The New WRX (MY2023+) RUMORS ONLY

[rallly 4]

1: Seems very much like there is a difference of opinion between SOJ an SOA
SOJ believes it is too early to write the current model off as a failure compared to previous model , even though all statistics (and public reaction) are saying otherwise. Funny enough, the point they made was that this happens everytime a new generation is revealed. SOA was adamant that changes need to be made as soon as possible. SOA forecasts the year end sales percentage will be down 61% compared to last year for the WRX with a “best case” scenario being in the high 30’s

2: A hatchback WRX was not discussed today. Consideration is strong. Company understands the case to bring one to market is stronger now than ever. I’m sure I’ll hear more about this.

3: The plastic moldings. Three options are in the playbook. One will happen.
A: The vehicles with come with painted flares. Instead of body colored, it is possible they will be a high gloss black - wouldn’t be suprised knowing Subaru…..
B: The company will offer painted flares as an at cost option on all trim levels (GT excluded) color matched
C: A mid cycle refresh will offer a cleaner fender with no moldings. I’ll take a wild guess and say they’ll still be angled like the levorg ones





. A STI mule was developed.
The idea of painting the flares high gloss black comes directly from that model. In addition to that, suggestions where made to use that cars unique rear bumper and diffuser to “fix” the rear bumper of the WRX

I am dying inside to see what this car would have looked like. Even a peak. Unfortunately I don’t think I ever will. Someone who saw the computer generated renditions of the axed car was extremely impressed. Doesn’t mean much when it’s your product….but it couldn’t be worse than what we have now. Apparently, it still had hydraulic steering.

The exhaust tip design from that car was used for the option exhaust on the current WRX. I had no idea there was a exhaust option until I heard this and went on the website. Very weird looking exhaust tips….


A “more focused” BRZ is in the works. Return of the TS?

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[4S-TURBO]

We expect a focused BRZ because Toyota. But all of the "fixes" for the WRX are what we have suspected and honestly all I think need to be done. The gloss black addition would be welcome, but there needs to be more body color paint on the front bumper and the rear bumper. Thanks for the info!

[rallly 4]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

We expect a focused BRZ because Toyota. But all of the "fixes" for the WRX are what we have suspected and honestly all I think need to be done. The gloss black addition would be welcome, but there needs to be more body color paint on the front bumper and the rear bumper. Thanks for the info!

Absolutely !

I actually think gloss black will make it look much better. All you have to do is buy a black one! Lol

[YungBoba]

Gloss black would actually be a nice compromise IMO, although not as ideal as just body colored fenders. As long as they get rid of the goofy golfball texture which doesn't do squat for aerodynamics (at least not in any tangible/significant sense for the average driver) despite how much their marketing team tries to tell us that it does.

I just looked at the optional exhaust on the build configurator and sheesh they are ugly. I guess the hexagonal tips match the stupid fenders for $1,200, I don't know why anyone would choose to option it vs. just spending that money on a quality aftermarket exhaust which will look and sound better.

I also just noticed that they have an LED-backlit front emblem for $350...no thanks Subaru, you're doing too much

[WRX4US]

Gloss black? Yuck!

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by rallly 4

Not sure if I can remember correctly but I believe I had said that long before anyone in the automotive news had any idea it would die as well as prior to the WRX teaser video

No you didn’t.

Originally Posted by fredzy

Just went back looking to recall what rallly's posts were that "predicted the death" of the STI. Nothing of the sort, though he was all-in on it's gonna be EJ. To which we all said "should die before that happens" and so the fact that it did semi-validated his rumors.

If I had real info like this from an insider buddy I'd never share it and risk their job unless they wanted me to do it. This is what I assumed SoDealer's tsk tsk was about. This wouldn't be information that every other nerd working at SoA would know. Seeing all his other posts I guess he couldn't give half an F

He never predicted the death of STI. The first person that hinted at it was me. I even hinted at the day of announcement and posted it on that day.

Originally Posted by thill

If I recall he was saying they were having issues getting the engine in the STI certified (EJ) for the newest model year (due to stricter emissions in the US that have taken effect already) and it appears that's what killed off the STI for this generation. Clearly he was on to something as Subaru had showed no indications of not offering an STI for the current generation up until this point.

