Subaru teases new enthusiast-focused WRX variant launching next month

Updated Sep 29, 2023 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

Track-ready or tuner-ready? We’ll find out this coming October 7.

An upcoming new version of the Subaru WRX will be revealed by the Japanese brand at the upcoming Subiefest in Florida, USA on October 7, 2023. Dubbed the WRX TR, it is said to be a “sharper and more enthusiast-focused” version of the sedan.

The teaser for the Subaru WRX TR

The teaser for the Subaru WRX TR

Other than its launch date and a close-up photo of one of its wheels, not much about the WRX TR was revealed by Subaru. But from the teaser picture, one can see that it is equipped with large Brembo brake calipers. These appear to be much larger compared to the stock ones found on the currently available Subaru WRX tS.

On top of that, the brand will be introducing the car at Subiefest Florida with the help of famous highly skilled drivers. This includes Subaru Motorsports USA member and gymkhana expert Travis Pastrana, as well as rallycross racer and professional skateboarder Bucky Lasek.

That said, this upcoming TR version could very well be a spicier version of the car considering the personalities Subaru is bringing in for its reveal. On top of that, there’s also the historical use of the “TR” badge, which stood for “Tuner Ready” at least for the 2006 version of the WRX.

The Philippine-spec Subaru WRX tS

The Philippine-spec Subaru WRX tS

Be aware however that the 2006 WRX TR was a barebones version that was ready to be fiddled around with by modders. This isn’t a common practice among car companies nowadays, so the “TR” in the 2024 WRX TR has been speculated to stand for “Track Ready” instead.

The upcoming WRX TR’s teaser photo also shows that it is still wearing the black plastic claddings so it might not be a huge departure appearwise-wise from the WRX tS. We’re likewise guessing that it might just be an upgraded version with better handling while still keeping the same 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four gasoline mill that WRX tS currently uses.

For now, do take the speculative statements here with a grain of salt. Better yet, stay here on Philkotse as we’ll be taking a closer look at this Subie once it launches next month.

Know more about Subaru WRX 2024

Subaru WRX

The all-new 2024 Subaru WRX is a compact, four-door sedan. Locally, it has two different variants. There’s the WRX 6MT and the WRX CVT EyeSight. The price for these ranges from Php 2,788,000 to Php 2,888,000. 

Size-wise, the Subaru WRX sedan is 4,670mm long, 1825mm wide, and 1,465mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,675mm. 

Under the hood of the Subaru WRX is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four gasoline engine. At maximum, this can produce up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission. 

Locally, the WRX is comparable with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS.

>>> New and used Subaru Wrx 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Subaru WRX Launch

The all-new Subaru WRX debuted for the Philippine market in June 2022 as a 2023 model. It was introduced along with the wagon version. Currently, this model has two different variants. There’s the WRX 6MT and the WRX CVT EyeSight.

Subaru WRX Exterior

For exterior equipment, the all-new WRX gets a pair of LED headlamps with auto-leveling, LED front fog lamps, LED taillights, and power-folding side mirrors. The WRX MT and WRX CVT EyeSight then ride on a set of 18-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels.

All trims also come with sports side garnish, a trunk spoiler, and twin-dual tail mufflers. Only the top-spec WRX tS and the mid-spec WRX CVT may come with a power-sliding sunroof.  

Subaru WRX Interior

The WRX can seat up to five. It then provides its occupants with fabric or suede seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents. It also comes with sport pedals, rain-sensing wipers, a leather steering wheel, a push-to-start button, etc.

Technology & Safety Features

For safety, the Subaru WRX’s higher-spec variants are equipped with the EyeSight driver assist suite. This includes autonomous emergency braking, lane centering control, adaptive steering control, and lane departure prevention, among other features. 

The WRX also gets a hill-start assist, active torque vectoring, seven airbags, a reverse camera, a driver monitoring system, etc. 

Platform & Chassis

The all-new WRX uses the Subaru Global Platform. It shares this with other Subaru Philippine models like the XV, the WRX Wagon, etc. 

It then uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension. Disc brakes then handle braking for all four wheels. 

Of note, the heaviest WRX variant is the top-spec WRX tS CVT EyeSight, which clocks in at 1,612kg. The lightest meanwhile is the WRX MT, which has a curb weight of 1,515kg.  

Engine & Drivetrain

Powering all variants of the Subaru WRX is a 2.4-liter boxer-four turbo engine that can make up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Depending on the trim, it either gets a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission with a paddle shifter manual mode. Like most Subarus, the WRX is an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

As an AWD sports sedan inspired by Rally, the Subaru WRX is a unique model in the local market. The closest competitors are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 and BMW 3 Series.

Subaru WRX 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Subaru WRX 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
Subaru WRX 6MT ₱2,788,000
Subaru WRX CVT EyeSight ₱2,888,000
Subaru WRX tS EyeSight (indent-order) ₱3,168,000

Subaru WRX Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Sleek exterior design
  • Latest version of the Subaru EyeSight
  • More powerful engine

Cons

  • Trunk space isn't large

Subaru WRX FAQs

1. Is the Subaru WRX a sports coupe?

The Subaru WRX is a sporty 5-seat sedan to be exact.

2. Does the Subaru WRX have a sunroof?

Yes, this compact sedan from Subaru does come with a sunroof.

3. Is the Subaru WRX featured with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the WRX comes with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

 

₱ 2,608,000 - ₱ 2,908,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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