The Subaru WRX Concept debuts in New York with turbo power (Video)

Since the first thing on everyone’s mind reading this article is most assuredly the powerplant of the new Subaru WRX Concept, we will get the disappointing news out of the way up front. Subaru has not offered any sort of power figures or even an idea of what engine is found under the hood of this low slung compact sport sedan. However, the company does hint to a new turbocharged engine with a new intercooler setup that just might include the electronic turbocharger that has been tossed around the rumormill for some time now. Of course, the WRX will feature the tried and true all wheel drive system that the Subaru brand – and especially the WRX lineup – has become known for over the past few decades. Really, in terms of the thought process behind the car, the press release has one simple line that should get every Subaru lover very excited – “Focus is on sharp handling, AWD grip and turbo power.” Based on that, it sounds perfect.

While we don’t know what will power the Subaru WRX Concept, we do know that it looks absolutely fantastic. Subaru has stated that the design is the most important part of this concept car and while there are some aspects of this performance concept that may not make it through to production – mainly the exterior lighting systems which look a bit too high tech for an affordable car – this car looks very ready to roll onto a dealership showroom floor. It is a massive departure from many of the styling cues of the current and previous generations of the WRX but at the same time, the WRX Concept includes features like the low, wide stance, the angular wheel arches and the massive center hood scoop that have been found on every WRX sold. The wheels are close to the corners with little front and rear overhang which should help to offer supreme handling with the help of the wide track. The bulging hood, the low, curved roofline and the almost fastback style rear end should offer excellent aerodynamics while also giving this a more sinister stance than any WRX before it.

The star of the show for the new Subaru WRX Concept is the front fascia, which is built around the huge hexagonal grille in the upper portion of the front end while the lower openings offer plenty of opportunity for air to enter the engine bay for improved engine cooling…and possibly some cooling help for the brakes. This WRX looks angry and with the popularity of cars that looked mad and pack a drivetrain to back up that personality – this is a car that could be a huge hit in the sport compact segment.

The Subaru WRX was a major player in the early popularity of the Japanese sport compact segment here in the United States and if Subaru can bring to market a car that looks like the WRX Concept, it could very well attract new buyers both on the looks and on the performance.
Even though nothing is known about the drivetrain of the new Subaru WRX Concept, the Japanese automaker put together a short computer generated film showing the new WRX in action in a variety of settings. We don’t know what engine sounds they have called upon for the soundtrack but the deep grumble of a turbocharged Boxer engine is distinctly heard throughout the video so make sure that you have your speakers cranked up!