Nobody else was giving us this type of insight and I even thought he might just be full of conspiracy and speculation. But the dude was spot on.

There was never ever a consideration of an EJ for the stillborn STI. Never. It was never a Plan A, Plan B,….Plan Z. Any talk of such is BS.

Originally Posted by heavyD

If he's right are you going to apologize? I don't think anyone working at a dealership knows anything about what's going on inside the company as is being proven right now with the GR Corolla. Dealers know nothing about it despite the fact it's going into production soon. This doesn't seem far fetched at all given it's happened before in 2009.

Absolutely I’ll apologize. I’m telling you now that you’re swigging snake oil. Are you still thinking I’m a dealership employee after all these years? Even then, there are dealership employees that are on the product committee of the dealer board that would perfectly know what happened with this current wrx and would have been part of its development.

Originally Posted by Pre

Please keep the information flowing and ignore the hating folk. That is what the forum is for. The people who are all “I know more Boobaru than you!” Are nauseating. Nobody cares, this isn’t a religion although many exude cult like behavior.

From what you are saying, Subaru f’d up. They know it now. SOA is having some meeting about it, and we have to wait to hear the fruit from that. Intelligent folk have predicted changes, like they’d one before quickly, a la 2008/2009 and the good dope suggests painted fenders, new rear bumper perhaps, but something. Maybe they’ll D up and offer the loyalist a STI trim with the 6MT, perhaps diffs, who knows?

It’s misinformation, but keep lapping it up because you hate me.

Originally Posted by rallly 4

Thanks. I’m still waiting. Most likely the only way that will happen is if they end up panicking and shoe horning the EJ in. Problem with that (from what I have heard) was even if they adjust to meet current emissions they’ll have to do it again shortly. The problem is too much $$$ being spent on an out dated engine on a new generation car (i love the sti ej but have to call the kettle black here)


The hatch will likely return along with painted finders for the Sedan before we see the sti.


In 09 when they decided to change the color of the seats from sti suede grey to black for 2010 + , know why that was? They received numerous complaints that the new seats where too boring , ugly, looked like “ mouse fur” (coming from the blue suede in 07)

So…instead of giving us blue suede, we got black with red stitching.

When complains come in, sometimes they listen. The fact that EVERYONE is complaining about the new WRX combined with the info I’ve heard so far. Very excited to hear what todays conclusion was.

More junk

Originally Posted by rallly 4

1: Seems very much like there is a difference of opinion between SOJ an SOA
SOJ believes it is too early to write the current model off as a failure compared to previous model , even though all statistics (and public reaction) are saying otherwise. Funny enough, the point they made was that this happens everytime a new generation is revealed. SOA was adamant that changes need to be made as soon as possible. SOA forecasts the year end sales percentage will be down 61% compared to last year for the WRX with a “best case” scenario being in the high 30’s

2: A hatchback WRX was not discussed today. Consideration is strong. Company understands the case to bring one to market is stronger now than ever. I’m sure I’ll hear more about this.

3: The plastic moldings. Three options are in the playbook. One will happen.
A: The vehicles with come with painted flares. Instead of body colored, it is possible they will be a high gloss black - wouldn’t be suprised knowing Subaru…..
B: The company will offer painted flares as an at cost option on all trim levels (GT excluded) color matched
C: A mid cycle refresh will offer a cleaner fender with no moldings. I’ll take a wild guess and say they’ll still be angled like the levorg ones





. A STI mule was developed.
The idea of painting the flares high gloss black comes directly from that model. In addition to that, suggestions where made to use that cars unique rear bumper and diffuser to “fix” the rear bumper of the WRX

I am dying inside to see what this car would have looked like. Even a peak. Unfortunately I don’t think I ever will. Someone who saw the computer generated renditions of the axed car was extremely impressed. Doesn’t mean much when it’s your product….but it couldn’t be worse than what we have now. Apparently, it still had hydraulic steering.

The exhaust tip design from that car was used for the option exhaust on the current WRX. I had no idea there was a exhaust option until I heard this and went on the website. Very weird looking exhaust tips….


