Subaru wide-body WRX for New York Auto Show

By Mark Atkinson

Subaru’s trusty performance icon, the Impreza WRX, has had a tumultuous few years. When it was completely redesigned in 2008, enthusiasts were saddened to discover that some of the magic was lost. A new rear suspension design was initially blamed, but too-light steering, lots of lean and other factors contributed to its fall from grace. Various improvements incorporated in following model years, like a more powerful engine and retuned dynamics in 2009, but it was still a shade of its former self.

It seems that Subaru has had enough complaints. It’s using the 2010 New York Auto Show to introduce new wide-body versions of the WRX with several additional aesthetic and performance-oriented changes to finally deliver the car its fans truly want.

The stretched bodies share the design of the headline-grabbing WRX STI, and that includes a new widened four-door sedan version. Subaru says that it gives the WRX “an aggressive road presence and also allows wider track dimensions. An increase of 35 mm in the front and 40 mm in the rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip.”

Besides the wider bodies, all WRX’s get a new front grille, and incorporate the STI’s quad-tailpipe exhaust. The 265-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre boxer engine continues unchanged, as does the standard five-speed manual transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

Pricing and further details will be confirmed later this spring.