The 2 New Subaru WRX S4 Upgrades You Won't See On U.S. Models

Subaru has been teasing the Japan-spec 2022 WRX S4 performance car with an STI badge, and they just announced the hot sedan with upgrades you won’t see on the U.S. models. One engine upgrade is significant and a surprise. The 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine in the S4 comes with the same 271 horsepower, but it gets 18 more lb-ft of torque than the U.S.-spec engine.

There is more torque in the 2.4-liter WRX S4

Subaru says the 2022 WRX S4 produces maximum torque of 375 Nm (276 lb-ft) between 200 to 4800 rpm. The U.S. spec 2022 WRX has a broader torque curve with 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm but 18 lb-ft of torque less than the S4.

The WRX S4 gets a rear wiper

The 2022 WRX S4 is shown with a rear wiper which is unusual in a sedan body style. The WRX hatchback had a rear wiper, but the sedan has never had the feature. The U.S.-spec 2022 WRX does not get this upgrade.

STI Sport R and STI Sport R EX trim levels with EyeSight

Other differences include the 2022 WRX S4's new STI Sport R and STI Sport R EX trim levels with the Subaru Performance Transmission (CVT) with Subaru's next-generation EyeSight safety technology. The U.S. spec model gets the new GT trim level with the new automatic transmission.

Subaru says the WRX S4 will go from a sports car to a luxury car

Most performance buyers aren't looking for a luxury car, but the WRX S4 announcement says the STI Sport R and STI Sport R EX "Can switch from running like a sports car to running like a luxury car with a single switch." The Drive Mode Select has Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The new 2022 Subaru WRX GT trim level comes with the same settings.

Subaru says, "Not only the power unit, but also the all-wheel-drive system, electronically controlled damper, power steering, EyeSight tracking acceleration, and air conditioner, are precisely controlled, and the character of the car is greatly changed by adjusting the valve characteristics and damping force."

Subaru releases fuel mileage numbers

The WRX S4 gets an estimated 18/30 mpg city/highway and 27 mpg combined mpg. The estimates come from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. This is an improvement from the 2021 WRX 2.0-liter engine that gets an EPA estimated 20/24 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg. The EPA has not released fuel mileage estimates yet.

The 2022 WRX S4 gets more torque and a new rear wiper that performance enthusiasts won't see on U.S. models. The 2022 Subaru WRX should arrive in early 2022, while the all-new 2023 Subaru WRX STI will be late next year before its global reveal.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru