When Subaru dropped a hint about bringing an "all-new performance concept car" to the New York Auto Show this year, we immediately started hoping and praying that a conceptual iteration of the next WRX was in the offing. Looks like that might have paid off. While no official word has yet been written or uttered from Subaru, a French website called Blog Automobile has released a gallery of images that would seem to spill the beans about the WRX Concept.

If the leaked images are correct – and they look awfully complete and well done if they're not – WRX styling is taking a turn for the handsome. The sleek sedan in these images has all of the cues that we've come to expect from our rally-ready Imprezas: a dominating hood scoop and very wide stance with beefy wheels, and seems to miss only the rear wing to fit the perfect WRX stereotype. (And, yes, it should have gold wheels.)

There's no press release to be found, but the source is citing specifications as if it knows what it's talking about. We're told that 275 to 300 horsepower are the likely output of the turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, and that brakes with ventilated discs and six-piston calipers are there to haul the all-wheel-drive Scooby down from speed. If our earlier reporting is correct, we might expect to find an electric turbo under that imposing hood, too.

Stay tuned as we scan the web for confirmation about this WRX Concept. We expect that Subaru will have something to say about it, one way or the other, even before its press conference in New York.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI continues into 2013 with its ultimate-performance hardware and attitude fully intact. Available in 5-door and 4-door models, the 2013 WRX STI delivers a thrilling driving experience with its 305-horsepower turbocharged BOXER engine, 6-speed manual transmission and exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode.

The 2013 WRX STI is available in both 4-door and 5-door mdoels, and, like the 2013 Impreza WRX, continues on a different platform than the new-generation Impreza 2.0i models.

Handling Refinement on the Nurburgring

Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, has endowed the current Impreza WRX STI models with outstanding agility. The WRX STI continues the chassis tuning that debuted for 2011, including higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars, pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension.

The WRX STI delivers ultra-crisp handling along with comfortable ride compliance. High-tensile-strength steel is used at key structural points and the suspension-mounting areas. Solid engine mounts help to minimize engine movement, which in turn enhances handling agility. Inverted struts used for the front suspension provide high bending resistance for quicker and more consistent performance under hard cornering. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight.

Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo® Performance Brake System uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Front discs measure 13.0 inches in diameter and use 4-piston calipers; the 12.6 in. rear discs use 2-piston calipers. Taking input from a lateral g-sensor, a steering angle sensor, a yaw sensor and a brake pressure sensor, Super Sport ABS can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, which optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.

The WRX Limited 4-door includes standard 18 x 8.5 in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels. Dunlop SP600 245/40R18 summer performance tires are used with the standard and optional wheels.

305-hp Turbo BOXER Engine

The WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder BOXER engine, with Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model, produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2013 WRX STI achieves the very stringent Bin 5 Tier 2-Federal (EPA) and LEV2-California Tier 2/Bin 5 emissions certification.

The WRX STI engine is based on a specially reinforced semi-closed deck engine block with high-strength cast pistons. A semi-closed deck design provides the same cooling efficiency as an open-deck cylinder block but with the higher strength of a full closed deck. Special reinforcing ribs in the block provide additional strength, and the crankshaft is nitride-hardened.

The turbocharger produces a maximum of 14.7 PSI of boost, compared to 14.2 PSI in the standard WRX. The WRX STI exhaust system features an efficient high-flow rear catalytic converter, low backpressure muffler and two sets of dual-outlet chrome tailpipes.

The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. Incline Start Assist can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

SI-DRIVE Gives WRX STI Driver More Control

Exclusive to the WRX STI, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the Engine Control Module (ECM) and by fine-tuning the Electronic Throttle Control system.

With Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for example. “Sport” mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration, making it ideal for everyday sporty driving. In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver super-quick throttle response and put down the power sooner.

Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control

The 2013 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The system employs planetary-type differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A mechanical limited-slip type center differential augments an electronically controlled center differential to enhance torque transfer performance. Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM, lateral-g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side power distribution, helping to prevent the inside wheels from slipping during cornering.

The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes. “Auto” mode provides the best all-around performance for most drivers and circumstances, varying the front/rear torque distribution automatically via the limited-slip type differential in response to vehicle acceleration, deceleration, steering angle, cornering force and wheel slippage. The “Auto (-)” mode makes less use of the center limited-slip differential (less locking factor) and holds the torque bias to the rear more frequently, which yields more handling-oriented steering characteristics.

