Subaru WRX Concept hints at big performance, offers few facts

Thu, 28 Mar 2013

We're looking at a design statement only at this point.

Subaru has dropped the curtain on its truly attractive WRX Concept and, as previewed a few days ago, we're fast fans of the wide, low, muscular sedan. The concept car looks great, but there was a distinct lack of information being offered about the next-generation WRX that is sure to follow this concept – we're looking at a design statement only at this point.

Still, Subaru's press release does offer some more detail about both the concept and the car to come. You'll be hard pressed not to notice that the car's roof has been constructed entirely of carbon fiber, a move that designers have used to lower the center of gravity and reduce weight. Get past the gaping hood scoop and you'll also notice that that the concept car has a rather prominent power bulge sticking out of its hood, better to accommodate a "new turbocharged engine and intercooler."

In front, the massive hexagonal grill provides a strong full forward view, and the lower fascia incorporates sculpted air intakes that are said to help the engine breathe as well as providing downforce. In back, the standard-issue wing has been replaced with a subtly curved trunklid spoiler. Quad tailpipes also hint at the big power we hope will be packed into the car, when it takes production form. (No word at all on when we might expect a production-ready car.)

Clearly, the WRX Concept is styled anticipation of an all-wheel-drive vehicle, with four blistered wheel arches making that layout obvious. Huge 20-inch BBS wheels (not gold, but we like them) are wearing 245-section Dunlop tires, and look ready to grip and rip. Follow on for the full Subaru press release, once you've finished feasting your eyes on our image galleries.

March 28, 2013

THE ALL-NEW SUBARU WRX CONCEPT DEBUTS AT THE 2013 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

• SUBARU WRX CONCEPT hints at next generation WRX design language
• Focus is on sharp handling, AWD grip and turbo power

New York - Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The design concept hints at the design language of the next generation WRX.

The bold and muscular design emphasizes turbocharged power and AWD grip in a more agile and athletic form. The SUBARU WRX CONCEPT blends the WRX's famous power and road-holding prowess with an even greater focus on sharp handling, steering and communicative chassis. To further improve handling dynamics, the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT features a carbon-fiber roof to enhance the already low center of gravity and reduce weight.

Considerably lower, sleeker and wider, the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT delivers even more street presence than previous generations of WRX. The new grille design is larger and bolder and sets off the classic WRX hood scoop. A pronounced powerbulge provides clearance for the new turbocharged engine and intercooler. A prominent hexagonal grille form and deep lower valences with air intakes are designed to enhance aerodynamics, add downforce and aid engine cooling.

The three dimensional mesh pattern of the grille denotes the sporting nature of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT and sets the Subaru star cluster apart, while the new hawk-eye headlights integrate the Subaru family design heritage.

A sharp character line runs from the front corner through to the taillights, intersected by the boldly flared wheel arches emphasizing the Subaru's AWD system. The compact cabin greenhouse draws attention to the power and solidity of the body and focuses attention to wide stance that provides a visual link between body and chassis.

The rear design echoes the hexagonal design motif from the front grille and features a dramatically curved trunk lid that also acts as a rear spoiler. The distinctive wide rear bumper of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT adds to the powerful street presence of the car and is off-set by large quad tailpipes denoting the powerful turbocharged engine. The aggressive rear diffuser improves vehicles aerodynamics.

The all-new SUBARU WRX CONCEPT features a new paint color, "WR Blue Pearl III", which modernizes the iconic WRX look. Fluorescent Yellow is used as an accent on the WRX badge on the front grille, the brake calipers and the exhaust tip finishers, adding character notes to the design.

Filling out the broad fenders are BBS "RI-D" One Piece Forged Duralumin wheels and featuring 245/40ZR20 Dunlop tires with an exclusive tread pattern.

Key Dimensions
(Overall Length x Width x Height): (178.0in x 74.4in x 54.7in ), Wheelbase: (108.7 in.)

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

By Seyth Miersma