2022 Subaru WRX Official Announcement *Merged*

[samagon]

Originally Posted by Calamity Jesus

uhhh.. The taillamps are closer together?

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[4S-TURBO]

[4S-TURBO]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

If only that was in the press release...

The WRX’s steering is quick and precise. The chassis is stiffer, featuring 26 meters of structural adhesives – more than three times what’s used on the less sporty Impreza. The stiffer chassis allowed Subaru engineers to dial in suspension compliance.

So there's that. I don't see how KW can't dial in their coilovers much the same way Subaru did.

New steering and suspension give the new 2022 Subaru WRX compact performance sedan the best combination of handling and comfort yet as the legendary all-wheel-drive sportster begins its fifth generation.

And then there's that. Comfort. 99% of people shopping for an RCE or KW coilover kit are fine suffering from an aftermarket performance suspension setup. If Subaru managed to make the WRX handle just as good without sacrificing ride and ground clearance, that's awesome. Kudos to Subaru. BUT enthusiasts typically don't care. What's the % of WRX buyers who plan on running a stock class auto-x with it? >1%?

The big takeaway is chassis strengthening on an already great handling package (SGP Impreza) really shines with the WRX. I don't see how RCE is going to have a problem building on that with their coilovers or regular guy springs.

[NighthawkSTI]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

The suspension changes, per the video, are significant enough for Stock Class, that SCCA could bump the 2022 WRX up. I dunno, just saying what professionals said. RCE is legit.


Throughout the video the Flatirons guy talks about how awesome the 2022 WRX was at the event. How he wanted to keep driving it. How it handled at times, similar to the BRZ. He mentioned at one point he messed up a triple-apex curve and after the 2nd apex he was able to basically brake point the nose and then immediately get back on the racing line w/o issue. He also talks about a very tight auto-x course where the 2022 WRX was extremely flat, not leaning, throughout. Extremely impressed. They talk about the changes to the suspension, the rebound spring, extra travel, etc which are all major enhancements.

literally said it is unlike any WRX before it...he honestly seemed to suggest it handled better than the BRZ on the autocross. Praised the strut design and hinted that even though other brands had tried similar suspension design that the 2022 WRX acheibed a much higher level of results with its engineering.

[4S-TURBO]

It literally is on an entirely new platform. So yeah, accurate statement is accurate.

But what about the strut design is so special? Can it be put in the Impreza or Forester or Legacy?

[Kostamojen]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

It literally is on an entirely new platform. So yeah, accurate statement is accurate.

But what about the strut design is so special? Can it be put in the Impreza or Forester or Legacy?

If its compatible with the current regular Impreza, might be worth trying to swap a takeoff set when they start showing up in the classifieds.

[ProZach626]

Originally Posted by subyski

Too many people are going to lower it and likely/easier to ruin the handling than improve it.

Isn't that the majority of cases when people start messing with the suspension? One thing I could never get behind is how people bolt on coils, even the expensive ones, lower the car, and somehow think it will handle better. In reality, isn't suspension tuning pretty complex? It's not just about bolting on stiffer sway bars, and slamming the car with coilovers.


I still keep thinking about how oddly priced this car is. Again, with the GT model comparable to the proven, and faster, DSG Golf R. The 40k Limited being over what a CTR will be. It's just in a weird place. I feel like Subaru has to at least bump the power a little. It can't take that much to get it closer to 300hp, and add a few bits they had already engineered from the STI.


And another note, I've been seeing how the factory silver diffuser kind of offsets the black matte plastic. However, it only comes in silver, which would look awkward on anything other than a silver, or maybe a white, car. I wouldn't think it would cost too much to have a body shop paint match it to the color of the car and make the rear end look a lot better.

I'm also surprised I haven't seen more of the factory optioned spoiler. It looks pretty decent and something like that was always what the VA rear end was missing.

Does anyone else think the Subaru "performance" grill doesn't look as good as the factory grill? IAG originally put the performance grill and the fog light bezels on their car, and the gloss black against the matte plastic actually looked really cool. But, the grill just looks plain and cheesy, where as the base grill has character.

[thill]

Originally Posted by ProZach626

Isn't that the majority of cases when people start messing with the suspension? One thing I could never get behind is how people bolt on coils, even the expensive ones, lower the car, and somehow think it will handle better. In reality, isn't suspension tuning pretty complex? It's not just about bolting on stiffer sway bars, and slamming the car with coilovers.


I still keep thinking about how oddly priced this car is. Again, with the GT model comparable to the proven, and faster, DSG Golf R. The 40k Limited being over what a CTR will be. It's just in a weird place. I feel like Subaru has to at least bump the power a little. It can't take that much to get it closer to 300hp, and add a few bits they had already engineered from the STI.


