AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

Subaru has unveiled a new WRX Concept at the New York motor show. It previews the appearance of the next WRX, Subaru's most iconic model.

The design is claimed to emphasise the familiar Subaru characteristics of turbocharged power and all-wheel-drive grip in a more agile and athletic form. It appears to be a direct riposte from Subaru to the criticism of the current WRX's dowdy appearance.

The WRX Concept is a four-door saloon like early Subaru Imprezas, rejecting the hatchback shape of the recent WRX and STi models. Its wide stance, flared wheelarches and muscular bodywork undoubtedly give it a presence missing from the five-door WRX models. According to Subaru, the WRX's 'compact cabin greenhouse draws attention to the power and solidity of the body', and contributes to a much sleeker profile than any previous WRX variants.

The dimensions for the WRX Concept support this impression. At 4521mm long, it's comparable in length to the current WRX STI saloon but is nearly 100mm wider at 1889mm and much lower (1389mm vs 1470mm).

Despite the change in appearance, traditional Subaru elements have not been discarded. The familiar bonnet scoop and large cooling vents remain, for example. The fluorescent yellow accents will be recognisable from old Subarus, as will the blue paint; for the WRX Concept, it has been updated to 'WR Blue Mica III'.

Other notable features of the WRX Concept include a carbonfibre roof to lower both mass and the centre of gravity. The wheels are 20in forged BBS RI-D items shod in 245/40 Dunlop tyres with a bespoke tread pattern. The aero package includes an aggressive front splitter and a prominent rear diffuser. Subaru also claims the moulded bootlid acts as a rear spoiler.

Thanks to: Autocar