Are bigger wheels and a more powerful lift better?
The next-generation Subaru WRX was unveiled last week. Many people were left wondering what next generation is. We found many criticisms of the new sedan on the internet, mostly focused around its styling. Subie’s latest rally car has a lot of flaws, including its bland appearance and plastic cladding. What if you made some minor changes?
The Sketch Monkey has a solution. Curiously, his take-on the WRX does not involve nixing plastic cladding above the wheel wells or changing body lines along the sides. These things may be possible in the future, but for now, focus is on the rear clip, where poor proportions are identified to be a problem. The taillights are too large, the diffuser is too dark, and the lip spoiler seems like an afterthought.
Solution? The solution? For a cleaner look, the exhaust finishers have been moved up and the taillights have been rearranged. The taillight trim is made of black and given the light-up treatment. A simple ducktail shape is used instead of the spoiler on the BRZ. The wheel arches have not been addressed but the plus-sized wheels will fill in the gaps a little better. Is it worth the effort?
The new WRX’s styling is not the only issue. The new WRX’s turbocharged, 2.4-liter engine is borrowed directly from other Subaru models. However, at 271 horsepower (202kW), it has a 3hp (2kW) increase in power. Although technically a CVT, it doesn’t have any gears to shift.
It’s still possible to get it with a 6-speed manual. The 2022 WRX rides on a stiffer platform, despite its conservative styling. The ingredients are in place to make the next STI extraordinary. We suspect that we won’t see the final version of the rally car until then.