Potency boost for next Subaru WRX

2010 Impreza STI concept likely gives a good idea of how the new WRX and STI will look.

2010 Impreza STI concept likely gives a good idea of how the new WRX and STI will look.

Published Dec 9, 2011

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While it's still uncertain whether Subaru's next WRX will be a standalone model or something directly based on the latest Impreza, the company has confirmed that it will have a smaller engine with more power.

According to Motor Trend magazine, Subaru has confirmed that this new WRX will be powered by a 2-litre turbopetrol motor with at least 200kW on tap - today's WRX has a 2.5-litre turbo that makes 195kW.

The new motor will essentially be a force fed version of the 2-litre FA20 boxer engine that made its debut in the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT 86 coupes. While Toyota is working on a supercharged version of this engine for its GT 86, it's likely that Subaru will instead use the WRX turbo motor for a hotter version of its coupe.

This engine is also somewhat more sophisticated than the current WRX's 2.5, with features like direct injection increasing its efficiency.

While new standard-guise Impreza sedan and hatchback will not be coming to South Africa (due to lack of demand), we cannot envision Subaru South Africa holding off on the new WRX when it hits global markets some time next year.

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