And another note, I've been seeing how the factory silver diffuser kind of offsets the black matte plastic. However, it only comes in silver, which would look awkward on anything other than a silver, or maybe a white, car. I wouldn't think it would cost too much to have a body shop paint match it to the color of the car and make the rear end look a lot better.

I'm also surprised I haven't seen more of the factory optioned spoiler. It looks pretty decent and something like that was always what the VA rear end was missing.

Does anyone else think the Subaru "performance" grill doesn't look as good as the factory grill? IAG originally put the performance grill and the fog light bezels on their car, and the gloss black against the matte plastic actually looked really cool. But, the grill just looks plain and cheesy, where as the base grill has character.

That’s why you buy a quality coilover from a trusted vendor who races the car and puts up the laptimes. It’s pretty rare that an aftermarket high quality coilover won’t outperform a stock spring/strut system. Most of it is just cost, most cars in this price range are not going to offer higher quality more advanced suspension.

[NighthawkSTI]

Originally Posted by ProZach626

Isn't that the majority of cases when people start messing with the suspension? One thing I could never get behind is how people bolt on coils, even the expensive ones, lower the car, and somehow think it will handle better. In reality, isn't suspension tuning pretty complex? It's not just about bolting on stiffer sway bars, and slamming the car with coilovers.

Funny, but I feel the same way about those that say "it's not a hatch" or it has "plastic fender lip trim" and because of those superficial biases are completely ignoring how great the 2022 is from an evolution of design and chassis engineering and engine power output available with simple exhaust and fuel mix without a tune. Its above and beyond any previous Gen WRX. Yet because its not a hatch or don't like the blacked out wheel lips its junk??? thats just Very bizarre to ignore what the car actually is lol.

I won't down someone's game for wanting to lower the car, it seems the majority do it to give the car a more aggressive lower to the ground stance and bigger wheels give the illusion of a wide body track when a WRX is lowered.

But in overall agree with you its not going to improve performance unless it is a specific coil over well thought out and calibrated to work with every other engineering aspect of the suspension and chassis.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

The suspension changes, per the video, are significant enough for Stock Class, that SCCA could bump the 2022 WRX up. I dunno, just saying what professionals said. RCE is legit.


Throughout the video the Flatirons guy talks about how awesome the 2022 WRX was at the event. How he wanted to keep driving it. How it handled at times, similar to the BRZ. He mentioned at one point he messed up a triple-apex curve and after the 2nd apex he was able to basically brake point the nose and then immediately get back on the racing line w/o issue. He also talks about a very tight auto-x course where the 2022 WRX was extremely flat, not leaning, throughout. Extremely impressed. They talk about the changes to the suspension, the rebound spring, extra travel, etc which are all major enhancements.

Wonder if he slid the rear in the same place every one else that got some speed did. I was telling myself to NOT do it; but, still did it. Car regained control instantly though. Kept me very confident for the next tight turn.

[neg_matnik]

I didn't realize the video was almost 90 mins long; I'm starting now...

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[neg_matnik]

Done; watched it all.
I think Myles had the best idea right at the end: takes us around a track with insightful technical comments while going through bends/corners.
I appreciate the improvements around travel and droop; Drew and Myles basically pointed out Subaru added back the travel they took away over the years and that's great.
But, while all of that has been happening at Subaru others didn't stand still either; it's the best WRX yet but other manus made great strides as well.
At any rate, it's a great video/podcast.


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[NighthawkSTI]

Flat irons tuning is a very VERY .....V E R Y good source to get acurate concise detailed knowledge of STI and WRX engineering. BAR NONE.

[Cowboy Neal]

Thank you for the bold large font and weird skipping of spaces.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

So there's that. I don't see how KW can't dial in their coilovers much the same way Subaru did.

And then there's that. Comfort. 99% of people shopping for an RCE or KW coilover kit are fine suffering from an aftermarket performance suspension setup. If Subaru managed to make the WRX handle just as good without sacrificing ride and ground clearance, that's awesome. Kudos to Subaru. BUT enthusiasts typically don't care. What's the % of WRX buyers who plan on running a stock class auto-x with it? >1%?

The big takeaway is chassis strengthening on an already great handling package (SGP Impreza) really shines with the WRX. I don't see how RCE is going to have a problem building on that with their coilovers or regular guy springs.

Well, RCE doesn't offer any parts for the SGP Impreza, so I can't comment if the geometry/parts are different between the SGP Impreza and SGP WRX. I would think there are nuances, but who knows.

Actually, RCE said most buyers don't modify. As he said, if they did, he would be broadcasting from Monaco. But I hear you, if you are in SCCA Auto-X, then you probably are doing something to the car.

Just watch the video. They are clearly concerned that they need to do a lot of research vs the VA, GD, GR/GV, GH/GE suspensions.

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Wonder if he slid the rear in the same place every one else that got some speed did. I was telling myself to NOT do it; but, still did it. Car regained control instantly though. Kept me very confident for the next tight turn.

