2014 WRX spied

[mike2100]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/2...in-the-states/

2014 Subaru WRX caught hot-weather testing in the States



Few mainstream hot hatches have tugged as many heartstrings in the last decade or so than the Subaru WRX. From its turbocharged four-cylinder heart to the traction of its all-wheel-drive footprint, Rex has been the benchmark by which others are judged since its debut in the States as a 2002 model. Suffice it to say that the next WRX, due in 2014, has mighty big shoes to fill.

Judging by the spy photos you see above, those shoes will be planted under bodywork that's not particularly different from that of the standard Impreza. We'd be lying if we said we weren't hoping for a bit more pizazz from this fourth-gen WRX, but most of its tepid styling – assuming these images are indeed indicative of the 2014 WRX – would be forgiven if the machine boasts more turbocharged performance than ever before.

As you can see, Subaru's engineering team brought along a current third-gen WRX hatchback for testing alongside the new model, and a brief comparison shows how much more restrained the styling of the latest Impreza is when compared to its forebear. We also note what appears to be an intercooler sticking further up into the hood scoop than the third-gen model, which could mean a turbocharged version of Subie's new FA engine is underhood. We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, peruse the images above and carry on speculating.

[mike2100]

I didn't really believe the rumors that the next WRX would be totally different from the Impreza. In fact, I'm glad it's still an Impreza underneath.

I wouldn't put too much stock into the (bland) looks. Judging by the hack job of the rear bumper for the exhaust pipes, I'd say the production 4th generation WRX will wear much more aggressive bumpers and fenders.

Also of note is the 6 speed transmission. Here's hoping that's standard in both the STI and standard trims.

[vaporiz]

It doesn't look much different from the current gen.

I'm still interested by the 4 cylinder and its full specs

actually the back looks so bland

[R8]

Reminds me of the 2012 Civic Si sedan somehow with the side windows. Even looks like the same kinda hard-plastic dash.

[dori.]

not to crazy about the styling. it looks unfinished. dunno how that'd look standing next to the BRZ and Legacy in the 2013 lineup

[Neilus]

Lets face it... its butt ugly....

[Tujin]

2/10 would not bang

[ZetaVI]

I wasn't expecting it to be a looker but at least now we have some news going on w/ the WRX.

[mike2100]

Originally Posted by R8

Reminds me of the 2012 Civic Si sedan somehow with the side windows. Even looks like the same kinda hard-plastic dash.

The dash in my wife's '12 Impreza is made of the same material as the FR-S/BRZ.

Regarding the looks - it's a mule. Like I said, I expect the production WRX to have big fenders and aggressive bumpers. And you know it will have a spoiler. Right now it looks like an Impreza sedan, and yeah those aren't that great looking! The 5 door Impreza looks better, and I expect the 5 door WRX to look even better than the current WRX.

[Superhatch]

Originally Posted by R8

Reminds me of the 2012 Civic Si sedan somehow with the side windows. Even looks like the same kinda hard-plastic dash.

My exact thought! Civic front end and sides, Ford Focus rear end. Terrible.

[LivingLegend]

I think they're just testing the engine and drive train with the hacked up bumper cut outs. I'm just hoping it looks a lot better than this.

[Calum]

Seriously guys, when was the last time Subaru designed a good looking car? I can't think of a single example. The last gen Impreza looked like a Corolla and a Mazda 3 got pregnant, had a late term abortion and named the corps fetus Impreza. And please don't tell me you think a bug eye is good looking, we all respect it, but beautiful it is not.

I'm very thankful that Toyota designed the body of the twins.

[dsgerbc]

I sure hope that's some drivetrain testing, and not how a WRX/STI will look. Otherwise I'll go and buy the outgoing model despite the weak engine.
Separate platforms for WRX/STI aren't a rumour. They were in Subaru's roadmap.
There was also a new 'sport wagon' for 2014, which I guess could look like a current impreza but with a turbo.

[Asterisked Accolade]

I'm not a fan of the Imprezas bumper. The car looks much cheaper than the last couple styles, IMO. I also noticed that the Toyota Camry and Corolla both look cheaper than the past gen or two-- i wonder if Subaru and Toyota did that because of expectations of money-loss from the GT86/BRZ.