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The all-new Subaru WRX Rally car from Subaru Motorsports USA is new and old. Subaru of America announced the "all-new" WRX is coming with recent upgrades, but it will use an older body.
Subaru says they used the first current-generation Subaru WRX sold in the U.S. (WRX number 1), a 2022 model year body for the new WRX Rally car. But after the spare body parts, the WRX gets new upgrades.
Subaru of America must have had the first 2022 WRX number 1 body sitting on display somewhere and decided it would be better used in the upcoming American Rally Association (ARA) Championship series.
The new WRX will compete in the Open 4WD class with the #180 team of driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams. They will pilot the car in its racing debut at Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24-25.
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It was also announced that extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana will join in a second car in the 2024 ARA season. Subaru did not say what car Pastrana will be driving or if it will also be a 2022 or a 2023 model year body.
Subaru says the new WRX is powered by a custom-built turbocharged and inter-cooled 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that meets the requirements of its class, including a mandated 33mm restrictor and 22 psi boost limit.
Built for competition by technical partner Vermont SportsCar, the 2.0-liter Boxer engine produces 320 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque, while a SADEV six-speed close-ratio transmission sends the power to all four wheels.
Related Story: Subaru Quietly Retires Ken Block’s Number 43 WRX STI
The WRX springs and dampers are from R53 Suspension, working with VSC-designed cross members, links, and hubs to manage wheel movement on any surface the Yokohama 15-inch ADVAN A053 gravel rally tires encounter.
Brandon Semenuk says, "The release of the new car will bring an exciting future. This platform has been completely re-engineered, and the car looks and feels more dynamic, which will translate to an even better show for the fans!"
"We will also have Travis returning to the championship next season, which I'm looking forward to. Not only is it more fun having a teammate, but you learn so much more with a two-car team, which will be important for the platform's ongoing development."
The WRX will use carbon fiber for the wide-body parts with the latest ARA aerodynamics ruleset in mind. The WRX gets a giant carbon-fiber rear wing "nearly as eye-catching as the car's matte WR Blue Pearl and livery reminiscent of classic Subaru rally cars," says Subaru.
Subaru says the all-new WRX Rally car with the 2022 body was designed, built, and tested over a period of 18 months before its debut today.
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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru
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