A “more focused” BRZ is in the works. Return of the TS?

If you’re believing any of this WRX “info”, I have a bridge to sell you.

[Cowboy Neal]

Damn dude. You really covet "winning" on nasioc. I wish you luck on your journey.

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by Cowboy Neal

Damn dude. You really covet "winning" on nasioc. I wish you luck on your journey.

So you’d rather rampant misinformation rather than having someone validate it even if the result isn’t what you want to hear. Got it.

[OldBlu]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

So you’d rather rampant misinformation rather than having someone validate it even if the result isn’t what you want to hear. Got it.

Thank you for warning us that you believe this is all fabricated. But quoting every post just to repeat yourself is bordering on spam at this point.

If you have a leak that refutes what's being said by all means post it and add to the conversation. But as of now--we get it.

[mcarb002]

Gloss black plastic molding….bu bu bu but what about the billions in R&D they spent on GoLF tExTuRED aeRoDyNAmIcS bruhhh?

[OldBlu]

I wonder exactly how last minute the decision to drop the Sti was. You'd think if the Sti they designed looked better/upmarket they'd have already trickled down those design elements to the GT model or the Limited.

Same for performance bits like brakes, etc. Why not make a more hardcore manual version to sell along side the more daily oriented GT?

I think even if they don't actually have plans to revise the entire model, it's an obvious move to adjust some of the higher trims of the WRX to benefit from what they've already developed for a potential Sti.

[Scooby-Doode]

Originally Posted by OldBlu

I wonder exactly how last minute the decision to drop the Sti was. You'd think if the Sti they designed looked better/upmarket they'd have already trickled down those design elements to the GT model or the Limited.

Same for performance bits like brakes, etc. Why not make a more hardcore manual version to sell along side the more daily oriented GT?

I think even if they don't actually have plans to revise the entire model, it's an obvious move to adjust some of the higher trims of the WRX to benefit from what they've already developed for a potential Sti.

I guess what bugs me more is killing the only car that shows off Subaru's technical expertise in motorsports.

BMW has M (now even the lower level cars have "M Trim")
MB has AMG
Hyundai has N (lower level cars have "N" line)
Ford had SVT or now ST
GM with the Z trims
Nissan has Nismo
Acura has Type S
Honda has Type R
Audi has S and RS
Toyota has GR

[kayen]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

So you’d rather rampant misinformation rather than having someone validate it even if the result isn’t what you want to hear. Got it.

So where is the validation you are providing against what Rally4 is saying? At this point it is a rumor because no one except actual SoA or SoJ can validate it. Which we won't hear about at least a minimum of like 4 to 6 months from now if changes are happening.

So all you are saying is you can't trust this information. But the majority of us know there is some truth in all of this, especially with the lack of sales YoY. Subaru's are still very much like Legos, where they share a lot of parts and the chips as well. Which means Subaru has had several years to get the chips in order, but that is not the reason for poor sales. They are sitting on lots longer than anticipated. The BRZ has no issue selling, but the WRX does. This is an issue and rumors are going to run rampant when YoY sales are down nearly 60%.

You need to stop discrediting a rumor, when it is in fact a rumor. It doesn't have to be taken personally or at face value. Just sit back and the tea leaves will sort themselves out.


Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[4S-TURBO]

I don't see rampant misinformation. Nor do I see a reason to get panties in a bunch and overreact. Subaru is so tight lipped about everything, the chances of finding a published article where sources say what rally 4 is saying is basically zero.

Nobody is asking for this info. The info provided is useless until it is officially released by Subaru and materializes into an actual product. Even then, look at what happened with the STI. My faith in Subaru following through with anything is basically zero at this point. Rally 4 has more credibility than Subaru does.

[Stickee]

Originally Posted by rallly 4

1: Seems very much like there is a difference of opinion between SOJ an SOA
SOJ believes it is too early to write the current model off as a failure compared to previous model , even though all statistics (and public reaction) are saying otherwise. Funny enough, the point they made was that this happens everytime a new generation is revealed. SOA was adamant that changes need to be made as soon as possible. SOA forecasts the year end sales percentage will be down 61% compared to last year for the WRX with a “best case” scenario being in the high 30’s

2: A hatchback WRX was not discussed today. Consideration is strong. Company understands the case to bring one to market is stronger now than ever. I’m sure I’ll hear more about this.

