Subaru teases next-gen WRX, PH launch due early 2022 

For the first time ever, Subaru teases the next-generation WRX. On the marque’s official global website, one can see the car parked amidst a mountainous area with a sunset in the background, whilst wrapped by shadow. That said, only the hood scoop of the 2022 WRX is visible.

The 2022 Subaru WRX wrapped in shadow

Besides the fact that the bonnet is keeping with the look of the previous WRX models, the silhouette also suggests that it's going to be a sedan model. Well, at least the first version that will be released anyway.  

Of note, this is the WRX version and not the WRX STI version. According to reports, the sportier STI variant will follow suit and so it might look different from the regular WRX. Some are saying that there is actually a chance for the hatch or wagon versions to make a return, but that’s speculation at this point. 

The 2.4-liter FA24 engine currently being used by the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR 86, Subaru Evoltis, Outback, etc.

We do know though that the new WRX will be powered by a 2.4-liter boxer-four engine. We don’t know which engine exactly, but there’s a good chance that it will be the FA24, which is newer than the good old EJ20 that the outgoing model uses. Reports also say that this mill can make up to 260 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque, while the STI version will be capable of producing upwards of 400 horsepower. We hope. 

As a side note, the FA24 belongs to the same series of engines that’s currently being used by the new 2022 Subaru BRZ, and the new 2022 Toyota GR 86. It is also being used by the currently available Subaru Evoltis, and many other Subaru models. 

And of course, we’re also certain that it will retain the symmetrical all-wheel-drive drivetrain. For transmissions though, we’re also sure that the US market might be getting a six-speed, as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

For some markets, Subaru even released a WRX STI Final Edition to say goodbye to the EJ20 engine

As reported previously, Subaru Philippines mentioned that the next-generation Subaru WRX is indeed coming to the Philippines. We don’t know when exactly, but it's going to happen within the first half of 2022 as announced in a media roundtable we attended last year. The STI will then follow afterwards.  

For more updates on upcoming car models, keep it here on Philkotse.com.