I don't recall him discussing any oversteer. He was very happy overall though. Saying it was sometimes similar to the BRZ is telling.

[4S-TURBO]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Well, RCE doesn't offer any parts for the SGP Impreza, so I can't comment if the geometry/parts are different between the SGP Impreza and SGP WRX. I would think there are nuances, but who knows.

Actually, RCE said most buyers don't modify. As he said, if they did, he would be broadcasting from Monaco. But I hear you, if you are in SCCA Auto-X, then you probably are doing something to the car.

Just watch the video. They are clearly concerned that they need to do a lot of research vs the VA, GD, GR/GV, GH/GE suspensions.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

Do it. Spend the time watching the video. It's Free Day Friday. Enjoy yourself lol.

[4S-TURBO]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

Do it. Spend the time watching the video. It's Free Day Friday. Enjoy yourself lol.

The video doesn't answer my questions if you watched it and cannot answer my questions. Nuance doesn't have a part number. Just dudes talking, no different than here.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

The video doesn't answer my questions if you watched it and cannot answer my questions. Nuance doesn't have a part number. Just dudes talking, no different than here.

Fair enough. We will have to wait and see.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by thill

That’s why you buy a quality coilover from a trusted vendor who races the car and puts up the laptimes. It’s pretty rare that an aftermarket high quality coilover won’t outperform a stock spring/strut system. Most of it is just cost, most cars in this price range are not going to offer higher quality more advanced suspension.

Yep. Aftermarket Brembos are almost always better than OEM offered crap, same for suspension, 6MT (as it pertains to SS and bushings), brake lines, brake fluid. OEM offered crap is made to a price point to keep the price low for the busters. It would be nice for a real “track” edition to come from someone where everything is done, turnkey track car. I’ve never owned a motorcycle or automobile that didn’t need track prep/mods.

[samagon]

Originally Posted by Pre

Yep. Aftermarket Brembos are almost always better than OEM offered crap, same for suspension, 6MT (as it pertains to SS and bushings), brake lines, brake fluid. OEM offered crap is made to a price point to keep the price low for the busters. It would be nice for a real "track" edition to come from someone where everything is done, turnkey track car. I've never owned a motorcycle or automobile that didn't need track prep/mods.

agree here.

any car is built to a budget, they have to be able to sell them, so they have a target for where it will sell successfully, and then they have to make their nut, so they have to be able to build it so they can hit their margins.

lots of cars don't even have the alignment adjustments you want so it will handle better before you even think about replacing parts.

if I recall, I had to get some special bolts for my 04 wagon so I could adjust a few degrees of negative camber in the rear.

then I had to get a RSB from a sedan because it was bigger and really helped.

then I had to get some springs along with koni yellow inserts.

anyway, none of this changed the stock suspension to the levels that a lot would/will go to, but they all provided incremental upgrades over the stock components. I won't say that those components were compromised from the factory to meet a budget, but they were chosen to meet a budget, not my specific needs/wants.

let's be honest though, at the end of the day, a lot of people that do suspension mods (coil overs, or even just lowering springs) aren't getting them to provide a more predictably handling car, or to create a setup that can provide the desired response entering the corner, mid corner, or corner exit. most people wouldn't even be able to describe how a car feels through a turn.

a lot of people just want a car that has a certain look. if that means 20" wheels that add 10lbs, and some ludicrous negative camber, they clearly aren't concerned about cornering capabilities. at that point, they should be concerned about not dying when they hit a pothole, but it's really just about the looks (and hey, not disparaging here, if that's what you want, go for it, live your life)

it sounds like from the video that the engineers were given more budget to make the suspension better, maybe it was at the expense of the interior. the fact that most other cars released in this segment have a digital dash, and yet the WRX is still laboring along with analog gauges and a tiny 4.3" digital insert (that probably has considerable lag) should not be lost here.

[NighthawkSTI]

lol flat irons = AUTHORITY on STI and WRX engineering...have been for years.

[4S-TURBO]

[ultrashin]

Originally Posted by samagon

it sounds like from the video that the engineers were given more budget to make the suspension better, maybe it was at the expense of the interior. the fact that most other cars released in this segment have a digital dash, and yet the WRX is still laboring along with analog gauges and a tiny 4.3" digital insert (that probably has considerable lag) should not be lost here.

JDM WRX S4 EX trims do get 12.6" digital cluster like JDM Levorg. It's either a cost cutting measure or supply chain issue.

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by ultrashin

JDM WRX S4 EX trims do get 12.6" digital cluster like JDM Levorg. It's either a cost cutting measure or supply chain issue.

I prefer analog. The digital dash in the new VW's looks like garbage. Same with BMW's. I wish at least it was an option. What a downgrade. I love the simplicity of the analog gauges and I hope Subaru doesn't downgrade to a full digital dash like VW did with the GTI. I will gladly pay extra to keep the current set up.