2022 Subaru WRX Official Announcement *Merged*

[SLO RU]

Do you think the STi will have the same, ugly, hemorrhoid rear bumper? Because if so I will just start looking at other cars now. I am losing hope for the STi as of now anyways.

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[Scooby-Doode]

That rear protruding bumper of a hemorrhoid is an atrocity. The entire rear end from the B pillar back stinks.

Time to start saving up for something else.

[YungBoba]

Oh God it's even worse than I thought it'd be

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by ShadowIMg

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.



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.

As it stands right now, the WRX is 27K, Si is 25K and GLI is 26K start. For 2022 GLI jumps to 30K as the S trim was eliminated. We don't know the next gen Si specs or price. The GTI will start at over 30K. The WRX remains the most powerful car in its class with about the same starting price of GLI and GTI, next gen Si and Elantra N TBD.

[cyralax]

Originally Posted by dcsti

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.

That anus already exists on the VA, that's where the rear fog lamp will go in markets that require one. To be honest, it looks like the one from the VA will fit in that spot. Also useful for a Torklift hitch, on the VA platform it fits perfectly behind that panel.

[Dalessio]

Motor Trend has put this in multiple articles including a drive along with a pro driver. It seems like the GT may actually not be a CVT?

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and is by far the larger seller, according to Subaru (that goes for the BRZ, too). There's also a new available Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), which is a traditional geared automatic and replaces the previous WRX's Lineartronic CVT. The SPT is standard on the WRX's new GT trim and comes with its own oil cooler.

Source

The GT also features a standard SPT that offers eight-speed manual-shifting modes activated by steering wheel paddles. It seemed stout for an automatic, but then Speed (Scott, the driver) was always in control of which gear we were in. We have to wait until Subaru allows us behind the wheel to find out if the computer performs as impressively as the pro human.

Source

[MtnXfreeride]

Originally Posted by K3rm1tth3fr0g

Imagine thinking gas prices are directly proportional to who's in office.

Literal childthink.

"Gas expensive because Jo B1den"

Jeesus that's a prime example of what being drunk on kool-aid is. First off he didn't suggest it was directly proportional and your reply was childish. We literally know the policies that have resulted in higher gas prices. We have pipelines cancelled, promises to end new drilling on federal land, and a leader bent on pushing to electric before it is sustainable and practical with an agenda that wants to make oil too expensive to use. https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/us_oil.php you can clearly see a trend of downward importing of crude oil from 2017 until literally Jan 2021 when it reverses.

Anyway, I have a 2019 WRX limited and was waiting for this to upgrade, but man I dont know.. my local dealership is giving $0 in discounts so its going to be expensive to upgrade and for what?? 3 Horsepower that will likely be eaten up by the weight gain of what bloggers are saying is a 2-3" length increase. Still no wireless android auto/apple carplay. Ugly plastic cladding and rear bumper - a cheap attempt to reduce costs of painting a bumper cover. Parts of it look better but not a lot. Are those wheel well air vents designed to allow gravel to fling off the wheels and fly through onto your side door paint?

I think the only thing that could save this for me is if the power rating was based on regular grade fuel and we no longer needed premium. Premium in my area is being replaced with ethanol free gas which is only 90 octane. Where premium is still offered it is now 60-80 cents a gallon more when back in 2018 it was a consistent 20 cents a gallon more.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by Subie Gal

Enjoy being muted....

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

I didn't know you were still around! I had your gauge pod in my 2005 WRX.

Originally Posted by Dalessio

Motor Trend has put this in multiple articles including a drive along with a pro driver. It seems like the GT may actually not be a CVT?
Source
Source

It is a new Lineatronic CVT. Ryan says that Subaru asked him to stop saying CVT as they try to market it as SPT. The transmission can mimic an 8-speed in manual mode.

Here (00:03:09+):

2022 Subaru WRX and WRX GT World Premiere First Look - YouTube

2022 Subaru WRX and WRX GT World Premiere First Look - YouTube

[JRodrigues]

Why is the gearshift not centered?

[fredzy]

Originally Posted by cyralax

That anus already exists on the VA, that's where the rear fog lamp will go in markets that require one. To be honest, it looks like the one from the VA will fit in that spot. Also useful for a Torklift hitch, on the VA platform it fits perfectly behind that panel.

