One of many few rally-inspired automobiles nonetheless on sale, the Subaru WRX retains a vice-like grip on the hearts of many fanatics and for 2022 the legend will get a complete redesign that introduces some new variables to the sedan’s all-wheel drive and turbocharger combo.

The 2022 WRX ushers within the fifth technology of the nameplate, and it’s now constructed on the Subaru International Platform, becoming a member of the remainder of the Subaru lineup (BRZ excepted). There are some hidden parts which are shared with the previous automobile, however for probably the most half every thing that’s seen and felt can be model new.

The redesign additionally features a new trim stage for the WRX: the WRX GT, which can slot in above the Restricted as the highest trim stage. The GT is simply obtainable with a repeatedly variable transmission and provides on an electronically managed adaptive suspension, the primary time one can be provided on the WRX. It additionally provides a set of Recaro entrance seats and 18-inch alloy wheels completed in matte grey.

Styling has been tweaked greater than flipped. The last-generation automobile is clearly recognizable within the new automobile’s styling however the 2022 WRX is extra expressive and dramatic with its bodywork. The fenders bulge extra prominently and the rear diffuser has extra creases and creeps additional up the rear fascia. Up entrance, the signature hexagonal grille nestles between customary LED headlights and under a distinguished hood scoop.

The engine is new to the WRX, however to not the Subaru lineup. The two.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 is shared with the Legacy, Outback, and Ascent, however contains a totally different turbocharger and an digital wastegate. The engine makes 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on this utility, which solely represents a acquire of three horsepower versus final 12 months’s automobile. However, Subaru says that the rise in displacement together with the wastegate and air bypass valves within the turbo will enhance responsiveness. To enhance steering, a brand new dual-pinion electrical energy steering system has been launched that Subaru says presents a faster response to driver inputs and a extra pure really feel.

All-wheel drive with energetic torque vectoring is customary and the WRX will nonetheless supply a pair of transmission decisions: a 6-speed handbook (as God supposed) and the CVT, to the chagrin of some WRX followers. In a brazen try at rebranding, Subaru now calls the CVT the “Subaru Efficiency Transmission (SPT)” and has given the transmission some notable upgrades. Upshifts are 30% quicker and downshifts are 50% quicker, and the WRX will now blip the engine to carry out rev-matching downshifts beneath braking. The fastened gear ratios have additionally been lowered to enhance responsiveness and deal with one of many largest CVT complaints. There may be additionally a brand new transmission cooler for the CVT that’s customary on all however the base WRX, and it makes the automobile extra appropriate for monitor responsibility with the automated.

It’s an ideal addition given the place the 2022 WRX was launched. The WRX was initially slated to debut in August on the New York Worldwide Auto Present, however with the present being canceled resulting from Covid-19 issues it made its debut in entrance of the media on the Thermal Membership, a racing facility in Palm Spring, California. An introduction at a monitor meant that as an alternative of gawking at a static automobile in a crowded room, I obtained to experience together with Scott Velocity (former Formulation One and present Subaru Rally driver) for a set of illuminating scorching laps within the WRX with the handbook and WRX GT with the CVT (that put the transmission cooler to the take a look at on a 100 diploma afternoon).

Within the fingers of knowledgeable the brand new WRX blasts across the monitor, careening over curbs and sliding all 4 wheels via the center of high-speed sweepers with ease. Even with the enhancements to the CVT, it performs second fiddle to the handbook on this surroundings. Having nearer management over the gears stored the WRX in its powerband extra successfully and the automobile felt noticeably faster on nook exits than the CVT. Once I requested Scott which transmission he most popular, he mentioned “the CVT is what I’d personal day-to-day, however out right here (gestures) give me the handbook.”

The brand new platform has improved the WRX’s stiffness; it feels tighter via the turns however the brand new adaptive suspension beneath the WRX GT takes it to a different stage. The distinction was particularly noticeable beneath fast adjustments of course via a chicane, the place the digital setup rebalanced the automobile extra shortly than the usual suspension. On the monitor, the set of Recaro seats that accompanied the GT had been a lot appreciated; the usual seats lacked adequate bolstering for that surroundings. If I may construct out an ideal WRX primarily based on what I felt, it’d be a WRX GT (the one technique to get the adaptive suspension) with the handbook—however such a mixture just isn’t potential.

Subaru didn’t supply particular trim info at the moment, however indicated {that a} new 11.6-inch pill fashion multimedia touchscreen can be provided. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will come customary, as will a flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and bluetooth connectivity.

Actual dimensions for the WRX had been unavailable, however Subaru tells us that it will likely be a bit of longer, decrease, and wider than the previous automobile. We wouldn’t be shocked to see a rise within the WRX’s wheelbase as properly, because the backseat felt bigger with extra legroom.

For WRXs with the CVT geared up, the usual security options listing is spectacular: adaptive cruise management, energetic lane hold help, and computerized ahead emergency braking from the EyeSight driver help bundle are all included. Fashions with the handbook transmission gained’t get any of those options, simply blind spot screens. Additionally obtainable is an computerized emergency steering system that capabilities at 50 mph and under.

We’re nonetheless ready for pricing and a extra concrete set of trims and options for the 2022 WRX. However after getting the possibility to experience together with it on the monitor it appears that evidently the adjustments have markedly improved the automobile’s efficiency. It feels extra taut and with higher agility than the earlier technology automobile, which had a bit an excessive amount of physique roll and rebound for my tastes.

The WRX can be constructed at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan and is about to reach at dealerships early subsequent 12 months.

Subaru supplied a lunch, afternoon on the monitor, and a former F1 racing driver to permit Motor Authority to convey you this firsthand experience alongside report.