Though getting a glimpse of the future in Subaru’s Legacy Concept was interesting, it seemed that most of the crowd was on hand for the official reveal of the 2015 WRX. The latest redesign of Subaru’s flagship performance model features a stiffer chassis, a more powerful engine and more aggressive styling.
The headlights have been narrowed, and the signature hood scoop rides lower in the hood for better visibility. A massive front spoiler and front fender vents give the WRX a very purposeful look, and the “wide-body” look carries into the rear doors and fenders, providing more distinction from the Impreza. LED headlights and taillights are available. The rear diffuser and side sills provide aerodynamic assistance as well as a visual link to racing Subarus.
Inside, there’s more room thanks to a one-inch wheelbase stretch, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and an available 440-watt harman-kardon sound system. Subaru has improved the materials as well; the WRX gets a bit more luxurious with each generation.
The WRX makes good on the promise offered by its angry face, with a new direct-injection 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Output is up to 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The new engine is similar to that in the new Forester XT, but the WRX has different cams and internals to produce more power while still improving fuel economy over previous models. The WRX also gets its first six-speed manual transmission. Subaru also offers its Lineartronic continuously variable transmission in the WRX.
Riding on an all-new platform, the updated WRX is wider than before. It’s stiffer, too, enabling the WRX to take advantage of the new torque-vectoring system built into the all-wheel drive. New electronic power steering is also standard.