Was same thing I thought, don't know how I would have gotten by over the years without my ecohitch. Probably would have torn a conventional hitch off 5 times by now, hanging out the bottom etc.

Originally Posted by Dalessio

Motor Trend has put this in multiple articles including a drive along with a pro driver. It seems like the GT may actually not be a CVT?

I've been looking around and can't find anywhere that contradicts this. Nowhere anywhere is CVT mentioned aside from MT saying quite definitively that it is gone, replaced by regular auto. That said, there's not a lot of info out there right now. Subaru's talk of "upgraded shift logic" and whatnot certainly implied to me that it was an improvement of the existing CVT.

Clearly they're trying to either hide that it's a CVT, or hide that its not and that they are backpedaling from their position on CVTs as being the ultimate auto trans. Either way I don't really care and would never have either, but it is interesting.

edit

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

It is a new Lineatronic CVT. Ryan says that Subaru asked him to stop saying CVT as they try to market it as SPT. The transmission can mimic an 8-speed in manual mode.

So yes, that is final, MT is wrong and it is CVT.

I watched that video earlier but missed that portion. Funny how they stick soooo hard to avoiding any mention of CVT with the new car.. "the differences in characteristics found between... this model, and the CVT found in the outgoing WRX..." This model, not this CVT haha

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

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

you can do a lot with tuning, or in the case, detuning the engine.

3rd gen IS300 w/V6 and IS350 have the same engine, but the IS300 is neutered via tuning, 255hp/236tq vs 306hp/276tq. Exact same hardware, and that's on an NA V6, it's much easier to neuter a turbo charged engine and give it a wide and flat torque curve.

Toyota/Lexus initially did it because they wanted a "mid range" model between the IS250 and IS350 without expending too much money or manufacturing space.

The 2.4L in the WRX is capable of a decent bump from tuning alone, look at what COBB did with the ascent.

[Dalessio]

Originally Posted by fredzy

I've been looking around and can't find anywhere that contradicts this. Nowhere anywhere is CVT mentioned aside from MT saying quite definitively that it is gone, replaced by regular auto. That said, there's not a lot of info out there right now. Subaru's talk of "upgraded shift logic" and whatnot certainly implied to me that it was an improvement of the existing CVT.

Clearly they're trying to either hide that it's a CVT, or hide that its not and that they are backpedaling from their position on CVTs as being the ultimate auto trans. Either way I don't really care and would never have either, but it is interesting.

I guess this is our answer:

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

It is a new Lineatronic CVT. Ryan says that Subaru asked him to stop saying CVT as they try to market it as SPT. The transmission can mimic an 8-speed in manual mode.

Here (00:03:09+): 2022 Subaru WRX and WRX GT World Premiere First Look - YouTube

Nice find, shame it's a CVT then.

[subySerb]

Here's another video that goes into some details.

Subaru***39;s All- New 2022 WRX | First Look On And Off The Track! - YouTube

Subaru***39;s All- New 2022 WRX | First Look On And Off The Track! - YouTube

[subySerb]

Here's another video that goes into some details.

Subaru***39;s All- New 2022 WRX | First Look On And Off The Track! - YouTube

Subaru***39;s All- New 2022 WRX | First Look On And Off The Track! - YouTube

[fredzy]

Originally Posted by Dalessio

Nice find, shame it's a CVT then.

Which entirely explains their slipperiness around it. They seem to be accepting that the tides just won't change for enthusiast acceptance of a CVT sporty car.

[Apharmd]

I guess I'm glad I got a 2021 WRX back in July after seeing this reveal.

Jesus, how in the hell does this thing make less power than two WRX generations ago (and no doubt adds more weight!) at a higher displacement than the VA, too? And top trim is CVT-only, lol does Subaru even know their own WRX/STI fanbase?

The styling isn't bad, outside of the plastic, more sucked-in and less boxy. The rear bumper's overhang is terrible, just terrible, but the wheel cladding is livable. Although I wish they'd have gone big, just made a WRX Wilderness, raised it a couple of inches, hatchback, fat tires... my wife has an Outback Wilderness and it's a fun and convenient wagon that we've taken on gravel trails and really enjoyed, Subaru could have done something similar with a special trim here. This WRX just feels half-hearted.

