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2022 Subaru WRX, next-generation STI
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By Denis Flierl Oct 23 2020 - 7:55am

New Spy Photos Of The Next-Generation Subaru WRX Surface - What We Know Now

Check out recent spy photos of the next-generation 2022 Subaru WRX. We now know a few more things about the new performance model.
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Subaru Performance STI Concept
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Performance STI Concept

New spy photos of the next-generation 2022 Subaru WRX have surfaced in Japan. Thanks to Creative311, they caught the new WRX test mule in Gunma, Japan, not far from the automaker's main factory. Subaru has already started testing the new sport-tuned model that will arrive next year. The WRX will launch nearly a year ahead of the high-performance WRX STI.

From the spy photos, we get some idea of what Subaru is doing with the exterior design. The 2022 WRX has a very similar look as the new second-generation Levorg sports wagon released this month. The new WRX and STI will ride on the new Subaru Global Platform, and while the exterior dimensions won't grow much, the interior will have more passenger room.

2022 Subaru WRX, next-generation STI

The camouflaged WRX test mule has a honeycomb grille and new compact headlights that look very similar to the new Levorg. It also takes inspiration from the VIZIV Performance Concept in the rear with a defined wheel arch from the photo taken in the Tochigi Prefecture north of Tokyo.

The new architecture is also set to improve chassis rigidity and driving dynamics and upgrades in its advanced safety technology. The significant change will come underneath the redesigned sheet metal.

2022 Subaru WRX, next-generation STI

The 2020 WRX will likely be powered by the Subaru's new 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged FA24 Boxer engine replacing the 2.0-liter FA20 powerplant. Subaru should increase power from the current 2.0-liter turbocharged engine's 268 horsepower rating, but Subaru has not released any information on how much.

The WRX could get the new Levorg-sourced 1.8-liter direct-injection lean-burn turbocharged Boxer powerplant. Subaru also announced the new 1.8-liter turbocharged engine now comes in the 2021 Forester. But this engine is unlikely because Subaru would need to considerably bump up horsepower from its 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque rating.

The Ascent-sourced 2.4-liter engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and Subaru will rework the internals to bring more power to the new WRX.

Subaru should begin producing the new 2022 WRX during the fall of 2021, but fans will have to wait for the next-generation 2022 WRX STI to roll out a year later.

You Might Also Like: More Next-Generation Subaru WRX And STI Details Come From New Levorg Reveal

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Used with permission from Creative311

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Comments

Marco R High wrote on October 23, 2020 - 4:25pm
We not gonna talk about the rear windshield wiper?
Christopher Smith wrote on October 23, 2020 - 9:57pm
Standard on all WRX sedans in Japan
Mikel wrote on October 24, 2020 - 11:17am
Finally! I'm sold.. good eye mate.
Ryan L Mathews wrote on October 23, 2020 - 5:03pm
What we know is that it's nothing like the concept car.... typical subaru. We wanted the step up dual exhaust, etc. Oh, well. It may be a nice car, but they were obviously too scared to take big chances on design and revolutionize the sport sedan.
Edward J Wilson III wrote on October 23, 2020 - 6:31pm
I wish Subie would break off the entire WRX team into its own sub group much like GM does with the Corvette. Keeping it tied to vanilla side of Sedans and SUVs is REALLY starting to hold it back in all aspects, but especially in styling.
Adam Miller wrote on October 23, 2020 - 7:47pm
Looks like the current Gen
evolix wrote on October 23, 2020 - 8:35pm
nothing exciting out of subaru in decades. They wouldn't want to build something that makes your heart beat a little faster. I'll be shocked if they get anywhere near 360hp let alone 400hp that some news sites are claiming for the new sti.
Gregg wrote on October 23, 2020 - 8:51pm
Front shot looks like a Pontiac
Jacob Koshie wrote on October 23, 2020 - 9:18pm
The spy photos make it look not much different than the current model, maybe a bit more rounded. The concept looks way nicer. Oh well! We should only expect incremental changes from Subaru.
Euphoria Jones wrote on October 24, 2020 - 7:50am
Subaru - some of the worst quality control problems ever, in a car company. Look at any Subaru forums and you'll find serious problems everywhere. Many of which will make you want the manufacturer buy back your steaming pile.
Joey Huynh wrote on November 15, 2020 - 6:11pm
2011 WRX, 110K (90K at Stage 3). No mechanical issues and still running strong. Only thing I dislike is the cabin noise. I am eyeing the 2022 STI, but I really want better styling like the viziv concept and a hybrid powertrain with 400HP+. We shall see!
vyom wrote on October 25, 2020 - 6:11am
Subaru can just buy Mazda design and not waste everyone's time.