Subaru Divides Its Car: Impreza and WRX – Two Separate Ways

Such divisions have happened in the past and always it was a great fuss made ​​about it. It looks like this is about to happen again, only this time Subaru is doing the separating: the Impreza and WRX (joined at the hip since 1992 ) are going their separate ways.

The new production Impreza debuted at 2011 New York Auto Show. It seems that the next WRX will take a completely different path of development and will not surface until 2014. Subaru president Ikuo Mori said at a recent shareholder’s meeting: “We will launch a new sporty car in 2014.” The WRX is that car.

This means that the car will simply be called the Subaru WRX and will be a totally different vehicle. According to a MotorTrend source: “Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body. Obviously the WRX’s platform will be inherited from the new Impreza, but it will be radically modified and significantly shortened.”

The image above is revealing how one artist sees the new WRX, depicts a new coupe model with a shorter wheelbase and heavy-duty bodywork. Of course the car it may turn out to look much different because this is just one vision of the new car. 

Subaru Impreza is boasting a fuel-efficient, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine. The car’s wheelbase has been slightly lengthened, while the A-pillar has been brought forward to maximize interior space and comfort levels. For now, it is unclear if Subaru will attempt an Impreza-based performance model to bridge the gap until the new WRX arrives, but it appears unlikely.

The Motor Trend source also added: “Up until now, the Impreza and WRX used many common parts, which translated into entry-level Imprezas that were over-engineered.” T

On the other hand the WRX, will probably employ the very best from Subaru’s parts bin, starting with an updated version of the Subaru’s rally-proven AWD system and a turbocharged boxer engine.

Is just a rumor, but if the source is righ, the WRX’s powerplant is a turbocharged 1.6-liter boxer pumping as much as 270 hp, and a twin-charger system involving a supercharger is being tested as well.

Relying on hearsay, the car’s body will be a little bigger than a Toyota Yaris, while its tread width is said to expand significantly.

The new WRX, in Subaru bosses view, will initially compet in domestic rallies and gymkhanas, but they are also targeting Europe’s World Touring Car Championships as well as the long-awaited return to the WRC.

This new vehicle should land in showrooms in about two years in the $26,000-$29,000 range.

Source: MotorTrend