At this point I expect very little from the STI either. My original plan was to get a VA WRX, hold on to it until the new STI model came out, and then upgrade. At this point I think I'll just go in my current WRX with mods and maybe look at one of the sportier trucks in a few years.

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.

These aren't direct competitors. CTR is a $50k+ car now, if you can even find one. The Kia Stinger GT is up there, too, although I'm not sure how what kind of discounts you can get on them these days.


Looking at stuff like the GTI/GLI or Civic Si, the WRX retains a huge edge between the power and the AWD system. No wonder Subaru feels like they can underdeliver gen-after-gen on these. This thing is going to sell like hotcakes.

[DustySombrero]

Originally Posted by dwf137

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...

Golf R is $44k

[Wrx17]

I saw that too...

Originally Posted by JRodrigues

Why is the gearshift not centered?

[Pre]

Originally Posted by subySerb

Here's another video that goes into some details.
Subaru's All- New 2022 WRX | First Look On And Off The Track! - YouTube

The base model, you still have to use a physical key to start it.

LMMFAO! Bean counters! Just call it dollah store Bertha.

[ShadowIMg]

Originally Posted by Apharmd

These aren't direct competitors. CTR is a $50k+ car now, if you can even find one. The Kia Stinger GT is up there, too, although I'm not sure how what kind of discounts you can get on them these days.

Huh? You can go to any dealer and by a CTR for 38k listed. Stinger GTs for 35k listed. These are new no-miles cars sitting on lots waiting to go, and there's plenty on any of the auto listing sites to pick from.

A premium trim WRX for the previous gen is already 32-33k. We're not talking a different league here. All the press on the new WRX say the base price is going up to 30k from 27k. Presumably that's going to land them in the same price range. The STI is a competitor with those, but also with the WRX, even though it's 42k+ at this point.

Again, it depends entirely on what YOUR criteria are for cross-shopping. It might be AWD, it might be power, it might be purely smiles per $. For some the WRX might get tossed out purely for that CVT, when competitors offer a DCT or the modern quality geared automatics instead.

Point is, if power is your criteria, there are competitors at 300+hp. I don't personally think the WRX needs it, but - they exist.

[Buffman]

Curious how much power this new re-worked CVT will handle. Isn't the current gen CVT already at it's max power levels from the factory?

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by ShadowIMg

Huh? You can go to any dealer and by a CTR for 38k listed. Stinger GTs for 35k listed. These are new no-miles cars sitting on lots waiting to go, and there's plenty on any of the auto listing sites to pick from.

A premium trim WRX for the previous gen is already 32-33k. We're not talking a different league here. All the press on the new WRX say the base price is going up to 30k from 27k. Presumably that's going to land them in the same price range. The STI is a competitor with those, but also with the WRX, even though it's 42k+ at this point.

Again, it depends entirely on what YOUR criteria are for cross-shopping. It might be AWD, it might be power, it might be purely smiles per $. For some the WRX might get tossed out purely for that CVT, when competitors offer a DCT or the modern quality geared automatics instead.

Point is, if power is your criteria, there are competitors at 300+hp. I don't personally think the WRX needs it, but - they exist.

Good luck getting a CTR for under 45K and it what world does a WRX compete with the Stinger GT ? I mean I guess you can cross shop a Sprinter van with a a Miata BUT the direct competitors to the WRX on the US market are : Elantra N, Si, GLI, GTI. Not the CTR not the Golf R and certain not a KIA Stinger...BTW I can build a GTI to almost 40K...

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by DustySombrero

Golf R is $44k

Sure. The R is more of an STI competitor. But just like people will sit around and try to decide between an STI and a WRX, the R can be put into the same category. A well optioned out MT wrx will likely be close to 36K. For only 8k more I could have a Golf R and get a much nicer car, with more power, but a little less of that raw feel. Different strokes.

[12wrx1]

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.

Exactly!, the civic type R,Golf R are competing with the STI not the WRX.

[WhiteRX09]

Originally Posted by Buffman

Curious how much power this new re-worked CVT will handle. Isn't the current gen CVT already at it's max power levels from the factory?

Apparently it can take 3 more lol.