Ever since 2011, rumors have been swirling that once the new-generation Impreza->ke1319 hits the market, Subaru->ke86 will separate the Impreza and WRX models. Of course, both will share the same platform, but the WRX and the WRX STI versions will be radically modified and each part on it will be unique.

As no surprise, shortly after the WRX Concept was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show, our spy photographers caught the production version testing around the Nürburgring race track. Now, after many testing sessions, teasers and speculations, the 2015 WRX made its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The model offers a new design language, a powerful four-cylinder engine -- not as powerful as hoped though, as it was rumored it will deliver more than 300 horsepower -- and, for the first time, the choice of two gearboxes: a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

Updated 04/23/2015: Subaru announced prices for the 2016 WRX, which will go on sale later this summer. The only updates for the 2016 model year include the addition of new technologies, including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the new STARLINK touch screen infotainment systems. Prices will start at $26,595 for the standard model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

Hit the jump for more details on the new Subaru WRX.

2015 - 2016 Subaru WRX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2016 Subaru WRX
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 268 @ 5600
  • Torque: 258 @ 2000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2015 WRX offers a more aggressive stance, thanks to a more sophisticated design theme. The front received a full revision, which making it bolder by the addition of a deep front spoiler and unique, hexagonal grille, plus a new hood specially designed for the 2015 WRX. Also unique to the model are the front fenders, rear doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters.

Up front, the new WRX features new set of narrower headlights, a functional scoop that leaves a nice opening in the hood for the boosted four-pot to breathe, fog light surrounds with a carbon-fiber-like pattern and vertical front fender vents that feature a bright garnish and a mesh screen.

When viewed from the side, you will have the impression that the car is closer to the ground, thanks to new side sill spoilers. You may also notice that the A-pillar seems slightly longer, and you are not mistaken, as Subaru extended the A-pillar toward the front end by about eight inches.

Around back, the back end is updated with LED taillights, a diffuser, LED center high-mount stoplight (CHMS) and an available lip spoiler.

Concept to Reality Comparison

We understand that concepts typically are not exact examples of what the production model will look like, but Subaru's concept really strays from the production model. The concept looked sexy, sleek and aggressive, and the production model just falls flat on its face. We were really hoping for a fully redesigned model, like the concept pointed to, but instead Subaru delivered what looks almost like a refresh of last year's model... Blah...

TopSpeed Rendering Versus Reality

Okay, okay, we'll take our lumps on this one, because the rendering is not much like the production model. We did, however, get it right that Subaru would not release a model that strayed far from the last-generation WRX. Despite our overall inaccuracy, we did get a few things right, like the split fog light bezel and the lower body line. The rest is, well, not very close...

2015 Subaru WRX - Exterior Dimensions:

Length

180.90 inches

Width

70.66 inches

Height

58.07 inches

Wheelbase

104.33 inches


Interior

Because the 2015 WRX features a one-inch-longer wheelbase than the previous model, the rear passengers get a nearly two inches of extra legroom. Other updates include a more raked windshield and increased trunk capacity.

The WRX's interior also adds to the sportier feeling of the new WRX, thanks to its all-new, flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel that offers integrated switches for audio and Bluetooth control. Subaru also added in some soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest, helping rid the cabin of as much scratchy plastic as it can. For those of you who practically live in your car, Subaru has also added numerous storage compartments around the center console, so you can safely store your stuff.

New for 2015 is a 3.5-inch LCD central screen that offers details on the oil level, remaining washer fluid and selected gear ratio, while a new multi-information central display, with a 4.3-inch LCD screen, offers details on the rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio, Bluetooth and climate-control settings. A harman/kardon audio system helps round out the interior and give you some nice sound as you rip through the gears.

The front seats are wrapped in a new high-grip fabric, with leather being offered as an alternative. They also include separate tilt- and height-adjustable head restraints.

Gear Shift Detail

Gauge Detail

Drivetrain

Under the hood the 2015 WRX gets a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine that delivers a total of 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque delivered between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. This hot 2-liter is mated to a six-speed manual transmission -- a first for this engine -- as standard, but those who prefer not to row their own gear, Suby is also offering a Sport Lineartronic CVT as an alternative. Models equipped with the CVT also get Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), which allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's driving characteristics through three selectable modes: "Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp". You can also select whether you want the CVT to behave like a six-speed or eight-speed transmission.

Of course, both transmissions deliver power out to all four wheels via Suby's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive System.

2015 Subaru WRX - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo DIT engine

Displacement

1,998 cc

Transmission options

six-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic

Max output (HP @ RPM)

268 @ 5,600 rpm

Max torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

258 @ 2,000-5,200 rpm


Suspension and Brakes

The new WRX is offered with standard 17-inch wheels wrapped in 235/45R17 94W Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT tires. Doing the stopping duties is a high-performance braking system, while a specially tuned suspension keep the tires stuck to the road.

Models equipped with the six-speed manual will come with the traditional Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which constantly delivers a 50:50 split between the front and rear axles until it feels slippage. Models with the CVT will get the more advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that delivers a 45:55 rear-biased torque distribution and it continuously modifies this split based on the style of driving.

Prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery

WRX

6MT

$26,295

$27,090

WRX Premium

6MT

$28,495

$29,290

WRX Premium

CVT

$29,695

$30,490

WRX Premium

6MT

$29,995

$30,790

WRX Premium

CVT

$31,195

$31,990


2016 Subaru WRX - Prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

Applicable Option Code

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery ($795)

WRX

6MT

01

$26,595

$27,390

WRX Premium

6MT

11, 12

$28,895

$29,690

WRX Premium

CVT

11

$30,095

$30,890

WRX Limited

6MT

21, 22

$30,395

$31,190

WRX Limited

CVT

21, 23

$31,595

$32,390


Options

CODE 01

Standard WRX Model

--

CODE 11

Standard WRX Premium Model

--

CODE 12

Navigation + harman/kardon amplifier and speakers

$2,100

CODE 21

Standard WRX Limited Model

--

CODE 22

Navigation System + harman/kardon amplifier & speakers + Keyless Access & Start + SRVD (Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

$3,100

CODE 23

Navigation System + Harman/kardon amplifier & speakers + Keyless Access & Start + SRVD (Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert) + EyeSight

$4,095

CODE 02

Standard WRX STI Model

--

CODE 03

Navigation System + harman/kardon amplifier & speakers + Keyless Access & Start

$2,600


Competition

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XI

Just like the WRX, its biggest competitor – the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - is about to receive major updates. Rumors have been circulating that the future Evo XI will be a diesel-electric hybrid that will combine a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor that will take its power from a set of lithium-ion batteries. The hybrid system will be combined with Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel-drive system and will help net the sedan a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of less than five seconds. It will also deliver improved fuel economy when compared to the current generation.

Conclusion

The 2015 Subaru WRX is a nice step forward from the model it replaces. The fact that Subaru dropped the Impreza name from the nomenclature will help customers to further distinguish it from the rest of the lineup and the new additions will make it even more popular. Unfortunately, the 02015 WRX does not inherit as bold a design as its concept, but it is still nice to see the old girl get a facelift.

Update History

Updated 05/27/2013: Today we have a new rendering for you revealing how the new WRX could look like. We hope you like it!

Updated 11/11/2013: Subaru officially confirmed today that the new generation WRX will be officially unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20. The first teaser image was also unveiled and it shows a futuristic design language, with a large scoop on the hood and a new set of headlights.

Updated 11/13/13: A few images of what is being touted as possible leak from Subaru showing the 2015 WRX uncovered have hit the web. We are uncertain on just how legit they are, but we are leaning toward them being fan renderings, giving they came from a Subaru fanboy Facebook page. (Autoweek)

Updated 11/14/2013: With the every day we're getting closer to the official debut of the 2015 Impreza WRX we will learn more and more details about the new sports sedan. Today Jalopnik came into the possession of a leak document that reveal part of the elements to be featured in the next WRX. According to this document, the base WRX will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and it will rocket to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. An optional CVT will raise this time to 5.9 seconds. The WRX STi will have a slightly larger 2.5-liter unit. The engines will be mated to either a CVT or a manual transmission.

Updated 11/19/2013: The folks over at Edmunds.com released the first official glimpse of the 2015 WRX in an accidentally released video from the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show -- oops. Of course, they removed the video, but an image (above) taken from the video has already surfaced on the mighty Internet, and we've got it. By looking at this image, the ones below from Clubrz are obviously the real deal, which is a little disappointing. A good find before the car's official debut, which will take place tomorrow, so stay tuned! (Carscoops)

Updated 11/20/2013: This review was updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 11/27/2013: Subaru unveiled a new promo video (above) that gives you a little more info on the totally redesigned, completely reimagined WRX. The video offers an in-depth explanation of everything that makes the 2015 WRX the sharpest-handling, best-performing WRX ever. Enjoy!

Possible Leaked Images

The above and below images slipped onto the Clubrz Facebook page, then slowly circulated the Interwebz. We are not too sure if these are "official" images that leaked or if they are simply fan renderings. Judging from the so-so quality of the renderings, we are leaning toward them being just fan mockups. Clubrz has since deleted them from its page, adding more fuel to the fire.

Spy shots

Subaru tried to hide the fact that we are looking at the new WRX STI, but it didn't managed to do such a good job. The spy shots reveal new headlights, which are not as sharp as the ones seen in the concept, but still different from the current generation. The hood also seems redesigned, while the grille gets the same three-dimensional-mesh pattern as the concept.

However, you'll have to look from the rear to see that we are indeed looking at the new model. Subaru tried to hide it under the camouflage, but it is pretty clear that we are going to see similar design language we have seen on the concept. Unlike the concept, the prototype caught testing here is wearing a huge rear wing to provide stability at high speeds, which is precisely why we know this is the STI model.

Update History

Updated 02/14/2014: Subaru announced today prices for the 2014 WRX set to be put on sale this spring. Prices for the base WRX will start from $26,295 for the base version, but it can go up to $31,195 for the WRX Limited Edition.

Updated 12/13/2013: Subaru unveiled a new promo video today in which it showcase the amazing rallying capacities of its new WRX sedan. Enjoy!

Updated 12/18/2013: Subaru unveiled a new promo video today featuring Mr. Takatsu, "Project General Manager" whom talks about the development process of the new WRX. He also talks about the fun of driving the WRX.