Los Angeles 2013: 2015 Subaru WRX, A Rex With A CVT?
Though most of the information on the new 2015 Subaru WRX was leaked in advance of the Los Angeles Auto Show, they still had to give the new car a public introduction. Now that the car’s been introduced, we have more than just a couple of teaser photos and a few more details on the car.
With a half liter less displacement than the outgoing WRX, the new car’s 2.0 liter turbo four puts out 268 hp, 3 fewer ponies than the outgoing Rex’s 271, with torque up by 14 lb-ft to 258. The biggest news is probably behind that engine, with the gearbox options. The WRX now has a six-speed manual instead of a having only five rations from which to choose and the new gearbox has carbon fiber syncros on the first two gears to allow quicker shifts and better durability. For those who can’t drive a stick shift, Subaru is moving from a conventional automatic transmission to a continuously variable transmission, which is already being perceived as an odd choice for a sporting automobile. The CVT has three different modes, and paddle shifters which allow the driver to switch between 6 or 8 pre-set gear ratios. Though that actually decreases the CVT’s fabled fuel efficiency, it does give those belt drives something of a sporty feeling. it will be interesting to see if Subaru offers the CVT in the more hardcore STi that will follow the WRX.
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Looks kinda Corolla-ish. The power would be awesome, but the look is meh, at best.
Typical Subaru fare, I like it. Not sure how the new 2L motor will be accepted by the aftermarket, but by the look of the old 2.5L, I'm guessing you'll be able to buy everything aftermarket but the block halves.