2022 Subaru WRX and STI: Everything We Think We Know

Subaru showed off the first public image of the upcoming WRX just a few weeks ago. The photo, as seen above, did little to give fans an idea of what they can expect from the rally-bred icon's newest generation. Thankfully, we still have some clues as to what is planned for the 2022 Subaru WRX and the STI that will follow. Here is everything we think we know so far about what's coming.

A New Platform

Like every WRX and STI to come before it, the new model will be based on the Subaru Impreza. This means that the 2022 Subaru WRX and STI models will now be underpinned by the automaker's new Global Platform. Car and Driver notes that this new platform is stiffer than the outgoing model, and will provide the turbocharged rally machines with a lower center of gravity. Of course, both models will still continue to rock Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive system. Despite sharing its platform with the rest of the lineup, expect the WRX and STI to get stiffer suspension, upgraded stoppers, and a set of performance-oriented rubber.

A Larger Engine Is on the Way

Back in February 2020, Forbes reported that the new WRX and STI models would be powered by a 2.4-liter boxer-four known as the FA24. Subaru fans are surely familiar with this engine, as it currently serves duty in vehicles like the Ascent, Legacy, and Outback. In the Ascent, the engine is good for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. That's a healthy amount, but the high-performance versions of the Impreza will be making more power. In that 2020 report, Forbes noted that the STI in particular is expected to produce 400 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, citing sources close to the automaker.

This massive increase in performance will reportedly come down to upgraded hardware such as a stronger crankshaft, beefier pistons, reworked timing, and adjusted valves. Boost pressure will rise too, though that likely won't come as a surprise. This modified version of the FA24 is said to have been benchmarked against the 2.0-liter four-cylinder currently employed by the GLA45 AMG. Considering that is the most powerful four-cylinder in regular production, it's not a bad place to start for Subaru. Thanks a recent teaser clip uploaded to Subaru's social media channels, we also know that a proper manual gearbox will make its way back to the platform. It is expected that the WRX in particular will be offered with either a manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission. Should Subaru follow tradition with the hotter STI, expect that to be a manual-only vehicle.

Familiar Styling

Development prototypes of the 2022 Subaru WRX have been spotted testing for some time now, and give us a hint as to what we can expect on the styling front. A familiar shape appears to be at play, with every next-gen prototype spotted by Car and Driver rocking a sedan body style. Whether or not this rules out a hatchback is still a question, though it does seem likely the 2022 Subaru WRX will be sedan-only yet again. The hood still features a traditional scoop, while the fenders appear swollen and muscular. The quad-tip exhaust also appears to be carrying over, along with a rear spoiler. The big wing associated with the STI model will surely return, though it hasn't been spotted yet.

A Dusty Teaser

Subaru released a teaser video for the sixth-generation WRX, though it doesn't give us an ultra-clear look at the rally-bred sedan. The clip features an orange 2022 Subaru WRX as it slides its way through the desert, making gigantic clouds of dust in the process. This dust helps to largely obscure the car from view, but a few design features can be spotted with some well-timed pauses. The quad-tip exhaust is featured once again in this clip, mirroring what we've seen on the prototypes. The rear end of the sedan also appears to feature taillights quite similar to those utilized by the new BRZ model. These tweaks among others should ensure no one confuses the WRX with its less exciting siblings.

Debuting Soon

Subaru originally intended to debut the 2022 WRX at the New York International Auto Show on August 19th, but with the cancellation of the show, a company spokesperson tells us a reveal will be held in early September. So, we won't have to wait too much longer to get specific details about the rally missile. It is possible that we will be introduced to the WRX first, with the higher performance STI coming later down the line. We don't have any pricing information available at this time, though Car and Driver's estimates of a $30,000 MSRP for the WRX and a $40,000 MSRP for the STI are in line with expectations.

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