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2016 Subaru WRX: Is this successor worthy of the crown?

I was leasing a 2012 Subaru WRX, a car I had wanted since forever. When the lease was up, I decided to trade it in and get another WRX, a 2016 model. Now that I've put over 7,500 miles on the new one, I can offer a fair comparison of the previous-generation model and newest model. While the basic DNA is the same – turbocharged boxer engine + symmetrical all-wheel drive – these cars look and feel rather different. Exterior The prior model WRX ran from 2008 to 2014. In 2011, though, Subaru upped the ante by giving its rally-inspired baby a widebody look similar to the STI variant. The WRX was offered as either a sedan or a hatchback. I opted for the hatchback version because of the extra cargo space, and I felt it looked better than the sedan. I loved the look of this car, especially in the classic World Rally Blue paint. The flared fenders, hood scoop, and quad exhaust tips made for one aggressive-looking machine. It definitely stood out from the crowd. The new model, on the other hand, introduced in 2015, is only offered as a sedan. It blends into the crowd for the most part, but I think the front end looks great and the side profile looks sleek. At the rear, Subaru did a nice job with the stainless steel exhaust tips versus the old model's unfinished tips, but the taillight design is nothing special. The low-profile trunk spoiler is a nice touch. The 18" wheels on the Premium and Limited models look sharp, though they're a bit on the heavy side. Interior The previous generation WRX was criticized for its spartan interior, but I didn't mind it. I liked the simplicity. Everything was easy to use, whereas newer cars have a bit of a learning curve with infotainment systems and whatnot. The red stitching and WRX-embroidered seats added some uniqueness to the car. The fit & finish weren't great, though. There was a rattling sound coming from the driver's side A-pillar that I had to fix. Subaru did a good job with the new model's interior. It feels more elegant than aggressive. The climate control knobs have a nice feel and weight to them, and the steering wheel is superb. There's a digital display on the gauges, a small screen on top of the dash, and Subaru's Starlink system for radio and phone. A back-up camera is standard and displays on the Starlink's 6.2" screen for 2016, which has been a surprisingly nice perk to have.

Subaru confirms it's found a new HQ location in Camden, NJ

Subaru is packing up shop and making a big move, announcing that it will be relocating its Cherry Hill, NJ headquarters. Is the company pulling a Toyota and moving across the country, or perhaps following the example set by Cadillac and relocating to a major metropolis? Nope. The all-wheel-drive aficionados are going just four miles down the road, to Camden, NJ. We suppose that is one way to celebrate all of the company's sales successes. The move hasn't been confirmed through the New Jersey government just yet – it needs to be approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority – but if it gets the green light, it will see the company relocate to a new, 250,000-square-foot facility that's twice the size of its current headquarters. The land the company will be developing on is currently owned by Campbell Soup Company. Provided the NJEDA approves the plan, Subaru will work things out with its developers, and is hoping to be up and running at the new facility by 2016 or early 2017. Take a look below for the company's announcement. December 5, 2014 SUBARU OF AMERICA CONFIRMS APPLICATION FOR NEW HQ LOCATION IN CAMDEN, N.J. Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. has confirmed that it has identified the preferred location of its new corporate headquarters as an all-new development in Camden, N.J. The new site is approximately four miles from the company's current location in Cherry Hill, N.J. The confirmation comes as Subaru celebrates six successive annual sales records and the new building is planned to bring on to one campus various functions of the company including Sales, Marketing, Service and Administration that are presently housed across three separate sites in southern New Jersey. The new site is adjacent to the Campbell Gateway District and is currently owned by Campbell Soup Company. Subaru of America will house more than 500 employees and contractors in the new facility that at 250,000 square feet will be double the size of the current HQ building. Subaru of America's application is now subject to New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) approval, followed by negotiations with the developer Brandywine Realty Trust and then a concluding internal cost approval process. Final decision is expected by April 2015 and subject to this approval, Subaru plans to complete the project by fourth quarter, 2016 or early 2017.

WRX Concept styling may transfer to production Impreza, next WRX

Remember the original concept that previewed the latest generation Subaru WRX? If not, then just look above for a gallery of photos following its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show. We loved it, and thus, were sort of disappointed when we first saw the less-aggressive production model.
It's not that the production 2015 WRX is ugly, per se. It just doesn't have the gaping grille, four-door coupe lines or squinting headlights that give the concept so much verve. But as it turns out, Subaru might have realized that it was on the right track with the more assertive styling. Rumors coming out of Australia suggest that the shape could form the basis for the next-generation Impreza, and next WRX, along with a major platform shift.
Subaru chief designer Mamoru Ishii tells Motoring that that the next-generation car will ditch the rather utilitarian current design in favor of something more exciting. Like the WRX concept, the design will start wide at the bottom for an aggressive stance and taper up to the roof. That styling would likely get even more aggressive for the next 'Rex.