they can get some cardboard cutouts of Kate Winslett for the dealers and stand her on the hood to reprise her role in Titanic.

3. The rear fenders are not well integrated into the rest of the car. The "shadow line" in the photo droops down starting in the middle of the rear door, making the whole rear of the car look saggy. Then there is an odd bump behind the fender at the corner of the bumper that doesn't flow with anything else on the side or rear of the car. In fact, there are odd bulges everywhere: the hood, the fenders, the rear bumper. It looks like a chestburster from the Aliens movie franchise was trying to break out of the car through the sheetmetal...

4. The black looks cheap. Maybe it will resist shopping cart dings, who knows. They should have painted the lugnuts black, too. As it stands, they just further draw attention to the sea of black plastic covering the bottom of the car.

5. This manages to look derivative of a Isuzu Vehicross and a Honda Civic Type R.

[WideBody]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

You don't know sales numbers; but, don't understand how it lasted soo long? You don't see them on used car websites. Maybe the owners keep them longer? I'm not saying it was some sort of raging success; but, wasn't a disaster overall either. Towards the end, it was just clear. People that looked at Legacy wagon, liked the easier entry height of an Outback and didn't mind the cost difference. Those still clinging to sedans, well, wanted a sedan and stayed with the lower version. There was a phase/time period the SUS/Outback Sedan hit several marks. Then it didn't. Simple as that. The only thing going to hold this WRX gen back, at least initially, is chip availability.


Yeah. I think we had one new on the ground yesterday.

Well sales numbers wouldn't segregate them from regular Outbacks/Legacies - at least the public ones. But regardless, my best educated guess is that it was left around because it cost Subaru literally nothing to have a few of them created with excess Outback parts for the 5 people who might be interested. Which is fine, that era of Subaru catered to a wide variety of niche customers. The throw a bunch of ***** at the wall and see what sticks era made quite a few interesting cars.

I still think this is just going to be lower in sales volume because of reduced demand overall. I presume there's going to be a price hike, it's in an essentially dead market segment, and it's not significantly better (on paper) compared to the outgoing model nor does it look that much different other than the...uhhh...obvious.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Straight6

Those are NOT direct competitors...Direct competitors to the WRX are a Jetta GLI with a whopping 228 hp and Civic Si sedan with earth shattering 205 hp. The WRX remains the most powerful car in this class.

The last Civic Si cost $25,000 with basically every option (including electronically controlled dampners). On what planet is that in the same class as the WRX?

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

The last Civic Si cost $25,000 with basically every option (including electronically controlled dampners). On what planet is that in the same class as the WRX?

The Civic Si and Jetta GLI are direct competitors to the WRX on the US market today. Planet Earth, North America, USA.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by ShadowIMg

I'd guess the Civic Type-R would be the main one. Maybe also the Kia Stinger GT and the 370Z. Depends mostly on what the criteria are for you as a direct competitor. These all seem like cars that shoppers would likely be cross-shopping though.

Cross-shop and direct competitor are not equal. One of the amazing things I've seen at the dealership over the years is people cross-shopping a STI and a full size truck. Yeah. CT-R is not a direct competitor to the WRX. That would be the STI.

[ShadowIMg]

Originally Posted by Straight6

Those are NOT direct competitors...Direct competitors to the WRX are a Jetta GLI with a whopping 228 hp and Civic Si sedan with earth shattering 205 hp. The WRX remains the most powerful car in this class.

Well, as I said, what makes a direct competitor is entirely up to your particular interests in the car. MSRP expectation for the 2022 WRX is >30k, where the two you gave are more like 25k, and the ones I listed are 30-37k.

Obviously we have different criteria on what competes, which is fine. Personally for me the power is not what would keep me away, but rather Subaru's "legendary reliability" after my last two.

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Cross-shop and direct competitor are not equal. One of the amazing things I've seen at the dealership over the years is people cross-shopping a STI and a full size truck. Yeah. CT-R is not a direct competitor to the WRX. That would be the STI.

Maybe, it lands squarely between the WRX and STI in price, so it's a competitor to both as far as I'd be concerned.

[Scooby-Doode]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Is this actually correct? A 3hp gain and zero torque improvement despite .4L displacement?

Yes, it is all from their press release. No smoke/mirrors or alternative facts here.