New WRX Revealed, Revered
We're talking about Subie-grokking enthusiasts. What brought this to mind: the automaker's announcement [reported by our slack-jawed pals at Autoblog] that the current WRX will become the Impreza GT. The new WRX will be a fanboy's wet dream. She'll be packing 265hp, an upgraded suspension and fancy-schmancy-trim,. And get this: no slushbox. Manual transmission only. Considering Subaru has been ditching stick shift trannies like bad dates, it's a win for pistonheads everywhere. The new Lancer Raillart had a hand in this. And even though Subies aren't the most fuel-efficient vehicles on planet Earth, they're still a hit with that part of the North American continent we call the snow belt. Not to mention various other inclement weather enclaves (so to speak). In a decidedly down U.S. new car market, Subie sales rose 5.3 percent in June, up 4.4 percent year-to-date. Impreza sales rose two percent in June, 12 percent year-to-date. So Subie can well afford to hone for hoons.
I'm a computer security geek raised in Nebraska and recently transplanted to Atlanta. I like me some cars, got into car geekery a few years ago and haven't looked back since. I also volunteer at a local ferret shelter and participate in various charity and fund-raising events related to that.
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I haven't wanted a WRX since they twiddled with the first generation in North America (when was that, 03-04?). That one was fun, since then they've gotten overpriced, ugly and fat. This midrange model will be no exception, when even the STI is a bloated and softened caricature of its former self.
how pissed are you if you bought a new WRX already?
Will it be getting a 6 speed manual?
Subie's may be a hit in the snow belt, but we don't see ANY of these ugly new Imprezas on the road up here in Rochester, NY. The consumer just ain't buying them - they're getting the Legacy/Outback instead.