Subaru WRX Concept
Subaru's unique lineup of all-weather and performance vehicles has created a fiercely loyal fan base, and the WRX STi is the flagship performance vehicle of the brand. So when images of the most exhilarating debut from its press conference at the 2013 New York Auto Show were leaked a full two days ahead of time, the buzz had already begun.
Luckily, the WRX concept was as exciting in person as it was in blog posts, making a clean — and surprisingly mean — break from the current-generation WRX, as well as the familiar Impreza silhouette. The rally-inspired redesign was particularly exciting after the unveiling of the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid, the company's first production attempt at electrification. By comparison, the WRX concept is thrilling, even if expectations should be managed.
Subaru wouldn't confirm anything about the concept's path to production, but with rumors of a full WRX reveal coming later this year, we're hopeful that the WRX concept's styling will be part of the plan.
View Pictures: Subaru WRX Concept
More coverage from the New York Auto Show
What is it?
The Subaru WRX concept reimagines the sedan as an aggressive, rally-ready 4-door street racer, with a lower, wider stance; an extremely pronounced front grille and air intake; and a raised, spoilerlike trunk, replacing the WRX's current wing. It also features a lightweight, carbon-fiber roof and jaunty yellow brake calipers. Though Subaru isn't providing anything in the way of specifics — even notional ones — the concept theoretically incorporates a new turbocharged engine and upgrades to the all-wheel-drive handling and suspension.
What's hot?
Although Subaru's signature touches are intact, this concept marks a significant, long-overdue visual departure for the brand. The razor-sharp edges will no doubt be filed down, and the positioning of the rear diffuser and quad exhaust are unlikely to make it to produciton, But this is a snarling, scoop-snouted sedan that needs to happen.
What's not?
Considering Subaru's cost-sensitive target audience, details such as the carbon-fiber roof are unlikely to make it to a produciton version.
How much and when?
Subaru won't discuss pricing or availability, saying only that the concept "hints at the design language of the next-generation WRX."
MSN Autos' verdict?
As design teasers go, the WRX concept is crowd-pleasing perfection and a stunning vision of where Subaru could — and we hope will — go.
More Images: Subaru WRX rally racing
What is it?
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is the brand's first production hybrid, mating a 13.5-kilowatt 13.4-horsepower electric motor with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. The small SUV also features an upgraded chassis, although only to offset the added weight of the 209-pound hybrid system.
What's hot?
The Crosstrek Hybrid gets 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway — a modest improvement over the non-hybrid's 25/33 mpg, but progress nonetheless. Subaru says the electric motor creates a net boost in power for the hybrid, compared with its predecessor, though we'll have to take its word for now; the difference isn't discernible in current specs.
What's not?
Compared with its gas-only predecessor, the hybrid Crosstrek loses 2.4 cubic feet of interior space and doesn't improve fuel economy as much as one would expect.
How much and when?
The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, though pricing hasn't been released.
MSN Autos' verdict?
Improved fuel economy is always a good thing, but depending on the final pricing, the increased price of the hybrid may not be worth the lower fuel consumption.
Based out of the Boston area, Erik Sofge is frequent contributor to Popular Mechanics and Slate.com. Hespecializes in everything scientific and technical.
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