Putting all the rumors and speculations to rest, Subaru has finally unveiled the all-new 2022 WRX—the latest version of its iconic sports sedan.
Getting the most important bit out first, the fifth generation of the World Rally eXperiment drops its turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-4 for a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4. Also found in the Evoltis (aka North American Ascent) and Outback, engineers have reworked the FA24 to develop a healthy 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Thankfully, it retains a choice between a 6-speed manual or a new new CVT dubbed Subaru Performance Transmission.
The 6-speed manual has been fitted with optimized gear ratios and refined for improved shift quality. Meanwhile, the CVT offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts and 50 percent faster downshifts. It also incorporates adaptive shift control that can quickly respond to perform rev-matching downshifts under braking, maintain the ideal ratio through corners, and respond faster on corner exit. Total ratio coverage range has been enlarged, and lower ‘fixed’ gear ratios have been revised to improve acceleration and response.
Engine and automatic transmission operation can be tailored to driver preferences with three different settings for the SI-Drive Performance. For additional driver involvement, an 8-speed manual mode can be accessed using steering wheel paddle shifters. An external transmission fluid cooler improves durability and capability under demanding conditions.
In terms of platform, the WRX finally moves to the Subaru Global Platform—the same underpinnings found in pretty much the entire contemporary Subaru line-up sans the Subaru BRZ. As such, it gains 28 percent in overall torsional rigidity and 75 percent increase in suspension mounting point rigidity. It also has a longer suspension stroke for increased stability, while the rear stabilizer, now mounted directly to the body, contributes to less roll during cornering.
At the front, the steering features a dual-pinion setup that separates the driver’s input shaft from the motor assist shaft resulting in quicker response to inputs, improved accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.
At all four corners, Subaru will offer wheel sizes up to 18 inches in diameter with 245/40R18 tires. In addition, the 2022 WRX will offer electronically controlled dampers for the first time. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.
In terms of design, the 2022 WRX has Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille flanked by cut-out style compact LED headlights. The front fenders are now made of aluminum which reduces the overall vehicle weight by around 2.2 kilograms. At the back, the rear deck lid has an integrated low-profile rear spoiler in matching body color. Rear taillights feature the same cut-out style and are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma.
Inside, the all-new WRX comes with a black interior with contrast red stitching and carbon fiber pattern accents. A flat-bottom steering wheel greets the driver, while front occupants will enjoy new Recaro seats with 8-way power adjustment. At the center is a 11.6-inch tablet-style infotainment system powered by Starlink. It also comes with a 11-speaker Harman Kardon speaker system as well.
The 2022 WRX comes with the usual set of airbags (7 of them) as well as ABS with EBD, stability control, and active torque vectoring. For all automatic transmission models, they come with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Enhanced with expanded angle of view and software performance improvements that deliver a wider range of operation including lane centering and automatic emergency steering.
Sales of the all-new 2022 Subaru WRX starts early 2022 in the U.S. It is also slated to arrive in the Philippines at around the same time frame.
2022 Subaru WRX Major Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,668 mm
- Overall Width: 1,826 mm
- Overall Height: 1,468 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,672 mm
- Engine: 2.4-liter Subaru BOXER 4 Cylinder DOHC Direct Injection Turbo
- Maximum Output: 271 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 350 Nm @ 2,000 to 5,200 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT or Subaru Performance Transmission CVT
- AWD System: Center Differential + Viscous Coupling (MT), Variable Torque Distribution AWD (CVT)
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Independent, Double Wishbone
- Wheels & Tires: 245/40R18
A Honda Civic like design at the back, overall very nice...
ReplyDeleteOverall good looking sans the cladding in the wheel arches. Parang out of place for a sports sedan.
ReplyDeleteYeah… cladding specially at the rear looks… controversial. An STI version would probably use carbon fiber instead
ReplyDelete