3: The plastic moldings. Three options are in the playbook. One will happen.
A: The vehicles with come with painted flares. Instead of body colored, it is possible they will be a high gloss black - wouldn’t be suprised knowing Subaru…..
B: The company will offer painted flares as an at cost option on all trim levels (GT excluded) color matched
C: A mid cycle refresh will offer a cleaner fender with no moldings. I’ll take a wild guess and say they’ll still be angled like the levorg ones





. A STI mule was developed.
The idea of painting the flares high gloss black comes directly from that model. In addition to that, suggestions where made to use that cars unique rear bumper and diffuser to “fix” the rear bumper of the WRX

I am dying inside to see what this car would have looked like. Even a peak. Unfortunately I don’t think I ever will. Someone who saw the computer generated renditions of the axed car was extremely impressed. Doesn’t mean much when it’s your product….but it couldn’t be worse than what we have now. Apparently, it still had hydraulic steering.

The exhaust tip design from that car was used for the option exhaust on the current WRX. I had no idea there was a exhaust option until I heard this and went on the website. Very weird looking exhaust tips….


A “more focused” BRZ is in the works. Return of the TS?

Thanks for the update. I for one appreciate these updates. sodealer thinks he knows everything because he works at a dealership.

[rallly 4]

SOdealer is responding with his emotions, not facts. Please provide something to discredit what I am saying.

And you saying that I had no credibility to my original STI posts last year is completely incorrect.

[rallly 4]

Originally Posted by Stickee

Thanks for the update. I for one appreciate these updates. sodealer thinks he knows everything because he works at a dealership.

I also know a guy local who has an automotive group. He has a Subaru under that umbrella. When I see him, particularly at the Marina on Sundays, he asks ME if I have heard anything about x y z. The dealers are clueless…99.9% of them

[Bluefoton]

Man, there's a lot of bile on here. BTW, this is the news and rumours forum. If it were not, the thread would have been in the news and official announcment section.

Rally4s information could prove to be a) invented, b) partially accurate, c) truthful. In all cases, it's interesting, and it doesn't justify attacks as if it was an ego-trashing competition. Also if SOA undertakes a specific course of action we will likely never know anyways what other options were on the table.

Besides, why would anyone bother inventing rumours? This is NASIOC, not Wall Street. There is no financial gain, or instagram trophy here. And frankly not many people even care that someone was right x years ago. Who now recalls the flaming discussion when the 2008 WRX came out, and the speculations that stemmed?

Heck, I was convinced and spread rumours that the new Impreza and Crosstrek would be changed for MY23, and switching the CB18/CB16 engine. I was proven wrong on all counts, yet because people are as emotional about these cars as they are about a worm in a fridge, noone fumed. Mention WRX though, and emotions boil...

[4S-TURBO]

The argument is that in the past (where SoD is living for this purpose) these threads would have been removed because there's no link to an official published article where sources are verified. But we are not living in the past. This forum is all but dead. Follow Subaru on social media for up to the minute official press releases.

If rally 4 wants to stick his neck out and be proven wrong, that's on him. I do not feel his info is in anyway hurtful to Subaru. WRX sales are unaffected by what his sources say. If anything it provides hope that perhaps the WRX will gain something down the line to get excited about. After all it is Subaru's failings that killed the STI, not rumors on NASIOC.

Those who like what Subaru made will buy it. If they do not, they will not. Not a lot of hidden mystery there.

[rblnr]

Really feels like Subaru has been sitting on its hands the last several years while at the same time registering record sales here in the States, their largest market. The WRX seems a culmination of this. The designs are slightly iterative at best, to me they look dated (at best) upon release. With Mazda and others entering Subaru's AWD/outdoorsy niche and increased competition in the performance category as well, there's more pressure than ever improve design.

The chassis is stiffer and more composed on all. That's a plus, as are improved interiors. Have owned several Subarus (daughter currently has a 2018 Crosstrek), but scratching my head on one I'd want to buy now. The brand seems stagnant vs the competition.