For driving on slippery surfaces, such as gravel or snow, the Auto (+) setting tightens the LSD. In manual mode, DCCD offers six levels of center differential locking, allowing the driver to vary the front-to-rear torque distribution (up to 50:50 maximum) to optimize AWD performance for varying driving conditions.

Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system offers the driver three settings: “VDC Normal,” “Traction” and “Off.” The “Normal” setting provides the highest level of system engagement, utilizing traction control (TCS) and VDC. The “Traction” setting is more performance-oriented, employing less-restrictive VDC and disengaging the engine torque-reduction control. The “Off” setting disengages the VDC and the traction control functions.

Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior

The WRX STI’s sport-oriented cockpit features performance-design front seats that integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo in its center. The wheel features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. Standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers include the driver’s footrest. The instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.

The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5-door models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door sedan model, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the extra space provides for a larger, deeper trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience, and the 4-Door also features a rear seat fold-down center armrest.

Standard amenities that help make the WRX STI an excellent everyday driver include an automatic climate control system with cabin air filtration and the All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

The standard audio system features an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and six speakers; a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack; Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming; iPod control capability; a USB port and XM/SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability. Steering wheel controls for the audio system cruise control and Bluetooth are standard. The WRX STI Limited models feature a standard power moonroof and standard leather-trimmed upholstery.

The available navigation system 2013 Impreza WRX STI includes a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display, voice control, iPod® control capability, iTunes® tagging, SMS text messaging capability, as well as XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® (both XM services require subscriptions). The system plays through six speakers. Updated map data can be downloaded to a personal computer and then transferred into the vehicle’s system via secure digital (SD) card.

Subaru Safety

All Subaru models utilize the proven Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones, and all feature standard front seat side pelvis/torso airbags and side-curtain airbags. The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) features a passenger side front seat sensor module that detects weight – first determining if the seat is occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control airbag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features an “Airbag” indicator light. There are 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, including front height-adjustable seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) provides precise control of braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load to improve stability and stopping distances. Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.

Report: Subaru to drop the five-door hatch WRX/STi along with other lineup changes
Posted: Aug 27, 2013

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Report: Subaru to drop the five-door hatch WRX/STi along with other lineup changes

AutomotiveNews learned some crucial details about Subaru’s near-future, which includes a variety of changes to be implemented across their entire lineup.

As of now, the plans include phasing in an all-new and completely redesigned Outback wagon and Legacy sedan for the later half of 2014, along with a new seven-seater crossover to replace the Tribeca, and wholly reworked versions of Subaru’s much-loved WRX and STi performance Imprezas.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Subaru WRX Concept from the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

Speaking of which, word is that the next generation WRX and STi Imprezas will only be available in sedan form, meaning no more five-door hatchback variant. A debut is expected at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show in November with sales beginning in 2014. Pointers hint to an exterior design heavily influenced by the beautiful WRX Concept that debuted at the 2013 New York Auto Show earlier this year.

Lastly, a refreshed BRZ is expected in late 2015 as a 2016 model and the most probable addition to the BRZ line shapes up to be a convertible version, piloted by the Toyota FT86 Open Concept that was revealed earlier this year as well. But what we don’t understand is why Subaru is putting all of this effort into a convertible version of the BRZ when the demand is clearly for a turbo model.

And to further support this concern, Subaru apparently will have to elongate the BRZ by four inches at the wheelbase in order to accommodate folding origami. Let’s also not forget that chopping the head off of any car will compromise handling in the way of reducing the chassis’ structural rigidity. Last time we checked, the BRZ’s focus was to be about handling and driving fun. Seems a bit counterintuitive, dont’chya think?

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Tags: 2013, 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show, 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show, Auto Shows, Coupes, Crossovers, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles International Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show, Sedans, Sports Cars, Subaru BR-Z, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Impreza STi, Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru STi, Subaru Tribeca, Subaru WRX, Subaru WRX STI, SUV's

But what we don’t understand is why Subaru is putting all of this effort into a convertible version of the BRZ when the demand is clearly for a turbo model.