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The 2022 Subaru WRX is finally here, and the next-generation performance car made its world premiere today. Subaru of America streamed the completely redesigned 2022 WRX performance sedan live on social media. Here are the first images and complete details of the new sport-tuned WRX.
The next-generation WRX gets a new engine with more horsepower
The big news for the 2022 WRX is the performance sedan gets a new FA24 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine with minor power upgrades. The outgoing FA20 2.0-liter engine produced 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The all-new 2.4-liter DIT 2022 WRX turbocharged flat-four Boxer gets a small bump in power and now comes with 271 horsepower and the same 258 lb-ft of torque.
A new automatic transmission
The WRX comes with 6-speed manual shifter refined for improved shift quality and a new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic), which Subaru says "offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts (2nd to 3rd) and 50 percent faster downshifts (3rd to 2nd)."
"The new automatic transmission 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."
The new 2022 WRX gets a complete redesign from the ground up
According to the recent press release, the 2022 WRX rides on the new Subaru Global Platform, which offers increased safety, improved dynamics, and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness. The chassis is stiffer and features a lower center of gravity height.
The new WRX delivers a 28 percent increase in overall torsional rigidity and a 75 percent increase in suspension mounting point rigidity. "A longer suspension stroke increases vehicle stability and lateral grip on uneven surfaces. The rear stabilizer bar, now mounted directly to the body (vs. the subframe), operates more efficiently and contributes to a roll rate reduction when cornering," the Subaru release says.
New exterior upgrades
The new WRX doesn't get a radical exterior design change but a new hexagonal grille and compact LED headlights. The front fenders are now made of aluminum which reduces the overall vehicle weight by 5.0 lb. The rear taillights are "designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma."
The performance sedan also gets new air outlets at the front wheel opening, allowing air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability. New outlets at each side of the rear bumper reduce body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper.
More aerodynamic texture at the wheel arches and engine undercover reduce air resistance and channels airflow to increase downforce at the vehicle's front.
Other new upgrades
The new fifth-generation WRX comes with a new tablet-style high-definition Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch center information display, new dual-pinion electric power steering for "quicker response and improved steering feel," and the latest generation EyeSight safety technology featuring new automatic emergency steering.
An all-new GT trim level
New for 2022, the WRX adds a top-of-the-line GT trim with the new automatic transmission as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for the WRX, Subaru says, with "new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings." The Drive Mode Select offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, with up to 430 different customization options.
The WRX GT also gets new Recaro front seats and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in matte gray finish wrapped with 245/40 R18 summer performance tires.
What is the price of the 2022 WRX?
Subaru of America has not announced pricing on the new fifth-generation WRX Stay tuned.
When will the new WRX arrive in the U.S.?
The next-generation 2022 Subaru WRX will be available at Subaru showrooms in early 2022. Check out the 2022 WRX video test drive below.
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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 USA
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Comments
So, basically you're paying
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So, basically you're paying for improvements in ride and interior quality, and the "Privilege" of your car looking like a civic si from behind, where as the rest of the car looks for the most part unchanged w/exception of shrunken headlights and crosstrek wheel wells. New model; 113hp per liter. Outgoing; 134hp per liter. Both same torque. Hmmm. I stay w/my current 15+ WRX. Best of Luck Subaru.
But for me, I will buy a
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In reply to So, basically you're paying by JP (not verified)
But for me, I will buy a fully loaded 2022 WRX GT with STI Parts anyway. Best of luck, JP, your 15+ WRX WILL be as ugly as you.
Just as I was afraid of, they
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Just as I was afraid of, they put all of the ugly, trendy crossover suv exterior pieces on the WRX, which means the STI will get them as well. I can't stand the squared-off wheel wells and all of the unpainted plastic trim on the outside. I was really hoping to get a new STI in a couple of years, but now I'll probably save my money and build the engine on by 2015 STI instead.
I loved the bug eye WRX, i
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I loved the bug eye WRX, i got the 06 STi. I wasn’t a fan of how the 08-14 looked but they were not bad… Years later got the 2017 WRX instead of 2017 STi, thinking that it didn’t make sense to pay more money for the same car as the 06 STi. I figured ill have the WRX for few years, have some fun and rhen sell it to get the redesigned FA based STI… WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!! When the video first came on i thought i was watching an add for Civic… Subaru is killing a legend! Starlink is terrible, looks are terrible, and although i have no doubt that it performs well, they all do. This car is driven by die hard fans, and Subaru is pushing us away more and more with each year. Its a shame