[rblnr]

Really feels like Subaru has been sitting on its hands the last several years while at the same time registering record sales here in the States, their largest market. The WRX seems a culmination of this. The designs are slightly iterative at best, to me they look dated (at best) upon release. With Mazda and others entering Subaru's AWD/outdoorsy niche and increased competition in the performance category as well, there's more pressure than ever to improve design.

The chassis is stiffer and more composed on all. That's a plus, as are improved interiors. Have owned several Subarus (daughter currently has a 2018 Crosstrek), but scratching my head on one I'd want to buy now. The brand seems stagnant vs the competition.

[bugatti0628]

My concern is there will be 3 high performance hatches on sale later from our competitors. We had one, but pulled it out. The three hatches have over or close to 300hp, our sedan had that and we pulled it out. When the GR corolla, Honda civic type R, and golf R get second looks between them, subaru will be on the outside looking in. by the time we get our high performance electric car, we will be very late to the competition.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by YungBoba

Gloss black would actually be a nice compromise IMO, although not as ideal as just body colored fenders. As long as they get rid of the goofy golfball texture which doesn't do squat for aerodynamics (at least not in any tangible/significant sense for the average driver) despite how much their marketing team tries to tell us that it does.

I just looked at the optional exhaust on the build configurator and sheesh they are ugly. I guess the hexagonal tips match the stupid fenders for $1,200, I don't know why anyone would choose to option it vs. just spending that money on a quality aftermarket exhaust which will look and sound better.

I also just noticed that they have an LED-backlit front emblem for $350...no thanks Subaru, you're doing too much

Man, I've been screaming for the illuminated emblem for years.



Funny how, since you just don't think it matters "enough", that the texture doesn't work. When there was a video(sure wish I remember who posted it) showing the wind tunnel tests. Now, I'm not saying this was some great, breakthrough science or anything, but when they are already hard pressed to meet regulations, I'm sure every little thing helps. When it comes to the possibility of a gloss finish from the STI, we still don't know what else they would/will do to compensate......or just not care?

Originally Posted by SoDealer

No you didn’t.



He never predicted the death of STI. The first person that hinted at it was me. I even hinted at the day of announcement and posted it on that day.



There was never ever a consideration of an EJ for the stillborn STI. Never. It was never a Plan A, Plan B,….Plan Z. Any talk of such is BS.



Absolutely I’ll apologize. I’m telling you now that you’re swigging snake oil. Are you still thinking I’m a dealership employee after all these years? Even then, there are dealership employees that are on the product committee of the dealer board that would perfectly know what happened with this current wrx and would have been part of its development.



It’s misinformation, but keep lapping it up because you hate me.



More junk



If you’re believing any of this WRX “info”, I have a bridge to sell you.

If you are going to soooo adamantly contest this person, you've got to give some reason as to why. Not just say "he's lying".



Possibly using the EJ, again, was something I had even heard. Seemed much more a hard rumor when I heard it and that's why I never shared it. No one listens to me after all these years anyway; sooo, that was another reason not to stir a pot.


But, dude, you gotta provide somethin.....

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doode

I guess what bugs me more is killing the only car that shows off Subaru's technical expertise in motorsports.

BMW has M (now even the lower level cars have "M Trim")
MB has AMG
Hyundai has N (lower level cars have "N" line)
Ford had SVT or now ST
GM with the Z trims
Nissan has Nismo
Acura has Type S
Honda has Type R
Audi has S and RS
Toyota has GR

Not really "killing it" right? Just not bringing a "next" version. The Focus RS is a two year thing right? They don't "kill it". Right? Subaru unfortunately is just having to modify the way they do the STI. Cause they can't seem to improve their tech enough to have a cleaner engine. I'm just as stumped and disappointed as any Subaru seems to lack whatever to get that done.

Originally Posted by kayen

So where is the validation you are providing against what Rally4 is saying? At this point it is a rumor because no one except actual SoA or SoJ can validate it. Which we won't hear about at least a minimum of like 4 to 6 months from now if changes are happening.

So all you are saying is you can't trust this information. But the majority of us know there is some truth in all of this, especially with the lack of sales YoY. Subaru's are still very much like Legos, where they share a lot of parts and the chips as well. Which means Subaru has had several years to get the chips in order, but that is not the reason for poor sales. They are sitting on lots longer than anticipated. The BRZ has no issue selling, but the WRX does. This is an issue and rumors are going to run rampant when YoY sales are down nearly 60%.

You need to stop discrediting a rumor, when it is in fact a rumor. It doesn't have to be taken personally or at face value. Just sit back and the tea leaves will sort themselves out.


Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

This had me laugh. They send, say, 250 BRZs and sell 193; but, maybe they send 2000 WRXs and they sell 1495; but, "no problem' selling BRZs.



Now, I am NOT saying that if they were filling EVERY order perfectly every month, THEN had extras that those sales still wouldn't be down MoM/YoY; but, I'd like to know the true % they are down if they'd have sent many of those "extra" cars to fill sold orders(we have 4) than to send them to retailers that don't "need" them "hoping" they sell. AND many of those retailers are adding crazy ADM that can slow sales as well.



Sorry, my issue was just the comparison of BRZ sales to WRX sales. I DO think the hatred of this WRX is affecting sales. I just don't think demand is as bad as the numbers show....as funny as THAT sounds.





As for their chip issue. They only have one supplier. Have they/can they/will they find another supplier? I haven't heard anything, I'm hoping to hear something next week. I'm not counting on it though. Toooo many things I've asked to be paid attention to. I'll be lucky if 2 or 3 of them I get the info I want.

Originally Posted by mcarb002

Gloss black plastic molding….bu bu bu but what about the billions in R&D they spent on GoLF tExTuRED aeRoDyNAmIcS bruhhh?

We have zero clue and likely never will what else about the STI woulda warranted the difference. If there was one! Shoot, for all we know......especially about Subaru.......it coulda just been a gloss texture! We know how Subaru likes to cheap out on things.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by Bluefoton

Besides, why would anyone bother inventing rumours? This is NASIOC, not Wall Street. There is no financial gain, or instagram trophy here.

Exactly. Step 1, is member new? No. Is member some kid posting for attention? No. I mean for goodness sakes. No wonder forums are dying. Intel is as tight as a frog's ass and we get a little bit of dirt, and it's dismissed by someone with NPD.

Apparently he knows someone in or around SOA with some knowledge. I've come across this before myself with someone who works at a Subaru dealership who got to directly talk with the Japanese engineers from SOJ and he got to ask questions.

In all reality it sounds like SOA had a meeting discussing abysmal WRX sales in it's first model year of a FMJ and are looking at options. He didn't post that the STi has been re green-lit with 400 HP blah blah.

Just use the ignore list. I'm not even interested in the car but would be happy to see changes that buyers want. That's how ish should be. And Boobaru if you are listening to any of this or reading it. Bring the got damn hatch back you idiots. We've been asking for this since 2014. You've had 8 years. Finally that decision is hitting you right in the anus and you deserve it. Let it be a damn lesson to not F over your loyal customers and enthusiasts. You want new to brand buyers, fine. Don't ignore and F over your existing clientele in the process. Figure out how to do both or just don't bother. Go the way of Toyota 20 years ago and don't make anything exciting for driving enthusiasts and see how well that works out for you. Or maybe ditch the got dam pride and just look at what your daddy is doing at Toyota at the helm of Akio. GRC, Crown, making y'all look absolutely and completely stupid in "your" segment.

WRX/STi Hatch. Oh here is a low IQ option for you dummies. Make a compact unibody AWD truck. You know Honda has done this and I own the first gen and now the latest gen. Hyundai has done it. Ford has done it. Nissan has one. A new Subaru compact truck, call it the Baja, print money. Oh and it gets to get the the bell curve or whatever because it's a truck and doesn't hit you in the balls with MPG.

Think of your customers as stupid, and willing to just take whatever s you shove will come back to bite you eventually. Herein ends the lesson. You should know you f'd up when your Boobaru pajama wearers aren't rushing to the stealers with money falling out of their pockets for your Ipad, body cladding 6100 RPM Crosstek sedan.

[SCRAPPYDO]

This thread has taken a somewhat unproductive turn

I shall keep watching with glee